How to Become an Indispensable Marketer in the Age of AI
Should you worry that AI might replace your job? Not if you follow these three steps. Here's how to become indispensable.
Hey All,
This is Moni. I’m passionate marketer, who’s new to the MAC. I love talking about all things marketing foundations and principals. I believe that marketing is too focused on technology and performance and lacks fundamental marketing principals. I’m looking forward to contributing to the MAC!
In the age of artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven decision-making, many marketing jobs are under threat. Companies are cutting budgets and resources, and marketing departments are feeling the squeeze. It may seem like a daunting time to be in marketing, but here’s the truth: now is the time to become a more powerful marketer than ever before.
Yes, AI is changing the game, but there’s one thing it can’t replace: human connection. Many marketers today excel in tactical areas like SEO, paid media, email marketing, and events. However, few understand the foundational pillars that have driven marketing for decades—things like creative thinking, market analysis, pricing strategy, positioning, and most importantly, a deep understanding of people.
If you want to stand out in this AI-driven era, you need to go back to basics. Marketing is more than just data and tools. It’s about understanding humans—what makes them tick, what motivates them, and what drives them to act. Below, we’ll explore three key areas that will help you become a more powerful marketer: connecting with people, mastering communication, and unleashing your creativity.
1. Love People: Become Curious and Connect
At its core, marketing is about people. To become a great marketer, you need to love people. It sounds simple, but it’s often overlooked. Marketing is about understanding human behavior and finding ways to connect with people in a meaningful way. Whether you’re selling a product, promoting a service, or building a brand, you’re doing it for people. The better you understand them, the better you’ll be at reaching them.
How to Improve:
Be genuinely curious about your audience. Start by asking questions. What do they care about? What motivates them? What keeps them up at night? You can gather this information through customer interviews, surveys, and social media listening.
Study human psychology. Marketers who understand how humans think, feel, and behave will always have the upper hand. Read books like Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman or Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini to understand the science behind human behavior.
Engage with your audience. Don’t just push out content; have conversations. Ask for feedback, respond to comments, and make your audience feel heard. When people feel seen and understood, they’re far more likely to connect with your message.
2. Master Communication: Learn to Listen and Reflect
The best marketers are master communicators. But here’s the catch: 70% of communication is listening, not talking. If you want to resonate with your audience, you have to become an empathetic listener. This means actively listening to understand their needs, frustrations, and desires—not just to respond. When you listen well, you’ll start to uncover the deeper, emotional problems your audience is facing—things like a desire for community, status, security, and excitement.
Example: A customer may tell you they want a faster phone, but what they’re really seeking is status—something that makes them feel powerful and respected in front of others.
Ways to Improve:
Practice empathetic listening. Whether it’s in customer interviews, social media comments, or face-to-face interactions, listen to understand—not to reply. Reflect back what you hear in your marketing communications. Address the real, underlying problems your customers face.
Learn how to reflect back problems in your messaging. Use language that resonates emotionally. For example, if your audience is seeking security, focus your messaging on safety and reliability.
Get comfortable with feedback. Ask for it often and embrace it. Constructive criticism is one of the fastest ways to learn what your audience needs and wants. Use their insights to refine your strategy and craft more compelling, personalized marketing messages.
3. Unleash Your Creativity: Think Outside the Box
In the age of automation and AI, creativity is your secret weapon. AI can analyze data and automate processes, but it can’t replace the human ability to dream big, think outside the box, and challenge norms. A powerful marketer is a creative marketer. You can’t just think about what’s already been done—you need to ask, “What’s possible?”
Creativity in marketing isn’t just about design or visuals; it’s about your entire approach. It’s about challenging the status quo, taking risks, and finding new ways to stand out in a crowded market. If your audience can find the same product, service, or message somewhere else, why do they need you? Creativity is what sets you apart.
How to Improve:
Read books on creative thinking like The War of Art by Steven Pressfield or Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley and David Kelley to unlock new ways of thinking.
Practice brainstorming without limits. Ask yourself, “What would I do if there were no limitations?” This helps you think bigger and see possibilities beyond what’s currently realistic. Once you’ve dreamed up some big ideas, narrow down the list to the most viable options.
Challenge norms. Look at what others in your industry are doing and ask, “How can I do this differently?” Whether it’s a new take on social media strategy, a creative ad campaign, or a unique email sequence—being bold and different can make all the difference in catching attention.
Collaborate with others. Bring together a diverse group of minds to spark new ideas. Different perspectives can push you to think outside the box and approach problems in ways you hadn’t considered.
The Future Belongs to Powerful Marketers
The future of marketing isn’t about knowing the latest tools or being an expert in data—it’s about understanding people, communicating effectively, and bringing creativity to everything you do. As AI continues to shape the marketing landscape, the most valuable marketers will be the ones who embrace the human side of marketing—those who can connect deeply with their audience, listen empathically, and create content that feels personal and authentic.
If you want to protect your job and elevate your career, get back to the basics:
Fall in love with people. Be curious about what drives them.
Master communication. Learn to listen empathetically and respond meaningfully.
Unleash your creativity. Think bigger, push boundaries, and challenge the status quo.
By focusing on these core skills, you’ll not only become a more powerful marketer—you’ll become irreplaceable.
Follow Moni Oloyede on LinkedIn or visit MO MarTech
Stellar advice!