In this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera discusses the importance of integrating AI into marketing strategies and introduces the Marketing Mindshift Academy. As we reach the midpoint of 2025, Vera highlights key statistics from the 2025 State of Marketing AI report, revealing that a significant portion of marketers are already experimenting with AI, but many face education and training barriers. 

The Marketing Mindshift Academy offers nine comprehensive modules designed to provide franchise and multi-location marketers with practical, AI-powered solutions for tasks ranging from data analysis to creative production. Vera passionately explains each module's value and encourages listeners to explore the benefits of structured AI training for improved productivity and efficiency. For more information, visit verashafiq.com.

00:00 Welcome to the Vera Shafiq Podcast

00:31 Mid-Year Reflections and AI Introduction

01:04 Introducing Marketing Mindshift Academy

01:34 The Importance of AI in Marketing

02:58 Addressing the Education Gap in AI

03:22 Overview of Marketing Mindshift Academy Modules

04:23 Detailed Module Breakdown

08:28 Addressing Common Objections to AI Training

10:07 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Marketing Mindshift Academy - https://verashafiq.com/mm-academy/

The 2025 State of Marketing AI Report (Marketing AI Institute) - https://www.marketingaiinstitute.com/2025-state-of-marketing-ai-report

Connect with Vera on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-shafiq/

In this podcast episode, we're examining the concept of agentic AI and how it can be pragmatically applied to marketing within the franchise space. 

How can you create AI-powered marketing teams that operate autonomously, yet collaboratively, at national, regional, and local levels?

The aim is to augment human marketing efforts rather than replace them. Key components include AI agents specialized in research, strategy, content, creative, and analysis, all working in synergy to optimize marketing execution. 

Vera provides a roadmap for implementing these AI agents, including steps to get your data organized, setting detailed goals, experimenting with micro agents, and documenting workflows. 

00:00 Introduction to AI in Franchise Marketing

02:03 Understanding Agentic AI

04:41 The Structure of AI Marketing Teams

08:52 Practical Example: Local Franchise Marketing

13:52 Steps to Implement Agentic AI

16:49 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In this episode of the Vera Shafiq Podcast, Vera takes a look at the latest advancements and features of ChatGPT as of April 9, 2025, with a focus on the newly released image generation feature. Vera discusses her experiences using ChatGPT for various tasks such as creating brand-consistent marketing assets, conducting deep research, managing long-term projects, and more. She also highlights the benefits of using these AI tools to improve productivity and competitiveness in marketing. Additionally, Vera touches upon the potential of integrating AI features into company technology and emphasizes the importance of transitioning from experimenting with AI to effectively utilizing it for professional purposes.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:36 Exploring ChatGPT's New Image Generation Feature

07:45 Deep Dive into ChatGPT's Deep Research Feature

10:48 Streamlining Workflows with ChatGPT Projects

11:58 Leveraging Custom GPTs for Repetitive Tasks

13:45 The Future of AI: GPT Operator and Scheduled Tasks

16:52 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera explores the concept of performance-based agency models within the franchising world. She discusses whether franchise brands can effectively compensate marketing agencies based on the tangible results they deliver. 

Vera discusses the appeal of this model for greater accountability, budget-friendliness, and simplicity in communication with franchise owners. She also highlights the perspectives of agencies, covering data transparency concerns, baseline costs, and variables beyond their control. 

Practical steps to implement this model, including defining KPIs, ensuring data integrity, and establishing a hybrid fee structure, are examined along with the pros and cons of adopting a performance-based model. 

Vera concludes with insights into how this approach can align interests between franchisors, franchisees, and agencies when managed correctly.

00:00 Introduction to Performance-Based Agency Models

00:56 Understanding Performance-Based Compensation

02:48 Agency Perspectives on Performance-Based Models

04:54 Implementing a Performance-Based Model

09:07 Pros and Cons of Performance-Based Models

10:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera explores the key challenges faced by CMOs and marketing leaders, including agency communication, internal team alignment, and overall marketing performance. Drawing from her experience on both the agency side and within franchise brand leadership, she discusses strategies for improving agency relationships, defining clear metrics, and determining an effective meeting structure. 

The episode also covers the advantages and disadvantages of consolidating services under one agency versus working with specialized teams, the importance of structuring internal marketing teams for maximum efficiency, and integrating the right technology to track performance accurately. Vera emphasizes the importance of aligning agency efforts with business objectives and maintaining proactive, open communication between internal and external teams. 

