Lisa Oda, founder of HiveStir and Director of AI at Infinite Marketing, explores how AI is transforming modern marketing practices. Mike and Lisa dive into practical applications, including content repurposing, funnel optimization, prompt engineering, and persona-driven strategies. They also discuss how to effectively stack AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gamma to elevate marketing performance.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the buzz around AI or unsure of its true value, this episode will provide you with a clear and actionable understanding of how AI can help marketers work faster, sharper, and more effectively to deliver exceptional results.
Here are the top takeaways SMBs can steal (ethically!) from Lisa Oda’s playbook:
Human-First Means There’s Still a Human on the Other End
Lisa reminded us that just because a robot can write your content doesn’t mean it should.
Yes, AI can speed up content creation, but if you forget there’s an actual human reading, listening, or watching on the other side, you’re just automating mediocrity. The goal isn’t more content. It’s better content. More relevant, more personalized, more human.
Pro Tip for SMBs: Before you hit publish, ask: Would my best customer actually care about this?
Stack Your Tools Like a Pro
Lisa isn’t loyal to one tool—and neither should you be. She walks through how she combines Claude (for thoughtful prompting), ChatGPT (for structure), Perplexity (for real-time research), and Gamma (for slide decks) to build killer content workflows.
And yes, she literally talks to her tools like teammates.
“I say ‘we’ a lot when I talk about AI,” Lisa told me.
Same, Lisa. Same.
Pro Tip for SMBs: Treat your AI tools like a Swiss Army knife, not a magic wand. Pick the right one for the job and make them work together.
Repurposing Is the Real Productivity Hack
Lisa is a self-proclaimed “AI junkie,” but she’s not using it just to create more junk. Instead, she uses AI to repurpose what’s already working, turning blog posts into social media clips, newsletters into presentations, and podcasts into content goldmines.
Pro Tip for SMBs: Already recorded that webinar or wrote that blog? Feed it to AI and turn it into 10 more assets without burning more hours.
SEO Isn’t Dead. But It Is Changing.
We had a little debate on this one, but Lisa made a compelling point:
“Quality content is still going to rise to the top. It’s probably more important now than ever.”
Even in an AI-generated world, the content that wins is still human, helpful, and high-quality. The robots can’t game the system forever.
Pro Tip for SMBs: Stop trying to “trick” the algorithm. Start answering your customer’s real questions with actual insight.
Custom GPTs Are Your New Buyer Personas
One of the coolest ideas Lisa shared? Turning your target personas into AI companions.
Yup, she creates versions of her ideal customers inside ChatGPT and talks to them while brainstorming content.
Want to test your idea on a CMO persona? Just ask. Real-time focus group, no Starbucks gift cards required.
Pro Tip for SMBs: Use AI to role-play your customer’s POV. It’s like having an internal sounding board for your marketing decisions.
Final Thoughts: Focus on What Only You Can Do
Lisa said it best:
“AI doesn’t replace your work—it creates a more focused you.”
That’s the north star for any SMB trying to do more with less. Use AI to save time, then spend that time doing something only a human (like you) can do—build relationships, spark ideas, and lead your brand forward.
