StoryBrand Marketing Agency
Is Your Marketing Message So Confusing Even Your Own Mom Doesn’t Get It?
We're a StoryBrand Marketing Agency that helps Service Businesses clarify their messaging so everyone wants to work with you!
✓ Build trust and authority in your industry
✓ Connect with CLIENTS WHO ACTUALLY GET IT
✓ MARKETING THAT FEELS NATURAL
WATCH THIS VIDEO
If your message isn’t landing—and the right clients aren’t showing up—it’s not your fault. Most service business owners are great at what they do. They just struggle to talk about it clearly.
In this video, I’ll walk you through how we fix that using the StoryBrand Framework, plus how to get started with either DIY or done-for-you options.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR MESSAGE ISN’T CLEAR
Can your mom explain what you do?
Can you easily explain what you do?
Can anyone?
If not, that's the problem we fix.
Because when people don’t understand what you do, they move on. You end up working harder just to stay in the game.
You’re always re-explaining yourself
Your website doesn’t convert visitors into clients
Your leads aren’t the right fit
Referrals become scarce
Marketing is frustrating as all hell
But it doesn’t have to be this way. A clear message makes all of that easier. It’s the difference between chasing leads—and attracting the right ones.
You might not believe it yet, but marketing can actually be the opposite of frustrating when you're doing it right.
MAKE YOUR MARKETING Simpler
Whether you want to learn the system or hand it over completely, the goal is the same: clear messaging that brings in better clients with less effort.
A DIY SYSTEM THAT’S SIMPLE TO FOLLOW
for weekly group coaching, templates, and a proven system that fits seamlessly into your week—without taking over your life.
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COACHING THAT MEETS YOU WHERE YOU ARE
Want someone to walk you through it? Get 1:1 or team coaching to clarify your message and apply the StoryBrand Framework to your business in real time.
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DONE-FOR-YOU MARKETING
Too busy to do it yourself? We’ll build your messaging, write your copy, create the assets you need, and handle your StoryBrand marketing—so you can stay focused on running your business.
HI, I'm Vicky Sidler
And I’VE BEEN WHERE YOU ARE
I know how it feels to stare at your marketing and think, “Why isn’t this working?” That's why I created a StoryBrand Marketing Agency.
All in all, your business isn’t just another brick in the wall—it’s something special. Your story matters, and I’m here to help you share it in a way that feels real, connects with people, and gets results.
As a certified StoryBrand Guide, I specialize in turning complicated ideas into clear, compelling messages that resonate with your audience.
With a background in journalism, I’ve spent decades telling stories that matter and crafting content people want to read.
I’ve developed a proven system to help businesses like yours cut through all the AI trash that's out there and build genuine connections with their audience.
Your story isn’t just important—it’s the reason people will choose your business. Let’s make sure it’s heard loud and clear by the people who need it most.
And sorry if I got Pink Floyd stuck in your head just now...
EVERYTHING STORYBRAND, ALL IN ONE PLACE
Whether you need help with strategy, websites, content, or SEO, I offer the full range of StoryBrand marketing services—done with you or done for you.
StoryBrand Framework
StoryBrand Wireframe
StoryBrand Websites
StoryBrand SEO
StoryBrand Video
StoryBrand Copywriting
StoryBrand Email Sequences
StoryBrand Marketing Funnels
StoryBrand Workshops
StoryBrand Consulting
StoryBrand PPC
StoryBrand Lead Generation
StoryBrand
Social Media
StoryBrand Strategy
StoryBrand Content Marketing
StoryBrand Local Service
StoryBrand Coaching
MARKETING THAT DOESN’T TAKE OVER YOUR LIFE
Whether you want to build it yourself or hand it off completely, as a StoryBrand Marketing Agency, we’ll give you a clear message and a simple system that actually works.
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BOOK A COFFEE CHAT
This is a no-pressure, non-sales call where we discuss what’s working, what’s not, and where you want to go.
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CHOOSE YOUR PATH
Get hands-on support through the StoryBrand Course, 1:1 or team coaching, or let me build the entire marketing system for you—messaging, website, emails, and more.
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FIX YOUR MARKETING
Walk away with a message that resonates, a plan that’s easy to follow, and marketing that works while you sleep and finally delivers results.
COFFEE’S ON ME (OK, NOT REALLY)
But I'm serious about helping you connect with your audience. Let’s grab a coffee (on Zoom) and chat about your marketing goals.
Wondering how to simplify your message? Let’s talk.
Ready to stand out in an AI-saturated world? I’ve got ideas.
Just need clarity? I’ll help you see the big picture.
This isn’t a sales call—just a friendly, low-pressure chat. At the very least, you’ll walk away with some cool ideas you can try on your own.
SCHEDULE YOUR COFFEE CHAT WITH ME (VICKY) TODAY
FIXING YOUR MARKETING SHOULDN’T FEEL IMPOSSIBLE
Most small business owners aren’t marketers—they just want to explain what they do in a way that makes people care.
But when the message isn’t clear, everything else gets harder: websites don’t convert, leads go cold, and social posts fall flat.
