Every Saturday morning, we share some of our favorite B2B sales and marketing posts from around the web last week (so it’s fresh!). We’ll miss a ton of great stuff, so if you found something you think is worth sharing, please let us know.
What 50 CMOs Revealed About The Future of AI in B2B by Carilu Dietrich
Carilu post presents insights from over 50 tech CMOs on the integration of AI in marketing. Key trends include AI’s transformative impact across the marketing funnel, from content creation to sales processes, and the rapid adoption by smaller companies. There’s a notable shift towards in-house AI solutions for greater customization and privacy, alongside concerns about the sustainability of these tools amid evolving technologies. Additionally, the emergence of AI replacing certain marketing roles and the current fragmented state of AI tools highlight the need for strategic experimentation and collaboration among marketing leaders.
B2B Marketers Widen Role, Increase Influence by Christine Moorman
The 34th edition of The CMO Survey reveals that marketing leaders are expanding their organizational influence, driven by increased adoption of AI technologies, which now power 17.2% of marketing activities—a 100% increase since 2022. This integration has led to measurable improvements, including an 8.6% rise in sales productivity, an 8.5% boost in customer satisfaction, and a 10.8% reduction in marketing overhead costs. Despite these gains, marketers face heightened scrutiny from CFOs, CEOs, and board members, with 63% reporting increased pressure from CFOs, up from 52%. Talent acquisition remains a significant challenge amid economic headwinds, as marketing teams increasingly rely on contractors and part-time employees to meet evolving demands.
Every Marketing Channel Sucks Right Now by Andrew Chen
Andrew critiques the current state of digital marketing, highlighting how once-effective channels have become oversaturated and less impactful. He observes that early adopters of new platforms often see significant returns, but as these channels mature, their effectiveness diminishes due to increased competition and audience fatigue. Chen emphasizes the importance of identifying and leveraging emerging, underutilized channels before they become mainstream. He advises marketers to continuously experiment and adapt, recognizing that no single channel remains a reliable growth driver indefinitely.
Seth Godin to CMOs: “Everything that touches the market is on you” by Cameron Clarke
In his interview with The Drum, Seth Godin emphasizes that marketing permeates every aspect of an organization, not just the marketing department. He argues that CMOs should act as cultural stewards, ensuring that every interaction—from product design to customer service—reinforces the brand’s promise. Godin highlights the importance of aligning internal behaviors with external messaging to build trust and authenticity. He also notes that in an era of rapid change and AI integration, marketers must focus on human-centric values to maintain meaningful connections with their audience.
Must Check Out Books and Podcasts by Executive Women by Eileen Ybarra
The blog post “Executive Women Raising Their Voices & Making History” from Wednesday Women spotlights influential female leaders who are sharing their experiences through compelling books and podcasts. It features a curated list of works by women excelling in leadership, sales, marketing, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), offering practical insights and personal narratives. Notable titles include 10 Traits of Great Leadership That Are Often Overlooked by Abi Williams, She Sells by Lori Richardson, and Reimagine Inclusion by Mita Mallick, among others. This collection serves as a valuable resource for those seeking inspiration and guidance from women who are reshaping the business landscape.
Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for reading! If you have B2B news sources you rely on we’d love to hear about them. Please share them with us.
The post B2B Reads: The Future of AI, CMOs, CEO/Board Influence, Marketing Channels that Suck, and Kick-Ass Executive Women appeared first on Heinz Marketing.
