In this episode, Rustam Irani welcomes AI marketing consultant and podcast host Dan Sanchez to dive deep into the role of AI in higher ed marketing. Together, they unpack the difference between AI hype and real, actionable strategies marketers can use today. Dan shares his journey into marketing, why AI has become his favorite tool, and how it empowers teams to move faster and smarter. From addressing security concerns to demystifying tools like OpenClaw and custom GPTs, this conversation offers valuable insights for higher ed leaders looking to thoughtfully integrate AI into their workflow.
Resources Mentioned:
- AI Driven Marketer Podcast - https://www.aidrivenmarketer.com/
- Dan Sanchez's Free Course - https://www.danchez.com/courses
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Rustam introduces the theme: cutting through the AI hype in higher ed marketing
- 01:06 – Dan shares his marketing background and early adoption of AI tools
- 03:29 – Efficiency vs. shiny object syndrome: where AI offers real value
- 04:57 – The AI adoption curve and the dangers of lagging behind
- 06:32 – Exploring the risks of OpenClaw and agentic AI tools
- 10:28 – Why security is a top concern for higher ed institutions
- 13:47 – Where to start: focusing on one core AI tool like Copilot or Gemini
- 18:24 – What to avoid: automation tools and AI app-building traps
- 20:27 – Power of custom GPTs and how to build secure, scalable AI workflows
- 24:13 – AI-powered outbound: promising use cases and ethical considerations
- 28:04 – Using mascots as AI voices for fun and authentic user experience
- 31:36 – Dan's final advice: create dedicated AI project folders in ChatGPT
