Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-07-16T15:00:00

(BPT) – Summer grilling season is here, and barbecue enthusiasts everywhere are firing up their grills. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your barbecue journey, there’s never been a better time to learn from the best.

Two legendary barbecue champions, Myron Mixon and Rodney Scott, are not only sharing their beginner-friendly barbecue wisdom but also bringing their award-winning flavors to the canine world through Beggin’s new Battle of the Beggin’ treats, giving dogs a chance to experience authentic barbecue flavors.

For those new to barbecuing, both pitmasters offer approachable starting points that won’t overwhelm novice grillers.

“I would suggest taking any of the smaller meats like pork chops and getting really comfortable working on them,” advises Mixon, who has appeared as a judge on TV shows “BBQ Pitmasters,” “Smoked” and “BBQ Pit Wars.”

Scott — who has been cooking whole-hog barbecue over wood coals since he was 11 years old — recommends “a shoulder or a ham. These are not very hard to cook at home. If you maintain your temperature, you can balance your time with the slow cook going on.”

The secret to great barbecue, according to these experts, lies in the seasonings.

“I personally recommend my rub recipe, which is salt, paprika, sugar, pepper, along with garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper,” says Mixon. For keeping meat juicy, he emphasizes equipment: “One piece of equipment you should invest in is a good meat thermometer. That way, you won’t ever undercook your product.”

Scott, who in 2018 was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s award for Outstanding Chef: Southeast and has been featured on Netflix’s “Chef’s Table,” has his own approach.

“I use a mop sauce technique with a string-headed mop to apply a thin sauce that’s supposed to help keep the meat moist while bringing out the essential flavors.”

Bringing barbecue to the canine world

These same principles of flavor mastery that make great human barbecue have now inspired something special for four-legged family members. Mixon and Scott have partnered with Beggin’ to champion specialty treats that capture the essence of authentic barbecue flavors for dogs.

“There’s nothing quite like the joy of barbecuing. I take great pride in crafting deep, smoky flavors that unite people,” said Mixon. “With Beggin’s Bacon & Beef Brisket treats, you can extend that same delight to your dog. My dog Roxie absolutely loves the Beggin’ Bacon & Beef Brisket treat, and I know your dogs will too.”

Scott is going head-to-head with Mixon, as he champions Beggin’s Bacon & Pork Spare Rib flavor.

“Barbecue isn’t just a cooking method; it’s a passion and a way of life for me,” he said. “There’s nothing like the satisfaction of creating rich, smoky flavors that bring people together. With Beggin’ Bacon & Pork Spare Rib treats, you’ll be able to share that same love and joy with your furry friends.”

The Battle of the Beggin’ treats are available now. Which flavor will your dog prefer — Bacon and Beef Brisket or Bacon and Pork Spare Rib? Let your dog be the judge and vote for their favorite Beggin’ flavor at BattleOfTheBeggin.com until Sept. 30, 2025.

2025-07-16T20:01:00

(BPT) – By Thomas Yoon, executive vice president of the Overseas Sales and Marketing Company at LG Electronics

The global B2B landscape is evolving rapidly. As technology becomes commoditized and ESG priorities gain prominence, our customers are no longer just comparing specs or prices. They’re seeking something more: partners who bring integrated value — efficiency, sustainability and long-term impact.

At LG Electronics, we’ve embraced this change. As the head of the Overseas Sales & Marketing Company, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the role of B2B sales is transforming. We’re moving beyond products to deliver comprehensive, co-designed solutions — particularly in areas like HVAC, information displays, smart factories and smart cities.

1. From Products to Solutions

We’re no longer just selling products — we’re providing solutions. Our “One LG” approach unites capabilities across the LG Group, enabling us to serve complex sectors like smart cities, hospitals and resorts with integrated offerings. Our dedicated One LG Integrated Offering Team collaborates directly with key decision-makers to understand their goals and design tailored, end-to-end solutions. For instance, we recently helped a global hotel chain overcome challenges by delivering a unified system that combined LG HVAC, information displays and commercial TVs — enhancing both guest experience and operational efficiency.

