EP142: We Let AI Interview Us (Here’s What Happened)

In this fun episode of the Powerful Marketing Tips podcast, co-creators of Powerful Marketers, Mari-Liis Vaher and Laura Martšenkov, do something different: they let AI take the role of interviewer. With zero preparation and plenty of curiosity, they answer thought-provoking questions about marketing, burnout, community, and how to work smarter in today’s fast-paced world. Mari-Liis and Laura share what they’ve learned about overwhelm, why “no one wins alone” is more than just a slogan, and how to avoid the most common mistakes businesses make with marketing. You’ll also hear their first impressions of AI (spoiler: they weren’t impressed at first), and how they now use it to support their creativity and strategy. If you’ve ever felt like marketing is too much, this episode will remind you that simplicity, collaboration, and clarity always win. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:01:00 – Early misconceptions about success in marketing 00:02:38 – The burnout moment that led to creating Powerful Marketers 00:05:16 – Why collaboration matters more than ever 00:08:29 – The biggest marketing mistake business owners make 00:11:36 – Keep It Super Simple: the K.I.S.S. mindset 00:13:00 – What failed campaigns can teach you 00:16:21 – First experiences with AI in marketing 00:18:32 – Where to invest a small marketing budget 00:20:10 – Turning data into real business growth 00:22:22 – The most common communication mistake 00:25:18 – Why assuming is the root of all problems 🔗 Related Resources Why No One Wins Alone: Inside the Powerful Marketers Hub How to Start Using AI in Marketing Without Feeling Overwhelmed Marketing Strategy Clarity Builder (Lite Version) 👋 Who We Are We are Powerful Marketers, a global community where marketing and business leaders connect, collaborate, and grow. Inside the Hub, you’ll find: ✅ Practical training and resources to sharpen your skills ✅ Tactical spaces for Systems, LinkedIn, Instagram, AI, and more ✅ Local and global meetups to stay accountable ✅ Daily support from marketing professionals who truly get it 🌐 Let’s Connect Website: powerful-marketers.com Instagram: @powerfulmarketers LinkedIn: Powerful Marketers #powerfulmarketers #podcast #marketingcommunity #AIinmarketing #marketingpodcast #businesspodcast

In this episode of the Powerful Marketing Tips podcast, host Mari-Liis Vaher speaks with Carrolee Moore, award-winning speaker, marketing strategist, and founder of The Podcast Pitching Society. Known as the "anti-social content marketer," Carrolee explains why she believes podcast guesting is one of the most powerful ways to grow visibility without relying on social media. She shares why trust is the real currency of visibility, how to measure it, and how to repurpose podcast appearances into lasting content. You’ll also learn why consistency doesn’t mean posting every day, but instead showing up with purpose where it matters most. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Carrolee calls herself the anti-social content marketer How podcast guesting creates visibility and trust faster than social media Simple ways to repurpose podcast interviews across multiple channels Practical tips for finding the right podcasts to guest on How to measure trust in your business through retention and referrals The role of email marketing in building authentic engagement Key Timestamps: 00:03:06 – The Anti-Social Content Marketer's Journey 00:08:56 – Networking, referrals, and building real connections 00:14:45 – How podcast guesting multiplies your content and reach 00:20:46 – Finding the right fit podcasts 00:26:38 – The best ways to measure trust in marketing 00:29:37 – Building trust through email marketing Resources & Links: Learn more about Mari-Liis Vaher’s upcoming book The Greatest Marketer: thegreatestmarketer.com Connect with Carrolee Moore on LinkedIn Visit Carrolee’s website: carroleemoore.com Get access to Carrolee’s 4 week email podcasting course: https://carroleemoore.net/email-course  Join the Powerful Marketers Hub: use code PODCAST for one month free of premium access 👋 Who We Are: We are Powerful Marketers, a global community where marketing and business leaders connect, collaborate, and grow. Inside the Hub, you’ll find: ✅ Training and resources to sharpen your skills ✅ Tactical spaces for LinkedIn, Instagram, AI, and more ✅ Local and global meetups to stay accountable ✅ Daily support from marketing professionals 🌐 Let’s Connect: Website: powerful-marketers.com Instagram: @powerfulmarketers LinkedIn: Powerful Marketers #powerfulmarketers #podcast #marketingcommunity #marketingtips #marketingsupport