You might worry that getting it right will take too much time, cost too much money, or feel like just another online course you’ll never finish.
That’s why I offer three simple paths: do-it-together support through the StoryBrand Course, 1:1 and team coaching, or done-for-you services where I build your full funnel myself.
You’ll get clear messaging, practical templates, and real support—so your marketing finally works and your business actually grows.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
We know marketing can feel overwhelming, and you probably have questions. That’s why we’ve put together answers to the things people ask us most.
What makes Strategic Marketing Tribe different from other StoryBrand marketing agencies?
We’re the StoryBrand marketing agency that skips the boring "corporate speak." We blend the power of StoryBrand with strategic marketing solutions to craft content that feels human, genuine, and impossible to ignore.
How can your strategic marketing solutions benefit my business?
Our strategic marketing solutions simplify your message, clarify your brand story, and help you connect with your ideal customers. It’s marketing that makes sense and gets results – no jargon, no gimmicks, just growth.
What is StoryBrand, and why does it matter?
Think of StoryBrand as a cheat sheet for marketing clarity. It helps you explain what you do in a way that makes people stop, listen, and say, “Oh, I get it.” We use it to create marketing that feels human and that your audience will actually enjoy reading.
Do I need to be familiar with StoryBrand to work with you?
Not at all! Whether you’re a StoryBrand superfan (like us!) or have no idea what it is, we’ll walk you through everything. We’re here to make the process simple, clear, and (dare we say) fun.
How do I know if this is right for my business?
If people keep saying “I don’t really get what you do,” or you’re getting the wrong kind of leads, it’s a sign your message needs work. That’s what we fix.
What if I don’t have time to take a course?
The course is built for time-strapped business owners. You get short lessons, plug-and-play templates, and live support so you’re never stuck or overwhelmed.
What’s the difference between the course and the done-for-you service?
The course gives you training, tools, and weekly support so you can do it yourself. The done-for-you option means I build your whole funnel for you.
How long does it take to see results?
Most people see clearer messaging and better engagement within a week of applying the one-liner. Bigger results (like leads and conversions) follow as you apply it across your marketing.
What if I’ve already tried StoryBrand and it didn’t work?
Many people try to apply StoryBrand on their own and miss key parts. This course walks you through it step-by-step, with real examples and live feedback from a Certified Guide.
STORY, MEET STRATEGY
Let’s make marketing feel less robotic and more real. Find resources from a StoryBrand Marketing Agency that bring your message—and your business—to life.
AI Replacing Humans Backfires—What CEOs Miss
By Vicky Sidler | Published 29 August 2025 at 12:00 GMT+2
A San Francisco billboard shouting “Stop Hirring Humans” was meant as a clever marketing stunt. Instead, it became a neat metaphor for what’s gone wrong with the AI-at-work hype cycle.
In the last two years, CEOs have been falling over themselves to replace employees with “digital workers” that never sleep, never ask for a raise, and never unionise. The theory: cut salaries, boost efficiency. The reality: angry customers, costly rehires, legal trouble, and more than a few public “we may have overdone it” moments.
That gap between hype and reality is exactly what Markus Brinsa explored in his Chatbots Behaving Badly™ column, and recent corporate missteps only reinforce his point: replacing humans outright isn’t a shortcut to productivity—it’s a fast track to chaos.
TL;DR
Companies from fintech to fast food have replaced staff with AI—many are backtracking.
High-profile failures show bots can’t match human empathy or problem-solving.
AI without oversight brings legal, reputational, and operational risks.
Augmentation beats replacement: combine AI speed with human judgment.
Need help getting your message right? Download the 5-Minute Marketing Fix.
Table of Contents
AI Replacing Humans Backfires—What CEOs Miss
Why the Robot Overlords Keep Tripping:
1. Lack of emotional intelligence:
The Legal & Reputational Landmines:
The Smarter Play—Augmentation:
AI Can't Replace Expertise—Tea Data Breach Proves It
AI Fraud Crisis Warning—What Small Biz Must Do Now
Vogue's AI Model Ad Backfires—Marketing Lessons for Small Businesses
AI Energy Crisis Looms—How Smart Tech Is Fighting Back
AI Visibility: What ChatGPT, Google AI, and Perplexity Cite Most
FAQs – AI Replacing Humans Backfires
What does “AI replacing humans backfires” mean?
Why are some companies rehiring staff after replacing them with AI?
Can AI fully replace human workers today?
What risks come with replacing humans with AI?
What’s the better approach—replacement or augmentation?
How can small businesses use AI effectively without replacing staff?
The CEO Daydream vs. Reality:
The pitch for “digital employees” is irresistible to executives: tireless bots that handle customer queries, crunch data, and slash costs.
And yet, reality hasn’t been kind. Klarna’s CEO bragged about AI doing the work of 700 humans—then rehired people when customers revolted over poor service. Carnegie Mellon’s “all-AI company” experiment saw the best bot complete just 24% of its tasks, with some delivering 1.7%. That’s not workforce transformation—it’s a productivity sinkhole.