2. Global Orchestration

While our headquarters drives global consistency and quality, our field teams are empowered to adapt solutions locally. This balance helps maintain relevance in every market we serve. We also invest significantly in ecosystem partnerships and talent development. A prime example is the LG HVAC Academy, which trains over 30,000 professionals annually in 84 locations worldwide. These experts play a crucial role in delivering high-performance, localized solutions and enhancing after-sales support.

3. From Seller to Strategic Partner

Our B2B sales function is evolving into a project-based organization that manages the full customer journey — from early opportunity discovery and solution planning to delivery and ongoing support.

This is the core of our B2B strategy: to become a true strategic partner who grows alongside our customers. Our recent MOU with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Bawani Group to deliver smart home and smart city solutions exemplifies this vision in action. We’re also deepening our presence in North America, Australia and Europe.

As the market changes, we’re not just keeping up — we’re stepping up. The One LG Integrated Offering is the foundation of a new kind of partnership. Together with our customers, we’re building what’s next.

2025-07-16T11:23:00

(BPT) – Millions of Americans are taking to the road this summer for what is expected to be a record-breaking travel season.

Whether you’re headed to a national park or coastal city, safety and savings are top priorities for any vacation.

Providers like Allstate offer drivers a variety of ways to save, including personalized rates to help you stay protected while saving more this summer.

Ready to get on the road? Keep these tips in mind.

1. Choose your destination wisely

Some cities are riskier to drive in than others. For example, according to the 2025 Allstate America’s Best Drivers (ABD) Report (R),* Boston ranks as the riskiest city in the U.S., while Brownsville, Texas, is the safest.

Seven of the 10 cities with the highest collision rates are in the Northeast, but the West Coast isn’t far behind. Los Angeles, Glendale and Oakland, California, round out the top 10.

For a smoother ride, pick scenic regions like the Pacific Northwest. Drivers in Washington, Oregon and Alaska are driving safer than ever, with some of the biggest reductions in collisions countrywide.

2. Drive a newer vehicle

Driving a new vehicle has its perks.

“When you buy a new vehicle, you may qualify for a lower premium,” said smart shopping expert Trae Bodge. “If you choose an auto insurance provider like Allstate, you can save on your policy if your vehicle is a current model year or one year older.”

3. Drive a car with built-in safety and security features

Bodge also recommends driving a car equipped with built-in safety features, such as airbags, antilock brakes and anti-theft systems. Vehicles with these types of features are less likely to be in an accident or stolen than those without them and may qualify you for lower premiums.

4. Stay focused, stay safe

Distracted driving is dangerous. Keep your phone out of reach, skip the snacks and keep your eyes on the road.

Staying focused and distraction-free is critical when driving in a city like Boston, where drivers are nearly three and a half times as likely to be involved in a collision compared to the national average, according to the Allstate America’s Best Drivers report.

5. Respect speed limits

Allstate found that Alabama cities like Birmingham, Mobile and Montgomery experience larger rates of high-speed driving. Similarly, drivers in several major Midwest cities — including Indianapolis, Detroit and Chicago frequently exceed the speed limit by 15 mph or more.**

Don’t follow the crowd and and give in to the temptation to do the same.

6. Keep a clean driving record

According to Bodge, safe driving without violations or claims for several consecutive months can unlock safe driving discounts.

7. Enroll in a safe driving program

Enroll in a free program like Drivewise, available through the Allstate mobile app. The program rewards good driving habits like gentle braking, staying off your phone or maintaining safe speeds. This not only helps you make safer choices, but can help you save, too, with a personalized rate. A bonus: Allstate customers who choose to use Drivewise are 25% less likely to have a severe collision than those who don’t.***

8. Young drivers can save, too

It’s never too early to establish safe driving habits. According to Bodge, insurance companies like Allstate also offer special programs for newer drivers. “If you’re unmarried and under the age of 25, you can save at Allstate for maintaining good grades or successfully completing a driver education program,” adds Bodge.