In this casual, non-scripted conversation, co-creators of Powerful Marketers, Mari-Liis Vaher and Laura Martšenkov open up about their personal journeys in marketing, how they balance their different strengths, and why they created the Powerful Marketers Hub. They share the importance of knowing what gives and drains your energy, reframing mistakes as learning opportunities, and finding community support. You’ll also hear about the “Make It Happen” rooms inside the Hub, opportunities for young marketers, and how to get early access to Mari-Liis’s upcoming book The Greatest Marketer. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:01:45 – The Queen of Impossible Story 00:03:34 – Energy-Draining vs. Energy-Giving Tasks 00:05:30 – Why the Power Marketers Hub Was Created 00:08:57 – Mistakes Are Just Another Take 00:12:34 – Creating a Safe Space for Marketers 00:13:21 – Make It Happen Rooms 00:23:17 – Secret Code for Podcast Listeners 00:24:04 – Early Access to Upcoming Book 🔗 Related Resources Be the first to access the upcoming book The Greatest Marketer How to Build Effective Marketing Systems That Actually Work Join the Powerful Marketers Hub 👋 Who We Are We are Powerful Marketers, a global community where marketing and business leaders connect, collaborate, and grow. Inside the Hub, you’ll find: ✅ Training and resources to sharpen your skills ✅ Tactical spaces for LinkedIn, Instagram, AI, and more ✅ Local and global meetups to stay accountable ✅ Daily support from marketing professionals   🌐 Let’s Connect: Website: powerful-marketers.com Instagram: @powerfulmarketers LinkedIn: Powerful Marketers #powerfulmarketers #podcast #marketingcommunity #marketershub #businessgrowth #marketingsupport

Feeling overwhelmed or inconsistent in your marketing? It’s not you—it’s your system (or lack of one). In this episode, Powerful Marketers co-founders Mari-Liis Vaher and Laura Kukemelk walk you through building smarter marketing systems using the 8-step SYSTEMIC framework. Learn how systems can actually support your creativity instead of stifling it—and how to make them work for you, not against you. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:02:15 – Why systems aren’t as boring as they sound 00:06:45 – Breaking down the SYSTEMIC framework 00:08:20 – How to document and delegate like a pro 00:12:30 – Using AI to make your system smarter 00:17:15 – Tracking progress and continual improvement 🔗 Related Videos & Resources: How to Start Using AI in Marketing Without Feeling Overwhelmed How MIP Hour Helps Increase Productivity The 5 Pillars of Becoming the Greatest Marketer in the World 👋 Who We are: We are Powerful Marketers—a global community where marketing and business leaders connect, collaborate, and grow. Inside the Powerful Marketers Hub, you’ll find everything you need to build clarity and momentum in your marketing: ✅ Training & Resources – Hands-on guidance to sharpen your skills and strategy ✅ Tactical Marketing Spaces – Actionable rooms for Systems, LinkedIn, Instagram, AI & more ✅ Events & Networking – Because no one wins alone ✅ Daily Expert Support – Get real-time help from marketing pros who get it   👉 Join the Powerful Marketers Hub today and get your first month FREE with code PODCAST. Access templates, automation tools, and a community that has your back. Sign up and enter the code HERE. 🌐 Let’s Connect! 🔗 Website 📸 Instagram 💼 LinkedIn   #powerfulmarketers #podcast #marketingcommunity #marketingsystems

In this vibrant LinkedIn Live session-turned-podcast, Mari-Liis Vaher, creator of Powerful Marketers, is joined by two incredible marketing and communication experts from Sweden: Mai Peksén and Mira Thimmayya. Together, they dive into the human side of personal branding—how to build your professional identity on LinkedIn in a way that actually feels like you. This conversation is packed with real-world insights, memorable stories, and plenty of laughs! Practical Tips for LinkedIn Personal Branding: Start small: One post per week is still consistency. Engage: Comments are mini-posts and powerful conversation starters. Focus: Stay within your niche to establish credibility. Use video: Build trust faster by letting people see and hear you. Social proof matters: Ask for and give recommendations on LinkedIn. Timestamps: 08:00 – Be yourself (even in serious industries) 16:10 – Thought leadership tips 28:20 – Avoiding overwhelm and finding your consistency 37:40 – The STICKY Method explained 45:20 – Songs, quotes, and final takeaways Links: Connect with Mai Peksén: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maipeksen/  Connect with Mira Thimmayya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirathimmayya/  Continue the Conversation in the Hub: Want more tips, templates, and training on personal branding and AI marketing? Join the Powerful Marketers Hub and use the promo code PODCAST for 1 month FREE.  

