Hey friends!
Hope you all had a great week.
Three massive AI launches just dropped, but there’s a bigger signal here we need to talk about. Let me break this down for you.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
First, what we’re witnessing isn’t random. Every major tech company is racing to build AI agents in 2025. These launches? They’re the first wave. The real competition is just beginning.
WHAT JUST DROPPED?
DeepSeek R1
DeepSeek R1 is China’s answer to ChatGPT, but open source and WAY cheaper. Backed by heavy hitters in the AI world, it’s designed to handle complex tasks like data analysis, coding, and content creation—all while being highly customizable thanks to its MIT license.
Why It’s Cool:
- Enterprise-level AI for startup prices.
- MIT license = easy to integrate and customize.
- Crushes complex tasks like data analysis and coding.
How You Can Use It:
- Generate blog posts, social media content, or marketing copy.
- Crunch numbers and pull insights from your data.
- Help your dev team debug or write boilerplate code.
Try it here: DeepSeek R1
OpenAI’s Operator
This is OpenAI showing their hand in the AI agent race. Think digital employee that can navigate the web like a human. It’s designed to integrate seamlessly with tools like Slack, Gmail, and Notion, making it a central hub for your workflows.
Why It’s Cool:
- Automates repetitive tasks like data entry and scheduling.
- Learns your business processes over time.
- Integrates with existing OpenAI tools.
How You Can Use It:
- Handle FAQs or troubleshoot customer issues.
- Scrape data from websites or compile reports.
- Automate sales follow-ups and meeting scheduling.
Try it here: OpenAI Operator (requires PRO)
Why It’s Cool:
- Real-time info processing for quick research.
- Works across apps like Slack, Gmail, and Notion.
- Perfect for entrepreneurs on the go.
How You Can Use It:
- Pull competitor updates or industry news.
- Summarize long reports before meetings.
- Automate repetitive tasks like email follow-ups.
Try it here: Perplexity Assistant
Perplexity Assistant is exclusively available for Android devices right now.
THE SIGNAL YOU CAN’T MISS
Here’s what matters: 2025 is shaping up to be the year of AI agents. Every major player is building their version of a digital assistant that can actually DO things, not just chat about them.
What This Means For You:
- The tools are coming faster than ever
- The competition is driving rapid improvement
- Early adopters will have a serious advantage
THE SMART PLAY
Don’t try to adopt everything. Instead:
1. Watch these developments closely
2. Identify specific pain points in your business
3. Move fast when you see a tool that solves YOUR problem
HERE’S THE KEY
Don’t get caught up in the hype. These are tools, not magic. The winners in 2025 won’t be the ones who use every new AI tool – they’ll be the ones who pick the right tools for their specific needs and move fast when it matters.
P.S. I’ll keep you updated on all these developments. We’re early in the game, and I’ll ensure you’re fully prepared when the time comes to leverage these innovations.MIKE THE NERD (Funnels and Webinars)
Last week, many of you reached out to me and told me that you loved the Avicii writing framework that I shared. So let’s keep this party going…
As you know, every week I’m consuming everything I can – podcasts, blogs, case studies. My #1 focus? Separating signals from noise. Because that’s where the real opportunity lives.
Here’s a signal I can’t ignore:I’ve been reverse engineering why the top players in every industry are quietly shifting to webinar funnels. Not the cheesy “guru” kind. I’m talking about serious operators who are absolutely crushing it. Quick note – I’m using “webinar” because we all know what it means. But call it whatever works for your industry: Executive briefing, masterclass, private roundtable, strategic summit. The name doesn’t matter. The framework does.Here’s what I found:Think about the last time you bought something expensive. Did you just whip out your credit card the moment someone pitched you? Hell no. You probably stalked their website, watched their content, maybe even followed them on LinkedIn.
That’s exactly why webinar funnels are crushing it right now. It’s not about the webinar – it’s about the journey.
First, you build your audience. Not for fun – but because people follow experts who give them an edge. Pick your platform (LinkedIn, email, whatever) and demonstrate your expertise daily. Not by chest-thumping, but by sharing real wins and lessons. The kind of stuff that makes people think “damn, they really know their sh*t.”
Remember: Businesses aren’t following you for entertainment. They’re following you because every time they read your stuff, they get a little bit better at what they do.
Then, you invite them to something free that’ll blow their minds. A training that solves a real problem. Not some fluffy “motivation” BS – I’m talking tactical, specific, holy-crap-I-can-use-this-tomorrow stuff.
The magic happens during the webinar. While everyone else is pitching their faces off, you’re just… teaching. Showing them exactly how to solve expensive problems. Demonstrating that you’ve been in the trenches and found a way out.
By the end, they’re not just educated – they’re converted. Not because you “sold” them, but because you showed them you actually know your sh*t.
The numbers are wild:
2,500 of the right people → 200 show up → 15-20 become clients (8% conversion is good).
On a high-ticket deal? That’s seven figures from teaching what you already know.
Here’s what gets me excited: This works for ANY serious business. Because at the end of the day, people don’t buy services – they buy trust. And nothing builds trust like actually helping someone before asking for a dime.
Until next week,
Mike
P.S. Last week, I said: ‘Make people feel something.’ This week, I said: ‘People don’t buy services—they buy trust.’
Notice the pattern? In a world of AI, your edge is human connection. Trust and emotion are what set you apart.