AI Is a Survival Skill for Consultants

AI Is a Survival Skill for Consultants

Author: John Jantsch March 25, 2026 Duration: 20:25

AI did not just disrupt consulting, it changed what it takes to survive. Steve Cunningham shares how AI nearly wiped out his business, forced a complete reinvention, and ultimately led him to become an AI native full stack consultant. The conversation explores why context, workflows, and AI ready deliverables now matter more than traditional expertise alone. If you are a consultant, agency owner, or service professional wondering how AI is reshaping your role, this episode makes the stakes clear and the path forward practical.

*This is a re-run of a previous DTM episode.

Today we discussed:

00:00 How AI Wiped Out Steve's Business

03:54 What an AI-Native Consultant Really Is

08:11 Giving AI the Right Context

11:53 Choosing AI Platforms Without Lock-In

14:54 Deliverables for Humans and AI

17:37 Guardrails for Safe AI Work

20:22 Steve and SimpleConsultants

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For anyone trying to navigate the noisy world of small business growth, The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast offers a grounded, practical conversation. Host John Jantsch, recognized as a leading expert in this space, doesn't chase fads. Instead, he sits down with authors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and other practitioners who have actually built something. The discussions focus on actionable marketing tips and sustainable growth strategies you can apply, regardless of your budget. This isn't theoretical; it's a resource built on real-world experience. Each episode of the podcast feels like a direct consultation, breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps. You'll hear about systems that work, tools that save time, and mindsets that shift outcomes. Whether you're running the show yourself, working inside a marketing department, or building an agency, the consistent insight is how to do marketing that sticks and genuinely grows your business. The value comes from John's focused questioning and his guests' willingness to share what they've learned the hard way. Tune in for a clear-eyed take on what effective marketing looks like when the theory meets the road.
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