Escape Plan Marketing

07/31/2026

Some news: Drew's going to be a guest on the AITV podcast with host Mark Miano, talking practical AI strategies for small business.

They record later this month, and we'll share the episode as soon as it's live. Keep an eye out.

07/29/2026

AI stopped being a buzzword and started being a business tool. So what's actually changed in the last year?

Drew is joining the panel at the GBA Breakfast Series on Thursday, August 13 to dig into "Navigating Business with AI: One Year Later." He'll cover practical AI for small business, alongside Jonathan Wilson of Design Tech on comparing AI platforms and Laura Ullrich of Indeed on what AI means for the workforce.

Gastonia Conference Center, 7:30 to 9:30am. If you run a business in Gaston County, this is a worthwhile morning. Register at the link in the comments.

07/28/2026

Thanks to the Belmont Rotary Club for having me last week to talk about taking AI to the next level.

My big message: AI isn't coming to replace your people. The businesses that win with it use AI to take the repetitive, low-value work off their plates, so their team can focus on the work that actually needs a human.

Most people are stuck using AI just to rewrite emails and summarize documents. The real value shows up when it becomes a thinking partner, and eventually a genuine competitive advantage in how you make decisions.

Over the last couple of years I've cut my client-work time by about 80%, and honestly the work got better, not just faster. My clients are seeing more leads because of it.

Got a club, team, or group that could use a down-to-earth talk on putting AI to work? I'd love to speak. Send me a message. Learn more: https://escapeplanmarketing.com/ai/

07/17/2026

When you’re looking at AI-assisted or AI-generated creative work, what matters most?

- Is it the author or source of the work, meaning whether a human, an AI tool, or some combination made it?
- Is it the amount of human work, judgment, and intent behind the piece?
- Or is it the quality of the final work itself?

I don’t think this is only a “creative industry” question. It touches marketing, branding, content, design, music, writing, and any business using AI to make something faster or better.

For me, the interesting part is not whether AI belongs in the process. It already does. The harder question is how we decide what has value when the process changes.

Comment with your take: when judging creative work in the AI era, do you care most about who made it, how much human effort went into it, or how good the final piece is?

Here’s the video that prompted the question:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tze93ItrA9k

People think they can see AI in writing. They can't. Nobody can l...

06/10/2026

That budget website seemed like a smart move at the time.
But most business owners who go the cheap-template or DIY route end up paying for it twice. Once upfront, and again when they have to rebuild from scratch.
Lost sales, wasted hours, search invisibility, and a credibility hit you might not even notice until a customer picks your competitor instead.
We broke down the real costs in our latest article. Worth a read before your next website decision.
https://escapeplanmarketing.com/resources/the-true-cost-of-cheap-websites-for-growing-businesses/

06/09/2026

So proud to be located in a town that's moving forward.

05/31/2026

https://youtube.com/post/UgkxROZbC_rG4bkt279Sf6p8Vwd7qsRbhHCy?si=5F4Rh9YF4i7r2UY-

A reminder that it’s ok to rise a lil earlier and grind a lil harder... ↓ There’s never been a better time to buy a business. I’m showing you exactly how at ...

05/28/2026

We are so proud to support the Town of Ranlo's free community events. The first Milltown Night was a huge success. Can't wait for the Juneteenth Celebration coming up next.

04/29/2026

We’ll be at the 2026 Small Business Expo with the Gaston Business Association on Wednesday, May 6 at the Gastonia Conference Center.

If your marketing feels a little scattered, stop by and see us. We’ll be offering a limited expo special designed to help small business owners figure out what to fix first before spending more money on websites, SEO, ads, or social media.

More details coming soon, but we’re keeping this one practical, affordable, and built for local small businesses.

Come say hello!