AI, Influencers & $1 Trillion in Ads—What’s Changing?
Hi there,
This week, we’re sharing the latest trends shaping innovation and business growth. From the rapid rise of DeepSeek’s AI model shaking up the industry to Super Bowl ad spending hitting a record $8M for 30 seconds, these shifts highlight the evolving landscape of technology, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Let’s explore what’s making an impact and what it means for the future. ??
? Final Stretch! I’m Currently #4—Help Me Keep The Momentum Going! ?
I’m competing for the Entrepreneur of Impact title, and thanks to your incredible support, I’ve made it to #4! ??
Every vote and donation is making a real impact—helping GENYouth support schoolchildren with better nutrition and physical activity. If I win, the $25,000 prize will go toward expanding this mission and empowering even more kids!
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Let’s push to the top together! Cast your vote today and help make a difference! ???
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Announcements
??? New Lead Gen HQ Podcast Episode ??
Generating leads is the lifeblood of any business—but where do you start? In this episode of Lead Gen HQ, host Alex Oliveira breaks down the three core pillars of lead generation: online, offline, and in-person strategies. From SEO, paid ads, and content marketing to networking events, referrals, and partnerships, Alex shares practical tips and industry stats to help you build a lead machine that works 24/7.
Plus, get a sneak peek into upcoming episodes where we’ll dive deep into each online channel, including websites, social media, and email marketing. Ready to turn more prospects into paying customers? Hit play now!
Industry Insights
1. ?? The $8M Gamble: Super Bowl Ads at a Record High ??
Thinking about dropping $8 million in half a minute? That’s the price tag for a 30-second Super Bowl ad this year—a new record, up from $7 million in 2023. With over 120 million viewers expected to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles (or just hoping for a Taylor Swift sighting), demand for ad space has been through the roof, selling out by November.
If you're tuning in, expect the usual lineup of snack, drink, and tech brands, but also keep an eye out for fresh players in the game—AI companies are making their Super Bowl ad debut. It’s a big bet, but for brands that get it right, those 30 seconds can turn into marketing gold.
One of our favorites: Meg Ryan & Billy Crystal Recreate Iconic When Harry Met Sally Scene in Hellmann’s 2025 Super Bowl Ad—With a Surprise Cameo from Sydney Sweeney.
2. ?? How to Lead in AI-Powered Marketing
Google & BCG Unveil 4 AI Pathways to Marketing Excellence?
AI is transforming marketing, but where do you start? Which tools deliver real impact? And how do you win over your CFO with measurable results??
To answer these questions, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Google surveyed 2,000 marketers worldwide to uncover what separates AI leaders from the rest in driving growth and efficiency.?
In the first edition of their AI Path to Excellence series, they break down:?
? What defines an AI leader?
? How to assess your company’s AI maturity?
? The four key AI pathways to marketing excellence?
?? Explore the full findings and see what top-performing AI-driven marketers are doing differently.?
?? Learn more & get ahead in AI-powered marketing!
3. ?? DeepSeek Shakes Up AI, But Not Without Controversy
Chinese AI company DeepSeek has sent shockwaves through the AI industry with its latest R-1 model, a free and open-source alternative that rivals OpenAI’s GPT-4o ($200/month, paywalled). The buzz around DeepSeek was so intense that it briefly wiped $600 billion off Nvidia’s market cap—though the chip giant quickly rebounded, recovering nearly half of the loss.?
Why It Matters:?
?? Big Potential – AI startups like Perplexity are already integrating DeepSeek’s model into their products, signaling a shift in how AI applications are built.?
?? Cost Disruption – DeepSeek claims to have trained its model with fewer resources, making it cheaper, a point that has left some industry leaders skeptical. OpenAI’s Mark Chen downplayed the hype, saying concerns about cost efficiency are “overblown.”?
?? Serious Risks – DeepSeek’s model has major safety flaws, according to Chatterbox Labs. It can generate hate speech, misinformation, and explicit content, and cyber intelligence researchers at Kela even bypassed its safeguards to create malware.?
With AI rapidly evolving, DeepSeek’s rise proves that open-source models are becoming more competitive—but also raises urgent concerns about safety, security, and responsible deployment. ??
4. ???? OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Gov for U.S. Agencies
The Rundown: OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Gov, a specialized version of its AI platform designed exclusively for U.S. government agencies. This secure deployment allows departments to harness AI capabilities within their own private environment.?
Key Features:?
? Secure Integration: Agencies can run ChatGPT within Azure environments, ensuring compliance with security protocols while processing sensitive data.?
? Advanced Capabilities: Gov users get access to GPT-4o and enterprise-level features, including conversation sharing, custom GPTs, and admin controls for department-wide use.?
? Widespread Adoption: The government is already deep into AI—since 2024, over 90,000 employees across 3,500 agencies have exchanged 18 million messages using ChatGPT.?
Why It Matters: AI is becoming a cornerstone of nearly every industry, and now, the U.S. government is formalizing its use with a secure, tailored solution. This could accelerate AI adoption across federal agencies while maintaining strict security and compliance standards. ??
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Changemakers
In his TED Talk, organizational psychologist Adam Grant explores the three workplace personalities—givers, takers, and matchers—and how they shape company culture. He shares practical strategies to foster generosity while preventing self-serving employees from exploiting the system. Grant, also the host of WorkLife, a TED Audio Collective podcast, dives into what makes work more fulfilling by studying the habits of extraordinary professionals. Watch his talk to learn how a culture of giving can drive success in any organization.?
Marketing Solutions
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Free Tools
Local Listings Audit
Make sure your business listings are up-to-date with our free listings check tool that searches a wide variety of online directories!
Content Promotion Checklist
Creating content, but having a hard time gaining traction? Use our free content promotion checklist to ensure that the right people are seeing your creations!
Events
?? The Exit by Flippa: Where Business Owners & Investors Connect!?
Are you a business owner looking to scale, buy, or sell? The Exit by Flippa is the perfect place to meet like-minded entrepreneurs, swap stories, and explore new opportunities in a fun and engaging setting.?
?? Network with Growth-Focused Owners?
?? Hear Success Stories from Acquisition Entrepreneurs?
?? Learn from Industry Experts on Buying & Selling Businesses?
These local events bring together business owners, investors, and acquisition pros for informative yet entertaining meetups designed to spark connections and new opportunities.?
?? Whether you're thinking about your next move or just want to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, The Exit by Flippa is where deals—and friendships—are made.?
?? Find an event near you and join the conversation!
More Events
Quick Stats
Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.
- Brené Brown
Until next time... keep building and believing!