Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Raj. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Samantha, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One of the biggest trends we are seeing across really everything is the use of AI — and it has impacted pretty much every aspect of marketing.

With the use of tools like ChatGPT, AI image generation services, and more, the marketing industry has felt a sense of shakiness as well as breathed a sigh of relief. On one hand, with just a few prompts, a copywriter can get several options for a campaign in just a few minutes. But on the other hand, whose to say the AI prompt can’t just take that responsibility on and replace the human who charges for it? Or, even worse, are you paying for the work of someone who is 100% relying on AI to do the work for them?

With over a decade in working with marketing and advertising agencies, I have seen the scare AI has brought to colleagues of mine, and I have also seen how we can use AI as a tool to help elevate our crafts. I personally have used AI as a tool to help me put together outlines, proofread, and even act as a more sophisticated search engine. Even my friends in copywriting, graphic design, communications, and more have found opportunities to use AI to their advantage — which is why they haven’t been replaced by robots in their corporate day-to-day jobs (and won’t anytime soon).

With small businesses though, AI has created the opportunity to forego using an additional human, which makes sense in theory; “if I can have a robot do it, I don’t need to pay somebody to do the same thing.” And when you think about everything a small business owner has to juggle, giving them an opportunity to do more with less is very enticing. At their fingertips, they can create a logo, create social media content calendars, write emails, and so much more. Because of the ease of use and zero-dollar investment to use a lot of these tools, many of these business owners continue to do their own marketing while leveraging AI.

But what a lot of people fail to realize is that AI is missing something that is critical for marketing: humanization. People can sniff out AI pretty quickly, whether it is the visual in an ad you see, the copy written in an Instagram caption, or even when you read an email. AI Tools lack authenticity and the realness that a person provides. And especially when people are working with a small business, they don’t want to feel like just another customer or just another Instagram follower. They want to feel like the business they are giving is something earned and valued.

Marketing strategies and plans that are developed and executed by people with the right experience, will always begin with the end in mind, ultimately leading them to answer the question of, “how do I want the customer to feel, so they keep our brand/company in mind when it’s time to make a purchase?”

So although AI is an extremely useful tool, it should definitely be paired with real human effort, thought, and expertise to turn those thoughts from artificial intelligence to authentic connection. And this is why you should also hire a professional to help do this as well.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been a marketer in some way, shape, or form for over 15 years. I spent majority of my career working in different marketing and advertising agencies, serving clients of different sizes and industries, working through different marketing disciplines, and addressing countless challenges. I specialize in digital marketing, content strategy, social media, communications, and website auditing. And since I have a wide range of experience, I also love consulting and being a trusted opinion for those who need a fresh view on their marketing efforts.

Before I started my business, I had several friends of mine start their own business and ask me questions about marketing; everything from websites to social media and beyond. The most common thing I heard from them is: “Marketing is my least favorite part of owning my business.”

Then, it hit me: my friend who owns a med spa opened her own studio because she loves making her customers feel confident and she has a deep passion for the services she has spent decades perfecting. She does not want to spend her days evaluating marketing plans, assessing her website, developing a content calendar, building Google and Facebook ads… you get the picture. And the same goes with the people in my community and network I have gotten to know who are hairstylists, chiropractors, nail artists, dentists, restauranteurs, rental property owners, and so-on.

But here’s the thing: they all know marketing is important and their business does well when they are able to put some time into it. And if you’re only putting in small bursts of energy into your marketing efforts, it doesn’t usually have any longevity. These small businesses truly need a marketing partner that can get them on the right path and provide the blueprints to help them navigate their marketing efforts.

That’s why Marketing by Sam was born. I understand the requirements of being a business owner (before I started my business, my dad owned a small, local business for 30 years before he retired), but I will also be the first one to tell you that marketing is not a simple job that is a “set it and forget it” task. I cater to small businesses who need a marketing expert to get them off the ground and establish a plan, help on an “as needed” basis, or just take things on for several months at a time.

When I start to see how my recommendations are really affecting a business — their sales are growing, they see more engagement on their social media, they notice their website metrics are improving — it truly makes me feel an immense amount of pride. I love being able to drive results and know that what I recommended is working, but the cherry on top is when the client can feel the changes impacting them and their business.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2023, I found myself in a role that was not only unfulfilling but also toxic to my mental health and emotional well-being. Despite my best efforts to excel, I faced burnout, mistreatment, and a work environment that left me feeling completely depleted. It took a toll not only on my career outlook, but also in my personal life. I felt like a shell of myself.

On January 1, 2024, I decided to focus on manifesting change. Instead of dwelling on what wasn’t working, I made a conscious decision to believe that something better was coming. When I was unexpectedly let go from my position a few months later due to restructuring, I was shocked, but I knew that this was a sign from the universe that things were going to start changing for me in big ways.

A week after my layoff, I filed for my LLC. I launched Marketing by Sam, and within the first month, I secured my first client. Now, just a few months later, I’m running a business that brings me fulfillment, working with clients who respect me and who value the work I do for them.

This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring tough times—it’s about using them to make you a stronger version of yourself. For me, I not only launched my business, but I learned so much about myself and I feel more empowered to advocate for myself when situations get tough. I also try to take those lessons and empower those around me who find themselves in similar situations.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Over the last few months, I have listened to a lot of podcasts — mainly ones aimed towards women in business. A few to call out are Financial Feminist, Boss Babe Podcast, and Her HQ.

When I was first considering opening up my business, it was long before I had lost my job. But like a lot of people, I doubted myself and was the victim of imposter syndrome and not feeling like I was good enough to do it. I immediately met myself with a mindset that I would eventually fail.

But so many of the guests on the podcasts I started listening to were addressing imposter syndrome and how they all felt like I did. One of the biggest takeaways I learned during that period was that everyone feels like that, but the ones who show up and keep trying are the ones who will ultimately succeed. Even failure isn’t failure. It feels so small and obvious to some, but it was so empowering for me to hear.

Real failure is never trying in the first place. You can’t get to 100 if you don’t start at 1.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marketingbysam.com
• Instagram: @marketing.by.sam
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantharaj

Image Credits

Leo Brown from LJB Media.