4 AI & Automation Tools You Must Know in 2025 to Stay Ahead of the Game

June 26, 2025 Mario Stewart

Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/ai-generated-chatgpt-robot-8345978/ Image by AllThatChessNow from Pixabay

Let’s keep it real.

Most business owners are asleep at the wheel when it comes to AI. They’ve heard the buzz, maybe dabbled with ChatGPT — but they’re not actually using it to make more money, save time, or scale.

Here’s your wake-up call.

If you want to compete in 2025 and beyond, you need tools that give you leverage — not just cute hacks. So here are 4 real-deal AI and automation tools that are already transforming our business at EMRG Media.

1. Go High Level (GHL) – The Ultimate Automation Beast

Forget thinking of it as just a CRM. GHL is a full-blown automation ecosystem.

  • Drip campaigns, SMS, pipeline tracking, AI integration — all in one place.
  • It's like HubSpot and Salesforce had a baby… but without the crazy price tag.

Pro tip? Hire a GHL expert to set it up. Or if your budget's tight? Roll up your sleeves and learn. Either way, this tool is a weapon.

2. Canva (Now with Magic AI) – Your All-In-One Design Suite

If you’re not using Canva in 2025, you're getting left behind.

  • We use it for literally everything — social posts, pitch decks, flyers, proposals, you name it.
  • And now with Magic AI features, it’s even faster.

Design has never been this accessible. It’s not just pretty — it’s powerful.

3. Otter.ai – The Zoom Note-Taking Workhorse

We’re all on back-to-back calls, meetings, and masterminds.

Otter.ai listens, transcribes, and summarizes it all.

  • It’s your AI assistant taking notes 24/7.
  • Then? Plug those transcripts into ChatGPT, summarize, and turn them into SOPs, content, or decisions.

I don’t run meetings without it anymore. Period.

4. ChatGPT – But Only If You Actually Know How to Use It

Let’s be honest — 90% of users don’t go past the basics.
Correct a letter. Ask for a blog outline. Maybe rewrite a paragraph.

That’s fine. But if you're running a company? That’s weak sauce.

I train my staff to use Custom GPTs. To prompt like pros. To use GPT for sales follow-ups, proposals, blog outlines, scripts — you name it.

Learn to use this tool properly, and your output multiplies.

Some of my staff now produce the work of 3–5 people. Not because they’re superhuman — but because they’ve got AI assistants working alongside them.

Want to go deeper on this? Come to the Event Planner Expo 2025.

We're running a full AI + Automation Power Panel at the Speaker Series.

You’ll meet the people who are actually using these tools to grow. To build. To close more deals.

Not the theorists. The operators.

🗓️ October 14–16, 2025
🎟️ Visit The Event Planner Expo
💥 Use promo code: AI for 20% off

If you’re serious about scaling your business in 2025, get in the room.

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