April 2025

When you ask someone about their career and job, they can easily explain what they do and how they do it, but if you ask them why they do it, many struggle with the answer. Knowing your “why” should serve as the foundation and be clearly defined, as it provides a powerful purpose.

Embracing your “why” can have a tremendous impact on your life, business and success as it not only helps attract the right clients but also can boost company culture and lead you on the path to sustainable growth.

Related: The Power Of Finding Your Why

Attracting the right clients

Many businesses and leaders feel they should serve and be open to every interested person or client who presents themselves. However, not every client is the right fit for your business. When you keep your purpose and “why” front of mind, it helps naturally attract clients who align with your values and beliefs, while discouraging others who aren’t a right fit. This alignment saves time and efforts spent on meaningless meetings, proposals, etc., which allows you and your team to focus on delivering top results to the right clients.

Think back about difficult clients you’ve experienced — maybe they question your costs, approach and methods, or push the limits when it comes to your defined scope. They may not see or appreciate the true value in the services you provide, and oftentimes, it’s because they do not align with your company’s “why.” You want to work with clients who align and resonate with your purpose, as they will be the ones who will trust, value and appreciate your expertise and services, often becoming long-term partners.

Avoiding misalignment and scope creep

If you do not have a defined “why,” it opens the door to confusion and future issues such as miscommunication or client asks outside of your determined scope of work. By defining your “why,” you reduce the chances of misalignment happening in the client relationship, which can cause frustration on both sides.

It’s also important to set boundaries and expectations from the beginning in order to make sure everyone is aligned on objectives and to prevent misunderstandings. This helps develop a more productive and fulfilling relationship for both parties. Your “why” should serve as a guiding principle to keep your business on track and focused on its mission.

Reinforcing your market position and brand

In order to build your brand and establish your position in the marketplace, you need to set your business apart from the competition. A defined and clear “why” can not only make your business more memorable, but by showing your investment in the greater good and something other than just earning a profit, it can help attract both loyal clients and employees. Sharing your “why” along with your company story, mission and values makes your company more relatable and authentic. Think of this as another tool to build trust and loyalty, which contributes to long-term growth.

Related: An Inspiring Discussion With Simon Sinek About Learning Your ‘Why’

Developing a unified team

Beyond your client relationships, a well-defined “why” plays a critical role in building a solid, unified team. If you hire employees based on just skill and experience, you may have a high-functioning workforce, but they may lack passion, loyalty and commitment. You want your team members to believe in your “why,” so they are invested in your vision.

Employees who align with your purpose don’t work solely for the paycheck — they are dedicated, innovative and take a sense of ownership and pride in their work. Those team members become a driving force delivering top-tier customer service that has an impact on the long-term success of your business. A team that shares a collective “why” is more motivated, resilient and can overcome adversity.

Your “why” is more than a simple mission statement — it is the core of your business. It impacts the clients you attract, your company culture and the long-term success of your business. Leading with a purpose draws you to the right people, including clients and employees, who share the same beliefs about what you stand for. It helps foster a profitable, fulfilling and sustainable business environment. I encourage you to take a moment and ask yourself: Why do you do what you do? The more clearly you can define your answer, the stronger your business will be.

Whether you’re looking to run a side business from home or turn a passion into a full-time career, these brands stand out in the 2025 Franchise 500 as the top franchises you can start for under $5,000. They’re ranked across a variety of industries — from commercial cleaning to travel planning to fitness — and offer entry points for nearly every budget.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

1. Stratus Building Solutions

• Founded: 2004
• Franchising since: 2006
• Overall Rank: 23
• Number of units: 4,182
• Change in units: +73% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $4,450 – $79,750
• Leadership: Doug Flaig, CEO
• Parent company: SBS Franchising LLC

With commercial cleaning in high demand, Stratus Building Solutions offers a low-cost entry point into a recession-resistant industry. Franchisees receive green-certified tools, branded marketing materials and ongoing support to build a scalable business from day one. The brand’s unit growth of 73% over three years signals strong momentum, especially for those seeking a part-time start that can grow into a full-time operation.