9. Drive sober and well-rested

When road-tripping with friends, be sure to take turns driving to stay focused and alert when behind the wheel. If you’re going out for a good time, ensure that someone in your group agrees to be the designated driver.

Stay safe and have fun!

Wherever you’re headed, Allstate’s got your back. Get personalized rates and expert safety tips to help you stay protected and save more this summer. Start your journey at Allstate.com.

*Now in its 17th year, the 2025 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report^® ranks the 200 largest U.S. cities by collision frequency to help determine which have the safest — and riskiest — drivers. This year, Allstate researchers analyzed property damage claims reported during the two-year period of January 2022 to December 2023. The report defines a collision as any auto crash resulting in a property damage claim. The report uses U.S. Census Bureau data to determine America’s 200 largest cities.

**Regional driving behavior statistics are based on 2024 data from Allstate’s mobility intelligence insights, which analyze aggregated and anonymized driving behavior — including phone handling, high-speed driving and hard braking — across the 100 most populous U.S. cities.

***According to Allstate claims data, the average driver in the U.S. will experience a collision once every 10.56 years.

2025-07-16T09:01:00

(BPT) – You don’t have to go vegan to get the benefits of plant-based protein. Here’s how to sneak more into your routine — without overhauling your diet.

Forget food fads and restrictive rules. Today’s wellness movement is all about adding the right things in — especially when it comes to protein. Whether you’re a weekday vegetarian, a smoothie lover, or just trying to incorporate more plant protein in your diet, one thing is clear: Plant-based nutrition is a staple, not a trend.

It might be surprising but data from researchers at Abbott and The Ohio State University found that more than 1 in 3 of adults over 50 years old are not getting the daily recommended amount of protein they need. Plant proteins are a great place to start.

Why the plant-based boom?

More than 70 million U.S. households now identify as flexitarian, meaning they’re cutting back on meat and dairy and increasing plant-based meals and foods. Their reasons? Health, sustainability and energy. Increasingly, people are turning to plant-based protein to help them feel strong, stay active and support long-term wellness. In fact, 96% of people buying plant-based drinks aren’t vegan or vegetarian.

5 easy ways to add more plant-based protein to your day

1. Add it to overnight oats

Overnight oats are back and better than ever. Mix rolled oats with an Ensure Plant-Based Protein shake, chia seeds and cinnamon. Let it sit overnight in the fridge for a revamped grab-and-go breakfast option. One Ensure Plant-Based Protein shake offers 20 grams of plant-based protein, 25 essential vitamins and minerals, and 5 grams of fiber.

2. Swap croutons for roasted chickpeas

Top your salads with crunchy roasted chickpeas instead of croutons. They add texture, flavor and a solid dose of protein and fiber.

3. Turn soup into a superfood

Stir pureed white beans or lentils into soups and stews for a creamy texture and extra protein.

4. Make a dense bean salad

Swap in beans like chickpeas, black beans and great Northern beans for leafy greens to make a hearty salad that’s packed with fiber and protein. The best part? Dense bean salads can marinate in dressing and soak up flavors, giving them a longer fridge life and making them perfect for meal prepping and enjoying as leftovers.

5. Use quinoa as a base for bowls

Swap rice for quinoa in grain bowls. It’s a complete protein and pairs well with roasted veggies, beans and tahini dressing for a satisfying, balanced meal.

You don’t need to overhaul your diet to reap the benefits of plant-based eating. Small, smart swaps can help you feel stronger, more energized and more in control of your health — one bite (or sip) at a time. Visit Ensure.com to learn more about the importance of protein.

2025-07-15T01:01:00

(BPT) – By Brittany Murrey, Executive Vice President, Talent Solutions at Per Scholas

In a business environment where technology is constantly evolving, companies face challenges that need to be met by a skilled, trained workforce. The difficulty for business leaders is finding enough talent to meet the moment, with the exact skills required for today’s largest areas of concern.

