Alec Newcomb
June 11, 2025 • Reading Time: 4 minutes
It’s tough out there. Most teams dabble in AI like it’s a side project, more “playground” than “core competency.”
The upshot?
Only 22% of AI initiatives deliver on ROI, according to IBM.
Let’s make sure you’re in that winning minority.
Here's how to get your team in that 22%.
Instead of "let's try generative AI." Say "let's lift qualified leads volume 15% using 10x more meta ads in Q3 using AI."
Quick Win: Choose one marketing KPI and set a 15–20% improvement target for your AI pilot this quarter.
Pair a marketer + data analyst + someone who understands your tech stack. Context meets execution every sprint.
Why it works: AI needs both domain expertise and technical know-how. Solo efforts fail. The team that got you the Clio Award likely needs AI tech support. (Secret…it's unlikely to be your IT team as most see AI as a tool vs a utility).
AI’s only as smart as your data. Bad data = Bad AI.
Reality Check: Can you with high confidence (bet your car) tell your customer acquisition cost by channel? If not, pause AI as your data needs a health check.
Focus down for 90 days.
Think testing AI natively for ad copy generation for that social channel you hate, meta ads for one product, or customer segmentation not "AI transformation."
👀 Framework to Steal: Team AI Upskilling Sprint - A proven 5-phase approach that takes teams from AI-curious » AI-productive in 12 weeks.
Don't make AI a tool.
YOU WILL FAIL.
I know I tried.
Pick an LLM and connect it inside every workflow.
Even better, go AI native…
‘But Alec, my IT team won’t even let me connect AI to OneDrive…’
Show them this. 👇
Personal Productivity Hack: Use this weekly calendar prompt that's saving my Sunday’s.
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The teams seeing returns aren't unicorns, they're just testing and using AI more than you via Sprints..
Many will read this and do nothing.
Don't be one of them.
ChatGPT 5 will be here soon, and I want you on the winning side.
Cheers,
Alec
Two ways I can help:
#1 Want your 22% lift? Book a 2 hr AI working session with me. 🤝
#2 Need help getting your team to adopt AI? Get the winning framework.