Related: This Travel Franchise Turns Your Passion for Vacations Into a Money-Making Opportunity

2. Dream Vacations

• Founded: 1991
• Franchising since: 1992
• Overall Rank: 41
• Number of units: 2,078
• Change in units: +39.7% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $2,590 – $21,870
• Leadership: Brad and Jeff Tolkin, co-CEOs/chairmen
• Parent company: World Travel Holdings

Dream Vacations gives aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to sell travel from anywhere — no storefront required. As a home-based business, it’s perfect for those looking to turn a passion for travel into extra income or a full-time career. Franchisees benefit from industry-leading training, a robust support system and access to exclusive deals for clients. Plus, the brand often offers discounts for military veterans and first responders.

Related: 64 Million U.S. Households Have a Pet. Here’s How This Top-Ranked Franchise Is Making Busy Owners’ Lives Easier.

3. Cruise Planners

• Founded: 1994
• Franchising since: 1999
• Overall Rank: 70
• Number of units: 2,961
• Change in units: +11.4% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $1,945 – $20,465
• Leadership: Michelle Fee, CEO
• Parent company: CP Franchising LLC

Cruise Planners specializes in more than just cruises — it empowers franchisees to sell all types of travel, from all-inclusive resorts to custom trips and excursions. With a flexible, work-from-anywhere model and a comprehensive suite of marketing and booking tools, it’s a great option for those seeking supplemental income or a lifestyle-based business. No travel industry experience is needed to get started.

Related: How a Police Officer Started a Pet Care Business Making $3 Million a Year

4. Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting

• Founded: 1991
• Franchising since: 1992
• Overall Rank: 77
• Number of units: 11,266
• Change in units: +7.5% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $4,830 – $58,070
• Leadership: Gary Bauer, brand president
• Parent company: Empower Brands

If you’re looking to tap into the booming commercial cleaning sector, Jan-Pro Cleaning & Disinfecting offers franchisees recurring revenue, flexible hours and a turnkey business model. With more than 11,000 units and steady growth, it’s ideal for entrepreneurs seeking a proven, scalable opportunity. Franchisees receive training, equipment and client contracts, making it a strong choice for beginners and part-time operators alike.

Related: No Experience? No Problem. How This First-Time Franchisee Built a $3 Million Business.

5. Buildingstars

• Founded: 1994
• Franchising since: 2000
• Overall Rank: 269
• Number of units: 1,201
• Change in units: +24.6% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $2,445 – $53,200
• Leadership: Chris Blase, president
• Parent company: Facility Brands Inc.

Buildingstars lets franchisees ease into the commercial cleaning world at their own pace, with tiered investment options ranging from part-time to full-time. The brand focuses on office cleaning, which tends to have predictable, repeat clients and flexible scheduling. With 1,200 units and strong multi-year growth, it’s a smart pick for entrepreneurs who want to keep their day job while building a reliable income stream.

Related: Explore the full 2025 Franchise 500 list, complete with category rankings.

6. Jazzercise

• Founded: 1969
• Franchising since: 1982
• Overall Rank: 392
• Number of units: 7,141
• Change in units: -10% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $2,140 – $40,735
• Leadership: Judi Sheppard Missett, founder & executive chair
• Parent company: Jazzercise Inc.

Jazzercise blends fitness with fun and flexibility, giving franchisees the chance to teach dance-based workout classes without needing to lease their own studio. Many instructors partner with local gyms or community spaces, keeping costs low. Ideal for fitness enthusiasts looking to inspire others, the brand also offers multiple revenue streams — from classes to branded merchandise.

Related: At 80, Jazzercise’s Founder Is Thriving. She Credits Lean Protein, Weightlifting, and Treating Herself to a Daily Dr Pepper.

Can intellectual property survive as AI advances and allegedly uses copyrighted work as training material?

Twitter (now X) co-founder Jack Dorsey recently weighed in on the debate, taking to X on Friday to call for an end to intellectual property law, which covers areas like copyright, patents, and trademarks — and Elon Musk approved of his stance.