A new survey^[1] conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Per Scholas, a national non-profit offering no-cost technology training in the most sought-after tech skills, surveyed 1,000 cybersecurity and data center executives and 1,000 employees working in tech to uncover insights about current threats and hurdles facing businesses. The survey results reveal three main areas of concern to help leaders understand how they should be hiring and training workers, while also guiding employees in transforming themselves into in-demand candidates.

Cybersecurity threats

There’s still a belief that only large enterprises need robust cybersecurity measures, but in reality, every organization — big or small — faces risks. According to the data, nearly two-thirds (64%) of C-Suite technology executives rank cybersecurity threats including data breaches and ransomware attacks as the biggest threat to U.S. businesses over the next decade. Top employee concerns include phishing (52%), external threats (42%), lack of encryption (41%), and less than half of employees (48%) believe their company is “very prepared” to prevent cybersecurity attacks. In fact, 56% of surveyed companies report defending against hacking attempts, 43% experienced data breaches and 14% experienced successful hacks.

These heightened cyber risks directly translate to significant talent demands, especially given the nearly 500,000 open cybersecurity roles nationwide.^[2] Data from the survey reveals that cybersecurity (53%), adaptability and problem-solving (52%), AI proficiency (42%) and digital/technical skills (38%) are most in demand for future hiring, highlighting a critical need for accessible training in these areas.

Growing data centers

Data centers — facilities where servers and networking equipment are stored and distributed on a large scale — are the essential backbone of our increasingly digital economy. They manage vast amounts of customer and client data, providing the critical capacity and infrastructure that modern businesses depend on.

The survey found that a whopping 95% of executives and 89% of employees view data centers as integral to managing data, and believe they’ll only become more integral over time. The exponential growth of data centers underscores their critical role in the economy; however, there’s a significant confidence gap in meeting future demand. Only 57% of C-Suite and 37% of employees feel “very confident” the industry will be able to keep up with this rising demand over the next five years.

Decision makers and workers agree that cybersecurity (82%), problem-solving (79%) and communication (61%) skills are essential for data center professionals. However, recruiting, retention and upskilling for these roles remain significant challenges.

The AI frontier

AI is finding its way into everything from day-to-day workloads to big-picture strategy. As this landscape continues evolving rapidly, 48% of business leaders surveyed believe integrating AI and other emerging technologies is a top challenge, while 35% point to growing rules and regulations surrounding AI as one of the biggest hurdles ahead.

Adapting to these challenges is top of mind for leaders, as nearly all (95%) say increased awareness and use of AI has an impact on how they store data, and a further 87% believe AI has already played an integral role and changed which challenges their businesses face.

Training to meet challenges

With nearly half of executives saying they regularly hire entry-level talent, skills training continues to be an effective solution to quickly meet the rising demand for talent. Fortunately, the Per Scholas survey suggests employees are ready and willing to upskill to protect sensitive data. By offering comprehensive training, businesses can embrace AI innovations and other challenges without sacrificing security. Strengthening security practices, investing in the right talent and building a reliable data infrastructure will help ensure sustainable growth for everyone in this connected landscape.

Per Scholas programs, provided at no cost to learners, offer industry-recognized training, equipping learners with job-ready technical and professional skills. For thirty years, Per Scholas has expanded access to high-growth technology careers and fostered economic mobility nationwide. On average, learners earn three times their pre-training wage in their first role. Per Scholas partners with employers — from Fortune 500 companies to startups — to create inclusive talent pipelines in fields like Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, IT Support and Software Engineering, empowering individuals to unlock their potential and drive transformative economic change nationwide.

Learn more at PerScholas.org, and follow this link to read more about the survey.

[1] Survey methodology: Talker Research surveyed 1,000 U.S. C-Suite and Direct Managers in Cyber Security and Data Center roles and 1,000 employed Americans working in technology; the survey was commissioned by Per Scholas and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Feb. 26 and March 5, 2025.

[2] “Cybersecurity Supply And Demand Heat Map.” Cyberseek, CyberSeek.org/heatmap.html. Accessed 9 May 2025.

