Vera Shafiq Podcast

Vera Shafiq
  • 5.0 (19)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Real and relevant discussions on business, marketing, technology and digital. Vera Shafiq talks with a diverse community of thinkers and doers including industry thought-leaders and grass roots professionals who are striving for the same thing - doing marketing the RIGHT way and being PROUD of the work they do. Now with a focus on franchise marketing!

  1. MAY 22

    Introducing Marketing Mindshift Academy

    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/

    12 min

  2. APR 22

    How to Start Agentifying Your Franchise Marketing

    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

    18 min

  3. APR 10

    Exploring Advanced Features of ChatGPT: From Image Generation to Deep Research

    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

    20 min

  4. MAR 18

    Exploring the Practicality of Performance-Based Agency Models in Franchising

    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

    12 min

  5. MAR 4

    Optimizing Agency Communication and Internal Marketing Alignment

    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

    20 min

  6. FEB 25

    The Future of SEO in an AI-Driven Digital Landscape

    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

    16 min

  7. FEB 18

    How to Practically Apply Microsoft Clarity to Your Marketing Toolset

    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

    17 min

  8. FEB 11

    Winning Franchise Owner Buy-In for Digital Marketing Investments

    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

    16 min
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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Real and relevant discussions on business, marketing, technology and digital. Vera Shafiq talks with a diverse community of thinkers and doers including industry thought-leaders and grass roots professionals who are striving for the same thing - doing marketing the RIGHT way and being PROUD of the work they do. Now with a focus on franchise marketing!

Information

  • Creator
    Vera Shafiq
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Vera Shafiq Podcast
  • Show Website
    Vera Shafiq Podcast