Journal

The journal

Experiments at the intersection of AI and marketing. Frameworks that compounded, and teardowns of things that spectacularly didn't.

How to Replace Part of a String in SQL
SQL3 min·Sep 2025

How to Replace Part of a String in SQL

Use the REPLACE function to swap part of a string in one record or thousands — with practical examples.

How to Convert a String to a Numeric Value in SQL
SQL3 min·Sep 2025

How to Convert a String to a Numeric Value in SQL

CAST() is the ANSI way. Here's how to convert text columns to numbers — with the classic gotchas.

How to Round Numbers in SQL
SQL3 min·Sep 2025

How to Round Numbers in SQL

ROUND() takes the number and the decimals you want. Simple, but easy to compound errors if you round too early.

How to Add Days to a Date in SQL
SQL3 min·Sep 2025

How to Add Days to a Date in SQL

DATEADD() shifts dates fast — perfect for renewals, cohort windows and birthdays.

5 Must-Know Examples of AI in Sales to Close More Deals
AI9 min·Jan 2025

5 Must-Know Examples of AI in Sales to Close More Deals

In sales, every second matters. Here are five categories where AI actually earns its keep — with the tools I've seen work.

Topical Cluster Guide — 2025 Update
SEO10 min·Jan 2025

Topical Cluster Guide — 2025 Update

Topical clusters can lift organic traffic by up to 200%. Here's how they work, how to build them, and how to measure them.

Two Black-Hat Affiliate Scams Silently Draining Your Credibility
Marketing7 min·Dec 2024

Two Black-Hat Affiliate Scams Silently Draining Your Credibility

Affiliation is a major channel for SaaS. Here's how to spot the bad actors before they eat your brand and your margin.

The Secret to Uncovering Customer Satisfaction — A Guide to Avoiding Order Cancellations
Business10 min·Nov 2024

The Secret to Uncovering Customer Satisfaction — A Guide to Avoiding Order Cancellations

Something worse than not selling? Selling, then losing the customer at delivery. Here's how to avoid it.

Unleash Marketing Success with the "Save the Cat" Formula (Book)
Marketing6 min·Nov 2024

Unleash Marketing Success with the "Save the Cat" Formula (Book)

Blake Snyder's screenwriting beat sheet is a surprisingly sharp tool for structuring marketing plans and landing pages.

I Revisited the Customer's Journey — Here's What I Found (Mind Mappings)
Marketing5 min·Nov 2024

I Revisited the Customer's Journey — Here's What I Found (Mind Mappings)

Mind-mapping the customer journey the way a screenwriter maps a hero's arc — with linked actions and a business funnel overlay.