Contact.IO, Expectations Vs. Reality, and Going Gray | August 21

In today’s exclusive content section, discover the wonders of A.I. with Daniel Nest's guide on creating movie teasers, unwind with Tracey Telgen's uplifting watercolor videos, and delve into the implications of Amazon's collaborations with Pinterest and TikTok.

Last Week, On My LinkedIn…

I am excited for the Contact.IO event in Denver! Since last year's conference, we've improved our AI-driven inbound call qualification for bathroom remodeling and are now expanding to windows, debt, MVA, and pest control. Although results have been varied due to unique challenges in each vertical, we're working through issues to achieve consistency. We are currently focused on inbound calls for Home services, MVA, Dentists, Moving, and Debt. If interested, let’s connect.

There's a noticeable gap between what lead buyers expect and the leads they actually receive, mainly due to shifting compliance responsibilities and reliance on technologies like TrustedForm and Jornaya certificates. Discrepancies often arise from inconsistent implementation, limited understanding of these technologies, and diverse industry practices. Effective communication is, thus, essential.

I read a New York Times article exploring whether stress causes hair to turn gray and how society perceives graying differently between genders. The article cited examples like U.S. presidents, including Barack Obama, who visibly grayed in office, highlighting the role's stress. However, despite studies, there's still no conclusive evidence linking stress with graying hair, adding an interesting twist to the discussion.

What I Found On The Internet…

The power of AI is truly astonishing, and it's only growing with each passing day.

One of the recent pieces I've come across that beautifully highlights this in a newsletter by Daniel Nest.

He walks you through the process of creating a movie teaser with AI.

It's a fascinating read that showcases the near endless possibilities that today's technology offers, particularly for those who are clear about their goals and know how to leverage these tools.

This resonates with my own beliefs and practices - the power of technology, when harnessed correctly, can be fun and exciting. Check out this exercise.

Here's the link to the newsletter and detailed instructions regarding FREE AI tools to use and in what order. Professionals can probably do wonders. Noobs to video - just go with it: link

Next on my recommendation list is Tracey Telgen, a lifelong artist whose watercolor videos are a balm for the soul.

Her mission? To spread joy through her artwork. After a long day, winding down with one of her projects is just the solace you need regardless of your drawing or painting experience. My son and I did one last weekend and the results were fantastic.

You can check out her channel here: link

Finally, I wanted to discuss a news article that caught my eye.

Amazon's recent partnership with Pinterest and TikTok is reshaping eCommerce by allowing users to pay via Amazon on these platforms.

With TikTok and Pinterest popular among younger audiences, this strategic move could boost purchases. For marketers, the simplified payment process might reduce cart abandonment and increase sales for brands.

I anticipate improved conversion rates, which is good for performance marketers on these platforms. However, it also introduces the possibility of heightened competition and increased ad costs.

It's a development worth following closely. For more information on this transaction, read here: link

Meet Jennine

Jennine Rexon is the President of Rex Direct, a pioneering performance marketing agency established in 2001. Under her leadership, Rex Direct has risen to prominence as a top-tier lead generator across diverse verticals including home improvement, moving, legal, market research, health and wellness, travel and personal finance. Jennine's insatiable thirst for knowledge, coupled with her passion for technology and creativity, fuels her commitment to innovation. Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in practicing Yoga, cherishing moments with her family, and doting on her loyal canine companion, RJ.