“Delete all IP law,” Dorsey wrote on Friday evening in a post that has been viewed more than 10 million times. An hour later, Musk responded, “I agree.”

I agree

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 11, 2025

Dorsey immediately received pushback from lawyer and former 2024 vice-presidential candidate Nicole Shanahan.

Shanahan, who was married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin until 2023, told Dorsey that IP law was the “only” barrier between work created by human beings and work by AI.

“IP law is the only thing separating human creations from AI creations,” Shanahan wrote in a reply to Dorsey’s post. “If you want to reform it, let’s talk!”

Dorsey objected, replying that “creativity” is what separates humans from AI and that the legal system is currently inhibiting creativity.

^{Jack Dorsey. Photographer: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images}

While Dorsey may want to end intellectual property law, copyright holders are still holding on to their work. Dozens of cases have been filed over the past few years in U.S. federal court against AI companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta, as authors, artists, and news organizations accuse these companies of using their copyrighted work to train AI models without credit or compensation.

AI needs ample training material to keep it sharp. It took about 300 billion words to train ChatGPT, an AI chatbot now used by over 500 million people weekly. AI image generator DALL·E 2 needed “hundreds of millions of captioned images from the internet” to become operational.

Related: Jack Dorsey Announces His Departure from Bluesky on X, Calls Elon Musk’s Platform ‘Freedom Technology’

The first U.S. ruling on AI copyright law arrived in February when a Delaware federal court ruled that legal research firm Ross Intelligence was not allowed to copy content from Thomson Reuters.

Ross Intelligence asserted it was allowed to utilize copyrighted material to train its AI under the fair use doctrine, which permits the use of a copyrighted work in specific circumstances. However, the court dismissed the fair use defense because the AI training data was employed in a commercial context.

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman commented on fair use in AI copyright law at the Aspen Ideas Festival in June. Suleyman stated then that almost all web content was fair use for “anyone” to copy or recreate, with the possible exception of some news sites and publishers that have asked not to be scraped.

“That’s the gray area, and I think that’s going to work its way through the courts,” Suleyman said, at the time.

Related: A Microsoft-Partnered AI Startup Is Being Sued By the Biggest Record Labels in the World

I’ll be the first to admit it — I’m obsessed with AI. As an entrepreneur and marketer, I’ve watched artificial intelligence go from a futuristic idea to an everyday business need. AI has become a powerful tool for entrepreneurs, small business owners and creators looking to work smarter, generate new income streams, and scale their businesses faster than ever.

In fact, I’m one of those people, and I’ve seen firsthand how these tools boost my income. Let me show you the five ways I’m actually making money with AI right now, which have transformed my business and helped hundreds of entrepreneurs do the same.

1. Write attention-grabbing content with AI

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: Content is king and the fastest way to profit from AI is to use it in your own business. Blog posts, social media updates, email sequences and sales pages all play a crucial role in attracting leads and driving revenue. However, creating content at scale takes time, which is why I created my AI copywriter for high-impact marketing materials.

How to do it?

Start by taking your top three performing pieces of content. Use AI to break down exactly what made them work – the hooks, the structure, the calls to action. Then create templates that let AI replicate those winning patterns across all your marketing channels.

More high-quality content leads to more traffic, more leads and more sales

Aside from writing with AI, I also repurpose content in a way that maximizes reach. For example, I can take a long-form article or webinar, let AI summarize key takeaways, extract tweetable quotes and turn them into bite-sized LinkedIn or Twitter posts. This keeps my audience engaged without me having to constantly write from scratch.

Related: AI Is Transforming the Workplace — Including Social Media Marketing. Here’s How Businesses Can Actually Use It.

2. Package AI services to premium clients

As a marketing consultant (and someone who runs a virtual assistant team), one of the biggest ways I make money with AI is by using it to upgrade the services I offer to clients. I’ve started integrating AI tools into client projects — and they love it.

Why? Because my team can deliver more work in less time without sacrificing quality. AI helps us write copy, edit videos, design graphics and even generate data-driven insights faster than ever. The result? Happier clients, bigger projects and higher earnings.

