In the latest episode of the Ad Nerds Podcast, the host 'Spanky' Moskowitz talks to special guest Gary Vaynerchuk, an entrepreneur and internet personality known for his work in digital marketing and social media. Gary shares insights from his unique entrepreneurial journey, including his early days of running a lemonade stand and flipping baseball cards, as well as his successful venture into the liquor business that boosted the family's brand value from $3 million to $60 million. The conversation dives deep into the current marketing landscape, where Gary recommends three key strategies for small businesses to thrive: creating organic social content, experimenting with AI, and establishing a core platform, such as a podcast or a social media series. He underscores the importance of businesses becoming their own media companies, warning against complacency that could potentially give a competitor the edge. Gary also shares his thoughts on programmatic ad buying, highlighting the importance of ad quality and placement. Finally, in a discussion about the long-term value of branding, advertising, and marketing, Gary emphatically champions the value of brand, showcasing his own decision-making in purchasing high-end sneakers.

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