2025-07-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is in full swing, and with it the thrill of travel. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, road-tripping with friends or exploring new places, the last thing you want is a scam ruining the fun.

Unfortunately, while you’re planning your getaway, scammers are planning, too, looking for opportunities to catch travelers off guard. In fact, fraud in popular tourist destinations can spike by as much as 28% during peak seasons, according to the Mastercard Economics Institute. That’s why it’s important to stay one step ahead. Check out these few simple tips to help keep your summer safe and stress-free.

1. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is

From beachfront villas at bargain prices to too-perfect flight deals, scammers know how to reel you in. Stick to trusted booking platforms and always verify listings on official hotel or airline sites. Be cautious if you’re asked to pay using wire transfers, gift cards or cryptocurrency, and take a moment to read reviews or reverse-search listing photos before clicking “book.” A little caution now can protect your entire vacation.

Summer smart tip: If a deal makes you feel rushed or overly excited, take a breath. Those few extra minutes of checking can make all the difference.

2. Watch out for pressure or emotional scams

Scammers create urgency to get you to act without thinking, whether it’s a fake alert about a canceled flight, a “limited time” upgrade or a plea from someone pretending to be a loved one in trouble. Don’t click on suspicious links and instead reach out directly to the company or person using verified contact information. Emotional manipulation is a red flag. If it feels off, it probably is.

Summer smart tip: Real emergencies don’t come with countdown clocks. Take a moment to pause, verify and protect your peace of mind.

3. Monitor your accounts like a pro

Between using public Wi-Fi and making more frequent purchases, traveling can open the door to digital fraud. Stay ahead by setting up transaction alerts on your cards and only using secure, password-protected Wi-Fi or a VPN when accessing sensitive information. Check your bank statements regularly, even mid-vacation, and turn on two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of protection to your accounts.

Summer smart tip: Think of alerts like digital sunscreen — extra coverage that keeps you protected while you’re out having fun.

4. If it feels off, say something

Whether it’s an unfamiliar charge or a suspicious message, trust your instincts and act quickly. Contact your bank or card issuer right away and report the issue to national fraud agencies like the Federal Trade Commission. Keeping records of suspicious activity can also help if follow-up is needed.

Summer smart tip: Acting fast is the best way to stop fraud in its tracks — and the sooner you report it, the more protected you’ll be.

5. Let the pros have your back

Many card issuers have protections in place to keep your finances safe. For example, with Mastercard’s Zero Liability protection, cardholders won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges. Just make sure to report them promptly and use your card with care. It’s safer than carrying cash, and you’ll have the added benefit of 24/7 fraud monitoring on your side.

Summer smart tip: Your Mastercard is more than a way to pay. It’s your built-in travel companion for peace of mind wherever the road takes you.

Worry less and explore more — because a cyber-safe summer starts with smart choices. Learn more at Mastercard Zero Liability Protection Policy | Zero Fraud Liability.

2025-07-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – Millennials are using online banking features more than other generations, according to a new survey from Chase. Learn more about their habits below.

2025-07-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – A breast cancer diagnosis often brings tough questions: What’s the right treatment for me? How long should I stay on medication? Will the side effects be worth it?

Today, genomic testing is giving women and their providers new tools to make more confident, personalized treatment decisions—especially when it comes to long-term hormone therapy (also called endocrine therapy) for early-stage breast cancer.

Understanding Hormone-Driven Breast Cancer

Many breast cancers are fueled by hormones like estrogen or progesterone. These are called hormone receptor-positive cancers, and they are often treated with endocrine therapy—medications that block or lower hormone levels to help prevent the cancer from coming back. Hormone therapy may be given as a pill, injection, or both.

The standard duration for hormone therapy is five years¹, but in some cases, doctors may recommend continuing treatment for up to ten years. This is called extended hormone therapy, and the decision to go beyond five years depends on the individual’s risk of recurrence.