Now, think about the services you already offer (or want to offer) and ask yourself, “How can AI help me deliver faster, better results?” or “What new services can I offer using AI?”

Here are a few examples:

• Writing: ChatGPT and Claude help brainstorm topics and speed up drafting so you can take on more projects.
• Graphic Design: Canva’s Magic Studio and MidJourney help create more content, faster.
• Video Editing: Descript and Opus make editing faster and smoother.
• Marketing and consulting: ChatGPT and Perplexity help with deeper insights and strategies.

The bottom line: Every business needs what AI helps create, and those are attention, leads, and sales. And if you’re “the person who knows how to use AI”? You’ll always be in demand.

Related: 5 Practical Ways Entrepreneurs Can Add AI to Their Toolkit Today

3. Create AI products that print money while you sleep

I’m a big believer in scaling income with digital products like online courses, e-books, templates, guides and more. And AI has made this process faster and easier for me. It even improves the quality of what I create in some cases.

The best part? You can create them once and sell them many times.

For example, if I want to write a short e-book, I’ll start by asking an AI to outline the main chapters. Then I’ll use AI to draft sections which I can later edit and refine with my personal touch. This cuts down creation time, so I can get the product to market faster and start earning sooner.

Related: 5 AI Marketing Tools Every Startup Should Know About

4. Build AI sales funnels that deliver

The behind-the-scenes way AI contributes to making me money is marketing automation. It creates the conditions that lead to revenue and that’s just as valuable.

For example, AI crafts everything (lead magnets, email sequences, sales pages, and ads) — so my funnel runs efficiently from start to finish. Then, AI tools schedule my content, onboard new clients and handle follow-ups without me having to be hands-on every step of the way. This means scaling without extra work. Instead, the system works in the background, warming up leads until they’re ready to buy.

5. Become the AI expert everyone wants to hire

When I first started using AI in my business, something unexpected happened — other business owners started asking how I was doing it. That’s how I discovered that many businesses are now seeking AI experts to help integrate AI into their operations.

The fact is, right now, companies are willing to pay premium rates for AI expertise because:

• They know AI is important, but don’t know where to start.
• They need practical solutions, not technical deep dives.
• They want to save time and make more money using AI.

If you’ve successfully used AI in your own business, you already have the foundation to help others do the same. And right now, there’s more demand than supply for AI consultants who can help companies navigate this shift.

The AI advantage is yours to take

What started as a way to improve my own business turned into a system that runs smoother, earns more and scales effortlessly. And here’s the truth: anyone willing to learn and adapt can do the same.

You just need to be curious, willing to experiment and ready to apply what works. The biggest rewards will go to those who take action.

Now, the only question left is: How will you use AI?

Picture this: A young couple working tirelessly to support their family, only to find themselves one unexpected medical bill away from financial ruin. Across the globe, stories like theirs are becoming alarmingly common as financial systems fail to keep pace with today’s economic realities.

From the U.S. facing a $50 trillion savings gap to Europe’s aging population and China’s hidden inequities, the message is clear: We are woefully unprepared for the financial challenges of the future. But where systems falter, businesses can rise. The question is: Will they?

Related: Report: 57% of Americans Cannot Afford a $1,000 Emergency Expense

The problem: Hundreds of trillions of global savings are missing

Globally, financial systems leave individuals, businesses and governments vulnerable to growing economic instability. In the U.S. alone, a $50 trillion savings gap leaves millions without the financial security they need for retirement, emergencies or education. Without action, this gap will continue to grow, forcing many to rely on short-term fixes like high-interest debt instead of building long-term financial stability.

And this is not just a U.S. issue. Europe is grappling with an aging population and outdated systems that can no longer support fiscal resilience. In China, a culture of high savings masks glaring inequities in access to scalable, reliable financial solutions. The challenges may differ across regions, but the root problem remains the same: Savings systems everywhere are outdated and unable to meet the demands of today’s economy.

Governments alone cannot solve this. With fiscal pressures mounting and systemic reform slow-moving, the private sector must step in. This call to action was a central theme at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where I joined industry leaders to explore how businesses can help close the savings gap. The conclusion was clear: Businesses are uniquely positioned to strengthen financial resilience for employees — and in doing so, they can drive long-term stability for both their organizations and society at large.

