Bots in Your Pipeline: Using AI to Generate Real, Relevant Demand

The HEX-Files Energy Marketing Podcast

Are there any humans left on the Internet, or is it all bots? And how can AI tools help energy marketers reach the right targets?

In Episode 5 of The HEX-Files Energy Marketing Podcast, Host Arnaud Dasprez and AI pioneer Nick Caruso, Chief Revenue Officer and Co-Founder at KnowledgeNet.ai, explore how the rise of bots and artificial intelligence are transforming B2B marketing — particularly in the energy and industrial sectors. They discuss key challenges and opportunities, including bot traffic, lead quality, content strategy and pipeline visibility, all with a focus on achieving real-world business results.

Nick Caruso has been working in the AI and technology space for nearly three decades. Starting with large-scale government and enterprise projects, he now helps companies of all sizes put AI to work in a way that supports business growth. At KnowledgeNet.ai, he leads revenue strategy and works closely with sales and marketing teams to help them use automation, data, and smart targeting to generate better leads and close more deals.

In this episode, expect to learn:

• What to consider when filtering bot vs. human traffic
• Why companies need a real plan before adopting AI tools
• How AI helps personalize outreach and improve sales productivity
• Common risks when using AI without a clear strategy
• How to measure marketing performance in a changing landscape

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] - Teaser

[00:53] - Introduction of podcast and guest Nick Caruso

[02:31] - What KnowledgeNet.ai does and who it helps

[04:44] - Human vs Bot traffic: What it means for marketers

[08:11] - Understanding bots like ChatGPT as new visitors

[11:00] - The risks of AI implementation without a strategy

[14:18] - AI's Role in targeting and customization

[17:34] - Smart ways to target prospects and tailor outreach

[21:46] - What makes content stand out when everyone’s automating

[25:03] - Proposal writing and sales pipeline insights

[30:36] - Key KPIs: MQL to SQL conversion and account engagement

[34:53] - Building brand awareness in a world of search and AI

[36:22] - Final advice and getting started with AI

Follow our Guest Nick Caruso on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ncaruso/

Follow Host Arnaud Dasprez on:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnaud-dasprez-3a949a/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arnaud.dasprez
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnauddasprez/

Follow the Podcast:

• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hexagroup/
• Visit the Hexagroup Website: https://www.hexagroup.com/
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hex-files/id1800509801
• Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Uk06BviiKOGfbNNvPdV7a?si=fa31c1fc430d446d&nd=1&dlsi=53775ab58c874360