Lastly, she touches on how to effectively involve franchisees in marketing strategies, ensuring a balance between centralized control and local creativity.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:53 Improving Agency Communication

07:28 Internal Team Structure and Accountability

10:52 Marketing Performance and Strategy

14:00 Agency Transition and Alternative Approaches

16:04 Franchisee Involvement and Local Marketing

17:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, host Vera Shafiq discusses the evolving SEO environment influenced by AI-driven search technologies. She emphasizes that while traditional SEO practices remain relevant, there is a growing need for marketers to adapt to newer AI tools like ChatGPT and diversified platforms beyond Google and Bing. Vera discusses the necessity of maintaining a comprehensive digital presence, optimizing for AI search results, and revisiting KPIs to better measure engagement and conversions. Additionally, she highlights the significance of voice and image search in the current landscape and provides actionable steps for businesses to future-proof their SEO strategies in light of these advancements. The episode aims to equip marketers with the insights needed to stay ahead of the curve in AI and SEO.

00:00 Introduction to the Evolving SEO Landscape

01:31 The Impact of AI on SEO

03:02 Traditional vs. AI-Driven Search

06:00 Expanding Beyond Google and Bing

08:52 Shifting Audiences and AI Adoption

11:24 Actionable Steps for Future-Proofing SEO

15:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, host Vera Shafiq explores how marketing teams can enhance their strategies by using Microsoft Clarity in conjunction with Google Analytics 4 (GA4). Vera provides an in-depth look at the unique features of Clarity, such as session recordings and heatmaps, and discusses how these can offer a more qualitative perspective on user behavior. She also emphasizes the importance of combining quantitative data from GA4 with qualitative insights from Clarity to identify and resolve user experience issues on websites. The episode includes step-by-step guidance on implementing Clarity, prioritizing high-traffic areas, and involving cross-departmental teams for a holistic optimization approach. Finally, Vera touches on the limitations of Clarity and how it complements rather than replaces other tools in your marketing arsenal.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:58 Understanding Microsoft Clarity

02:58 Combining Clarity with GA4

05:04 Key Features of Microsoft Clarity

07:05 Practical Application for Franchise Businesses

09:39 Limitations of Microsoft Clarity

11:23 Common Questions and Best Practices

13:46 Conclusion and Next Steps

Winning Franchise Owner Buy-In for Digital Marketing Investments

In this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, host Vera Shafiq delves into innovative strategies for garnering franchise owner enthusiasm and commitment towards digital marketing. She emphasizes using AI-powered storytelling, interactive dashboards, and gamification to demonstrate the value of digital investments. Vera discusses the importance of personalized marketing plans created via AI tools, connecting real-time data through dynamic dashboards, and injecting fun with gamified challenges. These methods aim to overcome skepticism, providing transparency and compelling evidence of ROI, ultimately fostering a collaborative, innovative culture among franchise owners.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:30 The Challenge of Franchise Owner Buy-In

02:12 AI-Powered Storytelling

07:54 Interactive Dashboards for Transparency

11:31 Gamification: Making Marketing Fun

14:01 Final Thoughts and Actionable Steps

15:23 Closing Remarks

Non-Obvious Consumer Behavior Shifts for 2025 and How To Adjust Our Marketing Strategies

In this episode of the Vera Shafiq podcast, Vera dives into three major consumer behavior shifts anticipated for 2025 that franchise marketers must understand. Instead of predictable topics like AI and personalization, Vera explores under-the-radar changes including: (1) 'The End of Ownership' where consumers prefer access and flexibility over ownership, urging marketers to create on-demand services; (2) 'The Return of Boredom' as overstimulated consumers seek offline experiences, presenting unique engagement opportunities for brands; and (3) 'The Death of Trust' with declining consumer trust in ads and influencers, pushing brands to prove their value in every interaction. Vera also provides innovative strategies for brands to adapt, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, discovery-driven experiences, and proving trustworthiness. Tune in to rethink your marketing strategies for a successful future.

00:00 Welcome to the Vera Shafiq Podcast

00:32 Exploring Consumer Behavior in 2025

01:59 Shift 1: The End of Ownership

03:47 Shift 2: The Return of Boredom

05:50 Shift 3: The Death of Trust

07:56 Adapting Franchise Marketing Strategies

11:40 Bonus Strategies for 2025

15:11 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this episode, host Vera Shafiq delves into the critical issue of using AI tools in marketing while safeguarding proprietary and sensitive data. Highlighting popular AI tools like Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, Vera addresses the concerns surrounding data privacy and security. The episode also explores DeepSeek, a new AI model from China, discussing its potential and inherent risks. Vera shares best practices for utilizing AI tools safely, emphasizing the importance of anonymizing data, and introducing solutions like private AI models and enterprise AI systems with strict data governance controls. The episode concludes with a look into synthetic data as a method to train AI models without compromising privacy.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:29 The Importance of AI and Data Privacy

01:51 DeepSeek: The New AI Model from China

05:39 AI Data Landscape and Best Practices

07:00 Using AI Tools Safely

11:38 Advanced AI Solutions for Enterprises

15:01 Conclusion and Key Takeaways