The savings gap is not just an economic challenge; it’s an opportunity for leadership. The question is no longer whether businesses should act, but how quickly they will rise to the occasion.

From a culture of debt to a culture of savings

Despite advancements in technology, savings and retirement systems remain complex, outdated and inaccessible — particularly for low-income and underserved workers. Today, high-interest debt is easier to access than structured savings programs, creating cycles of financial instability and making it harder for employees to build long-term resilience. Without access to workplace-backed savings options, many workers are forced to rely on credit to cover emergencies, perpetuating financial insecurity.

Employers as change agents

Employers are uniquely positioned to address this challenge. They not only have the ability to provide access to savings mechanisms but also the power to influence financial habits by embedding savings tools into employees’ daily lives. Financial stress is a major threat to business performance: According to Financial Finesse’s Workplace Financial Wellness in America report, 76% of financially stressed employees report a negative impact on their productivity.

However, employers who integrate savings programs into workplace benefits see measurable gains. Research from the National Fund for Workforce Solutions shows companies offering holistic financial wellness programs experience a 43% increase in employee engagement and a 40% boost in productivity — both driven by reduced financial stress. Furthermore, employees with access to structured savings programs are less reliant on high-interest debt, creating a cycle of financial stability rather than insecurity.

This is where employers can make a tangible difference. One of the most effective tools employers can implement is emergency savings accounts, which provide employees with quick, penalty-free access to funds when unexpected expenses arise. Yet, despite their clear benefits, only 21% of companies offer ESAs, even though 60% of employees want them.

Related: 8 in 10 Employees Live Paycheck to Paycheck — How You Can Help Them Break the Cycle

Lessons from the 401(k) revolution

The adoption of 401(k) plans in the United States demonstrates the impact employers can have on financial behavior. As of 2024, 70% of private-sector employees have access to these plans, an increase of 10% over the past decade, driven by initiatives like automatic enrollment and increased matching contributions. While progress has been significant in retirement savings, a comparable effort is now urgently needed for short-term financial security, including emergency savings solutions.

By integrating tools like ESAs into their benefits offerings, businesses can help employees build resilience against unexpected financial shocks. This is not only a win for workers but also for businesses, as financially secure employees are healthier, more focused and more productive.

A clear path forward for employers

Employers can take three immediate steps to address the savings gap and foster financial wellness for their employees:

1. Implement Emergency Savings Accounts (ESAs):

ESAs provide employees with penalty-free access to funds for unexpected expenses. Despite their clear benefits, only 21% of companies currently offer ESAs, though 60% of employees express a desire for them. Employers should prioritize integrating ESAs as a cornerstone of their financial wellness programs.

2. Expand savings accessibility through automation:

Automatic enrollment and contributions have proven effective in increasing participation in 401(k) retirement savings programs. A similar approach can be applied to short-term savings solutions, where employees are automatically enrolled in savings plans with the option to opt out. This encourages participation and builds habits of financial discipline.

3. Broaden financial education:

Financial literacy is critical to empowering employees to make sound decisions about saving and spending. Employers can offer workshops, digital tools and personalized financial counseling to equip workers with the knowledge they need to manage their finances effectively.

A collaborative effort

While employers are a critical link in closing the savings gap, they can’t solve the problem alone. The Employee Benefits Research Institute suggests that governments must take action through smart regulation and incentives that encourage businesses to offer workplace savings programs.

That’s why events like the World Economic Forum matter — where large private businesses and financial institutions come face-to-face with startups doing things differently, and policymakers that are engaged, to explore solutions at the intersection of public and private sector responsibility. We need more global forums that drive collective action and hold leaders accountable for addressing financial insecurity at scale, but the real challenge is ensuring that solutions don’t just exist in theory but are actively implemented where they’re needed most.

Large-scale discussions alone aren’t enough. Real change happens when those are combined with action at the local level, meeting people where they are — through workplace initiatives, community programs and policies that directly impact individuals’ financial lives.