Many marketers are eager to use AI to work smarter, not harder—but often feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. In this episode, co-founders of Powerful Marketers, Mari-Liis Vaher and Laura Kukemelk, cut through the noise around AI in marketing. They reveal how to start small, stay strategic, and actually enjoy experimenting with AI tools. Plus, they walk you through the Powerful Marketers Hub’s 4-Week AI Marketing Challenge designed to guide you step-by-step without needing a technical background. 4-Week AI Challenge: Week 1: Build your custom GPT—your personal AI marketing assistant Week 2: Design social media carousels using Gamma (no design skills needed) Week 3: Repurpose blog posts into videos using Pictory Week 4: Automate repetitive tasks using Zapier and ChatGPT Quotes: "You have to approach AI as if you approach a new employee or a new assistant." - Laura Kukemelk “I Iove brainstorming with it because sometimes it has great ideas, but oftentimes I'm challenging AI as well. I'm telling it, why do you think like that?” - Mari-Liis Vaher "Right now we are in the AI bubble, so-called. So if you don't start and you think that it's going to go away, then I don't think it's going to go away." - Laura Kukemelk “We really want to make this as simple as possible for everybody because we know we need AI, but oftentimes we are too afraid of starting using it." - Mari-Liis Vaher Timestamps: 00:00:18 Overcoming fears of using AI in marketing 00:04:00 AI brainstorming techniques and use cases 00:08:50 Using C.R.A.F.T. for effective AI prompts 00:12:06 Custom GPTs for specific tasks Join the Challenge inside the Powerful Marketers Hub Create a premium account in the Hub and use the code PODCAST for your first month free. 

In today’s marketing world—where burnout is high and clarity feels rare—many professionals struggle to connect daily effort with long-term impact. So how do you rise above the noise, align your strategy with your goals, and grow without burning out? In this episode, co-founders of Powerful Marketers, Mari-Liis Vaher and Laura Kukemelk, reflect on their 10+ year journey and introduce the 5 Pillars of Becoming the Greatest Marketer of the World. This insightful conversation is inspired by the upcoming Greatest Marketer book and offers practical steps to help you regain control, build trust, and lead with intention. 💡 The 5 pillars are: Mindset Strategy Marketing Communication Leadership 💬 Noteworthy Quotes: “I believe that marketing is more important than sales. I know it sounds crazy or maybe even bold, but I think when sales is closing deals, then marketing beforehand builds these relationships and makes this deal even possible.” — Mari-Liis Vaher  “Allocate strategy and planning time to your calendar, especially at the beginning of any new project. Taking a few hours to create an actionable plan will make it much easier to execute and ensure you won't forget any important details that can happen when you are constantly running like a hamster in a wheel.” — Laura Kukemelk  "By creating a rhythm for your audience through consistent action is how you build know-like-trust in the marketplace.” — Mari-Liis Vaher “Repurpose, be smart and don't overwhelm your followers.” — Laura Kukemelk ⌛ Timestamps: 00:08:22 – Mindset and Personal Growth 00:16:06 – Importance of Planning and Strategy 00:28:45 – Marketing Execution and Misconceptions 00:38:27 – Power of Effective Communication 00:45:33 – Leadership and Delegation   🔗 Links: Download the Free Productivity Guide: https://powerful-marketers.com/productivity-guide Join the Powerful Marketers Hub: https://powerful-marketers.com/hub Join the Book Launch Team: https://powerful-marketers.com/book 🩷 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast for more insights on mindset, strategy, marketing, communication, and leadership. Leave a review and join the conversation inside the Hub.

In this episode of the Powerful Marketing Tips podcast, we dive into the world of next-generation marketing with two inspiring young marketers, Kirke Joost and Gerrit Lehe. Both guests share their unique journeys and insights into the marketing industry, highlighting their experiences and the challenges they've faced along the way. The conversation is facilitated by host Mari-Liis Vaher. Timestamps: 08:20 Building a marketing agency 12:00 Advice for aspiring marketers 16:11 Importance of community support (Free access to Powerful Marketers Hub!) 21:16 Offering feedback to next generation marketers 25:00 Ambitions for growth and teamwork 30:18 Final advice for aspiring marketers Noteworthy Quotes: "Even if your dream is so delusional, you're going to end up near it, because you're working the hardest. And you're hoping for it. So just be delusional." — Gerrit Lahe "The hardest part is starting. And after that, the only way is up. Even if it doesn't work out, you get experience." — Kirke Joost “Even if you have doubters and no-sayers, just prove them wrong.” — Gerrit Lahe "On social media, everything is surface level and there’s a lot of fuss. In the Hub, everything is organized and you can go through the materials and actually learn. " — Kirke Joost Links: Connect with Kirke and Gerrit: https://www.kirkejoost.com/  Join the Powerful Marketers Hub: https://powerful-marketers.com/hub/ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast for more insights on marketing, networking and building relationships. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation inside the Hub. 