While hormone therapy is effective, it often comes with side effects—such as joint pain, hot flashes, fatigue, and mood changes—that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. In fact, around 80% of women on hormone therapy report experiencing side effects², which can lead to missed doses, early discontinuation, or outright refusal to continue or extend treatment. These challenges make it even more important to identify who truly benefits from extended therapy and who may not need it.

By knowing the optimal duration of therapy for each individual, care teams can ensure patients are receiving the benefit of treatment without unnecessary exposure to years of side effects—striking the right balance between reducing recurrence risk and quality of life.

How Genomic Testing Can Help

That’s where genomic tests like MammaPrint^® and BluePrint^® come in. Together, these tests analyze the activity of specific genes in a breast cancer tumor to reveal how the cancer is likely to behave. This information helps doctors personalize multiple treatment recommendations from the beginning.

• MammaPrint looks at 70 genes to assess a tumor’s risk of recurrence. Studies have shown it can help inform a range of treatment decisions—such as identifying women who may safely avoid extended hormone therapy and those who may benefit from continuing.^3,4
• BluePrint evaluates 80 genes to determine the tumor’s molecular subtype, providing deeper insight into how the cancer may respond to different treatments.⁵

With results available within days, these tests provide valuable answers early—sometimes even before surgery—so treatment planning can begin right away.

Personalized Care for the Long Haul

For women with MammaPrint High Risk tumors, studies show that extended hormone therapy beyond five years isn’t necessary, sparing them additional years of side effects.^3-4 For others, like those with MammaPrint Low Risk, it can reinforce the importance of staying the course—knowing extended treatment significantly reduces their risk of recurrence.^3-4 For women with MammaPrint UltraLow, studies show that tumors may have the option to safely reduce their standard treatment duration based on their exceptionally low recurrence risk.²

Genomic testing doesn’t just guide medication choices—it supports peace of mind. When women understand the “why” behind their treatment plan, they’re more likely to stay with it.

Backed by Research, Built for Everyone

These personalized treatment options are supported by landmark clinical trials—including the Stockholm Tamoxifen Trial (STO-3),² NSABP B-42,³ and IDEAL⁴—which show that patients with different MammaPrint risk classifications benefit from different durations of hormone therapy. These studies provide critical evidence that not all patients require extended treatment, and that tailoring therapy duration based on genomic risk can help reduce over-treatment while maintaining strong outcomes. As genomic testing becomes a standard part of care, women and their doctors can work together to create treatment plans that are not just effective—but also personalized, evidence-based, and empowering.

Learn more at Agendia.com.

1. NCCN. Breast Cancer. Version 3.2024. JNCCN. 2024;22(5):331–357.
2. Rosso R et al. Curr Oncol. 2023;30(2):1461–72.
3. Rastogi P et al. J Clin Oncol. 2024;00:1-9.
4. van ‘t Veer LJ, et al. JAMA. November 2024
5. Whitworth, P., et al. Ann Surg Oncol (2022) 29:4141-4152

2025-07-07T15:35:00

(BPT) – Want to take your home entertainment to the next level? Adding a soundbar can transform your viewing experience with premium audio features.

Finding the right soundbar can seem overwhelming since there are so many to choose from, but you don’t have to overpay. Here’s how to choose a streaming-optimized soundbar that delivers premium audio quality without the premium price tag.

1. Look for streaming integration that simplifies your experience

When choosing a soundbar for streaming content, seamless integration matters. Amazon-built Fire TV Soundbars work with any TV, but work perfectly with Fire TV streaming media players and smart TVs, allowing you to control everything with a single remote. This integration eliminates the frustration of juggling multiple remotes and navigating complicated menus, creating a smoother streaming experience from start to finish.

2. Prioritize dialogue clarity for streaming content

Streaming shows and movies often feature complex dialogue that can be difficult to hear through standard TV speakers. Look for a soundbar with a dedicated center channel specifically tuned to enhance dialogue clarity. This technology ensures you won’t miss critical conversations or need to constantly adjust volume during quieter scenes.