Public-private partnerships are already proving that scalable savings solutions work. Collaborations between financial institutions and employers have led to higher participation in savings programs and better financial well-being for workers. But there is still a long way to go.

Related: 3 Reasons Employers Should Focus on Employee Financial Well-being

The savings gap isn’t just a looming crisis; it’s a call to action. For businesses, the responsibility to address this challenge goes beyond ethical obligation; it’s a competitive advantage. Financially secure employees are more engaged, productive and invested in their work. But beyond profits and performance, businesses have the opportunity to lead a cultural shift — from a society burdened by debt to one built on savings and stability.

It’s time for business leaders to take bold steps and foster a future where financial wellness is the standard, not a privilege. Together — with governments, financial institutions and communities — we can close the gap, strengthen resilience and ensure that every individual has the tools to build a brighter financial future. The future of savings starts now, and it starts with us.

As an entrepreneur, you likely wear many hats other than just owner. You’re probably an unofficial member of the marketing team and graphic design squad. While you’re dipping your toes out of necessity, that shouldn’t mean that your business’s photos, graphics, and videos shouldn’t look as though they were done by professionals.

Luckily, you don’t necessarily need prior editing skills to edit photos like a pro. All you need is help from Luminar Neo, which wraps pro-level and AI-powered editing tools into a simplistic design that just about anyone can use. Grab lifetime access for less than $90 for a limited time.

These AI-powered tools can also remove unwanted objects, retouch skin, adjust color, control vibrancy, and replace skies, all in just a few clicks. None of these tools require in-depth knowledge of photography or tools like Photoshop to make your photos come to life.

You also receive six add-on packs that can transform photos with just one click:

• Light Reflections: 10 overlays
• Color Harmony: 10 LUT presets
• Wintertime: 10 overlays
• Frosty Winter: 20 LUT presets
• Tranquil Dawn Skies: 25 overlays
• Tender Blushing Skies: 25 skies

There are also additional editing features for enhancements, relighting, composition and perspective, and structure for editing finer details. Some other features include: panorama stitching, automatic background removal, and noise removal.

These complex tools can be daunting to use at first, but no need to worry—there’s a video course in the full version’s bundle that goes over basic and advanced features, including how to use your six add-on packages.

Luminar Neo makes it possible to have a professional editor at your fingertips, all without paying the expenses typically demanded of professionals in this field.

For a limited time, you can get lifetime access to Luminar Neo, now just $89.99.

The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle

Only $89.99 at Entrepreneur

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Some things just go together, like owning an iPhone and an Apple Watch. Around 80% of iPhone users have an Apple Watch, too, according to Counterpoint Research. There’s an easy way to keep your Apple Watch charged up, whether you’re at the gym or the job: Attach this small, wireless keychain charger to your daily carry — now just $14.97.

Pocket-size power

Sometimes, work can take you out of the office and away from the convenience of plugging your chargers into the wall. But that doesn’t mean you must let your Apple Watch run out of battery right when trying to stay the most connected in the field. Slip this wireless keychain charger in your pocket or clip it to your bag for the most efficient charge on-the-go.

At just 2.5 by 3 inches, the wireless Apple Watch charger is small enough to attach to your keys without bulk. With a matte black case, this slim charger holds a 950mAh battery that can charge any Apple Watch series. Thanks to the magnetic center ring that holds your watch in place, you don’t have to worry about maintaining the connection.

Charge up the power bank via microUSB; you can even charge your watch on the bank while it charges. Verify the charge level by checking the 4 LED lights on the outside. When you’re ready to power up your watch, snap the magnet seal into place and press the power button for three seconds to get charging. With built-in safety protection, there’s no concern about overheating, over-current, over-voltage, or short circuits.

This on-the-go charger is usually $49, but you can get it now for just $14.97 and stay charged no matter where your boss sends you.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

As a growing number of consumers shift to online shopping, businesses are having to invest in customer service technology that can handle large volumes of inquiries efficiently. Chatbots are an emerging solution for businesses looking to expand their reach and boost conversions online. In the next five years, the chatbot market is set to grow by 23% from its estimated market size of $7.76 billion.