In this episode, Mari-Liis Vaher hosts a lively discussion with networking experts Frank Agin and Terry Bean about the challenges of building trust and relationships in the digital era. The trio delves into the importance of genuine connections and the art of communication, especially amidst the overwhelming nature of online interactions. They share personal insights, techniques for effective networking, and practical takeaways for listeners seeking to establish meaningful relationships. 💭 Main Topics Discussed: The evolution of networking and how technology has changed relationship building The significance of trust in business relationships Common pitfalls in online communication and ways to counteract them Practical tips for building genuine connections Personal strategies for overcoming mental exhaustion and staying motivated 💡 Key Insights: Trust Building: "Do what you said you would do" — Terry Bean emphasizes this straightforward principle for establishing trust in business. Communication Challenges: Written communication can lead to misunderstandings due to tone misinterpretations, underscoring the importance of active listening. Intentional Connection: Mari-Liis Vaher mentions that building relationships should be purposeful and not merely a numbers game of online connections.  Less is More: Frank Agin advises focusing on fewer relationships but investing more time and effort into them for deeper connections. 🗣️ Notable Quotes: "The best way to build trust in business is to deliver what you promise." — Terry Bean "We have two ears and one mouth for a reason." — Mari-Liis Vaher "When it comes to building relationships and building trust, really nothing has changed. All technology allows us to do is to do it farther and faster." — Frank Agin ⌛ Timestamps: 02:40 - 06:59: Introductions of the guests 07:00 - 11:40: Insights on technology's effect on networking 12:00 - 15:05: The importance of intentionality in relationships 23:15 - 29:00: Personal stories on networking experiences 30:00 - 32:10: Discussion on values and commonalities in networking 39:50 - 42:55: Key strategies for building connections 🔗 Links: Connect with Frank Agin: Website: https://frankagin.com/ LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/frankagin Connect with Terry Bean: Website: https://trybean.com/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/terrybean Join the Powerful Marketers Hub: https://powerful-marketers.com/hub/ Get early access to the book The Greatest Marketer of the World: https://powerful-marketers.com/book/ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe for more insights on marketing, networking and building relationships. We'd love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform and join the conversation inside the Hub. Let’s turn today’s overwhelm into tomorrow’s trust!

Many agencies think their biggest struggle is revenue. In reality, the real challenge often lies in profitability. Without understanding their true costs and margins, agencies can fall into the trap of chasing more clients without improving their bottom line. In this episode of the Powerful Marketers podcast, Mari-Liis Vaher, co-founder of Powerful Marketers, sits down with Marcel Petitpas, CEO and co-founder of Parakeeto. Marcel specializes in helping agencies track the right metrics to improve profitability and make data-driven decisions. 💭 Key discussion points: 1️⃣ Why profitability matters more than revenue? 2️⃣ The Four MVPs Process (minimum viable problem, point of view, process, product) 3️⃣ The Channel Maturity Model 4️⃣ When to add a new channel to your marketing activities? 5️⃣ How to build effective funnels?   🔗 Links mentioned on the episode: Free Toolkit for agencies Parakeeto Foundations Course New Book: “Software as a Science: Unlock Limitless Recurring Revenue Without Losing Control” by Dan Martell, Matt Verlaque, Johnny Page, and Marcel Peptitas  Get in touch with Marcel Peptitas and Parakeeto: Parakeeto website: www.parakeeto.com    Marcel’s website: www.marcelpetitpas.com     Personal Social Media handles: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-petitpas-20059588/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcel.petitpas/     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agencyprofitability    Company Social Media handles: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getparakeeto/     Twitter: https://twitter.com/Parakeeto    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@getparakeeto    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parakeeto   💡 Submit your own marketing challenge or topic you'd like for us to discuss in a future episode: https://powerful-marketers.com/podcast/ 🌟 Join the Powerful Marketers Hub for in-depth discussions on marketing, sales, leadership, and more: https://powerful-marketers.com/hub/  #marketing #marketingpodcast #marketingtips #marketingstrategy #marketingchallenges