3. Choose impactful sound technology without overpaying

When selecting a soundbar, focus on technologies that truly enhance your streaming experience. Amazon-built soundbars feature advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, creating immersive three-dimensional sound that moves around you. These features deliver cinema-quality audio that transforms how you experience streaming content, making every viewing session more engaging without requiring a significant investment. It’s about finding the right balance of performance and value for your entertainment needs.

4. Consider streaming-optimized audio modes

Different streaming content demands different audio settings. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus includes specialized audio modes (Movie, Music, Sports and Night) that automatically optimize sound based on what you’re watching. These preset configurations enhance your streaming experience without requiring technical audio expertise or complex adjustments, making it easier to enjoy content exactly as the director intended.

5. Look for versatility

A soundbar should do more than just improve TV audio. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream music, podcasts and other audio content directly from your devices. This versatility makes it a complete entertainment solution rather than just a TV accessory.

The Fire TV Soundbar lineup includes options at different price points, so you don’t have to pay hundreds of dollars for enhanced features and a premium audio performance. For more information about enhancing your streaming audio experience without overpaying, visit amazon.com/ftvsoundbarplus.

2025-07-07T11:01:00

(BPT) – Given the option, people like to buy from a real person. There’s pride in keeping small businesses open and more dollars in the local community. These businesses make up 99% of U.S. companies and account for 45% of jobs. They sponsor the neighborhood Little League and know their customers by name and face when they see each other in town.

So why aren’t small businesses winning more often?

Big companies have big budgets, teams and tools. They put themselves at the top of Google searches and have call centers to capture customer interest. What they lack in customer service, they make up with availability. After all, small businesses that can’t be available to answer the phone at all times can’t offer the personalized service that sets them apart. How can a small business compete without having to work 24/7 or hire more people than they can afford? The answer to getting more manpower, while maybe counterintuitive, is artificial intelligence (AI).

McKinsey reported that 90% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporating AI. Meanwhile, just over half of small businesses take advantage of the new technology, according to American Express’ Trendex report. Corporations can afford to test multiple softwares or hire more people to support the technology. They also likely have a better cost-to-benefit ratio than small businesses. Furthermore, most enterprise AI is too complicated, too expensive or too impersonal for local shops.

That is where solutions like OpenPhone enter — AI specifically built for growing businesses. In this case, to ensure no call or customer is ignored while allowing local mom-and-pops to keep the high-touch, personal services they’re known and loved for. Even bigger operations, like a franchise, can enlist this kind of AI across locations to help maintain customer service standards without the complication and cost that often come with solutions meant for corporations. Businesses can go from 30% of their callers leaving a message to 90% engaging with the company overnight.

“It’s all about making it easy for the customer,” Pink’s Windows’ Brandon Downer and Carter Smith said about their decision to adopt the system. When messages come in after hours or while all hands are on the job, the AI responds to gather essential information and kick off Pink’s Windows’ same-day quote promise. AI-generated call summaries then ensure the team can quickly provide quality service. It also helps meet younger customers where they want — via text — without having to stay attached to the phone.

ChatGPT and viral photo editing filters are glimpses into the power of AI at a large scale. When small businesses evaluate AI tools to help them compete with big business, consider the following:

• Built for Small Business: Small businesses have different needs. A tool built for companies with IT teams will cost more time and money than it saves.
• Clear Pricing: Check whether the tool bills by usage or a flat subscription, and confirm there are no hidden fees. Don’t risk getting billed more than budgeted!
• Out-of-the-Box Value: Does ‘training’ the AI require sophisticated technical skills? Or can the product ‘learn’ from existing workflows and provide value right away?

Technology has helped make running a small business easier in many ways. Not long ago, a good website was only possible for bigger companies with developers and designers. Bulky cash registers were standard until Square and tap-to-pay revolutionized point of sale.

AI is here to stay. Don’t be intimidated by the novelty or its transformative nature. Turning thoughtfully to AI can give human teams time back for the parts of the business they — and their customers — love.