There’s no one I’ve discussed the Klarna story with who wasn’t at least a little delighted by the outcome. Humans have somehow become the underdogs in our own workplace reality—rooting for each other when faceless corporate cost-cutting backfires. Not every business owner, of course—especially not the big ones with a reputation for caring more about margins than people—but when the jobs they created get slashed for the sake of efficiency and it fails spectacularly? It’s hard not to enjoy the irony.
Why the Robot Overlords Keep Tripping:
For all the big promises, these so-called “digital employees” have a knack for falling flat in ways that any seasoned human could have predicted.
1. Lack of emotional intelligence:
AI can mimic politeness but can’t actually empathise. It can’t read a frustrated customer’s tone or improvise to calm them down.
2. No common sense:
Bots flounder in unfamiliar situations. Humans fill in gaps with judgement; AI either guesses badly or stops.
3. Hidden overhead:
AI systems need human babysitters—engineers to integrate, monitor, and fix them. You’re not eliminating jobs; you’re swapping them.
4. Morale damage:
Fire half your team for bots and watch the rest polish their CVs. Perception matters.
The Legal & Reputational Landmines:
From Amazon’s biased recruitment AI to Workday’s class-action discrimination suit, the risks are real. Misfiring AI in hiring, lending, or compliance can trigger lawsuits, fines, and PR damage that far outweigh the “savings.”
New York City already mandates bias audits for AI hiring tools; the EU’s incoming AI Act will go further. The era of “deploy first, think later” is ending.
The Smarter Play—Augmentation:
The companies doing AI right aren’t replacing—they’re augmenting.
AI handles the repetitive tasks.
Humans take the complex, creative, and sensitive ones.
Staff are retrained, not pink-slipped.
Think ATMs: they took over withdrawals but increased the number of bank tellers by freeing them for higher-value work.
For Small Business Owners:
Even if you’re not sacking hundreds, the lesson is the same: AI should support your team, not replace it. Test tools in small areas, keep humans in the loop, and measure outcomes against customer experience, not just costs.
If your marketing is next on the AI chopping block, remember this: a bot can churn out 20 posts in a few minutes, but without a clear, human-crafted message, it’s noise.
Need a place to start? Try the 5-Minute Marketing Fix—it’s the quickest way to sharpen your message so people listen, whether your content is human-written or AI-assisted.
Related Articles
AI Can't Replace Expertise—Tea Data Breach Proves It
When AI replaced human cybersecurity judgment at Tea, the result was 72,000 leaked user photos. A perfect reminder that replacing expertise with algorithms can turn a cost-saving plan into a PR nightmare.
AI Fraud Crisis Warning—What Small Biz Must Do Now
Sam Altman warns AI fraud is coming fast—and convincingly enough to fool people who know you best. It’s the next chapter in the “AI backfires” saga, but with higher stakes for small business owners.
Vogue's AI Model Ad Backfires—Marketing Lessons for Small Businesses
Guess swapped a real model for an AI one in a Vogue ad, and the backlash was instant. A cautionary example that replacing humans with digital stand-ins can tank both trust and brand perception.
AI Energy Crisis Looms—How Smart Tech Is Fighting Back
AI may cut payroll costs, but it’s guzzling electricity at a rate that could hit 3% of global consumption by 2030. The hidden cost of automation every CEO should know.
AI Visibility: What ChatGPT, Google AI, and Perplexity Cite Most
Want AI to reference your business accurately? This deep dive into where AI gets its “facts” shows how to position yourself so the bots become your unwitting promoters.
FAQs – AI Replacing Humans Backfires
What does “AI replacing humans backfires” mean?
It refers to companies that rushed to swap human employees for AI “digital workers,” only to face costly problems—like poor customer experiences, operational failures, legal risks, and ultimately having to rehire humans.
Why are some companies rehiring staff after replacing them with AI?
Many found that AI couldn’t handle complex, sensitive, or unpredictable tasks as well as people. This led to frustrated customers, lower quality, and in some cases, financial losses that outweighed the initial savings.
Can AI fully replace human workers today?
Not effectively. AI excels at repetitive, structured tasks but struggles with emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving, and adapting to new or ambiguous situations. Most roles still require human oversight.
What risks come with replacing humans with AI?
Key risks include:
Poor customer service and brand damage
Hidden costs for integration and ongoing maintenance
Employee morale decline and higher turnover
Legal liability for bias or discrimination in AI decisions
What’s the better approach—replacement or augmentation?
Augmentation is the smarter choice. Use AI to handle repetitive or low-value tasks while keeping humans for work requiring judgment, creativity, empathy, and adaptability.
How can small businesses use AI effectively without replacing staff?
Start small:
Test AI on specific, low-risk tasks
Keep humans in the loop for decision-making
Train staff to use AI tools as assistants, not replacements
Measure success based on customer satisfaction, not just cost savings
What’s the first step for business owners considering AI?
Get clear on your goals and your message. Before you deploy AI in marketing or customer service, make sure your value proposition is sharp and easy to communicate. Tools like the5-Minute Marketing Fix can help you do that.
Is your Marketing Message so confusing even your own mom doesn’t get it? Let's clarify your message—so everyone wants to work with you!
Created with clarity (and coffee)