A recent MIT report, titled "The GenAI Divide: State of AI in Business 2025," reveals that while U.S. businesses have collectively invested between $35 billion and $40 billion in AI initiatives, almost all of them (95%) are seeing zero return on their investments or no measurable impact on profits. Only 5% are seeing "value" from AI.
Many marketers are learning that bigger isn't always better when it comes to influence. Campaigns involving nano-influencers can cost a fraction of those that involve celebrities or macro-influencers.
Investing 8-12% of total revenue in marketing is a solid rule of thumb according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Companies aiming for rapid growth may surpass this range, with leading brands like Hims & Hers and Expedia reportedly allocating close to 50% of their revenue to marketing efforts.
"Most agentic AI projects right now are early stage experiments or proof of concepts that are mostly driven by hype and are often misapplied," said Anushree Verma, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner.
Unlike costly renovations with lower return on investment (ROI), a fresh coat of paint is a low-cost update that can increase sale price and shorten time on the market.
The digital transformation has led to 'popcorn thinking,' which has indirectly shaped a non-linear journey. Potential customers navigate circular loops, freely entering or exiting any phase.