This projected growth can be attributed to the competitive advantages online businesses gain by using chatbots. One of the biggest draws of this innovative technology is its ability to improve customer service.

How can chatbots improve customer service?

Chatbots are ideal for companies that want to grow their consumer base without hiring additional customer service agents. These automated support workers can handle a variety of routine questions and offer a number of benefits, including:

Fast response times

Online businesses have a very short window of opportunity to capture the attention of potential customers browsing their websites. In fact, most people spend less than 15 seconds on each webpage they click on.

Given how impatient the average internet user can be, chatbots are a useful tool for keeping potential customers engaged. They can respond almost instantly to customer queries and keep visitors from abandoning your site.

Related: 10 Tips for Creating a Great Chatbot

Multilingual communication

Chatbots can be programmed to serve customers from around the world in their native language. By implementing multilingual chatbots, businesses can reach a broader audience and retain customers who may not have made it to checkout without assistance in their own language.

Even though many people visit foreign language websites, the majority still prefer to access websites in their mother tongue. According to the European Commission, 44% of internet users feel that they are missing out on important information because the websites they use are written in a language they are not familiar with. In addition, 82% of internet users refuse to buy products in a foreign language.

This means that it is absolutely vital for businesses targeting global markets to increase the number of languages they offer on their websites. Chatbots are a simple, cost-effective way of making website content accessible to customers who speak a different language.

Multi-tasking capabilities

Unlike human customer service agents, chatbots have the capacity to conduct multiple conversations at once. They enable businesses to serve more customers at a lower cost than human workers.

Although this can raise concerns about job security for customer service agents, the fact remains that humans are still needed for more complex customer queries and issues. By using chatbots, you can free up your employees to manage more detailed requests and save them from the monotony of answering the same basic questions repeatedly.

Personalized recommendations

Chatbots can provide new and repeat customers with personalized product recommendations based on their browsing history and past purchases. For example, if you own an online clothing store and recently sold a set of pajamas to one of your customers, the next time they visit your site, a chatbot can greet them by name and recommend a sleep mask to go with their sleepwear.

Tailored interactions like this can increase customer satisfaction and promote brand loyalty. As a matter of fact, a whopping 81% of customers would rather purchase products from a company that provides a personalized experience. This means that using AI-powered chatbots with advanced analytical capabilities is a good move for companies looking to boost customer satisfaction.

24-hour availability

One of the most striking differences between chatbots and human customer service agents is their availability. Employees need to take breaks and sleep in between shifts, which limits customer service to certain times of day. Chatbots, on the other hand, never take breaks and can perform indefinitely, enabling businesses to serve customers in different time zones and increase their reach.

Related: 5 Innovative Ways to Give Your Customers the Personalized Experiences They Want

Limitations of customer service chatbots

While chatbots offer a number of benefits and are continually improving in their ability to handle the nuances of human interaction, there are limits to what these programs are able to do. They sometimes have difficulty handling detailed or unexpected questions, lack the emotional intelligence of a human customer service agent and are susceptible to technical glitches.

Using a human workforce to tackle more complex customer service issues and provide support in case of technical failure can mitigate these challenges and maintain a positive customer experience. Moreover, reserving human customer service agents for complex issues can make their work more engaging and potentially increase retention rates.

What to expect moving forward

In the not-too-distant future, we can expect to see more innovative applications for chatbots in customer service, including multi-modal interactions.

Chatbots can enable multi-modal interactions by processing non-written methods of communication. For example, certain healthcare chatbots can analyze photos of skin rashes and other visible symptoms of disease to provide patients with an initial diagnosis. This takes the strain off doctors and allows them to provide care for more urgent, complex conditions.

Multimodal chatbots can also improve accessibility in customer service by allowing visually impaired customers to send audio recordings instead of typed questions. This opens up an exciting realm of possibilities for AI-driven solutions to diverse customer needs.

Final thoughts

Chatbots are a valuable addition to online customer service. They can assist more website visitors than human agents and play an important role in conversational marketing through the creation of personalized product recommendations. Moving forward, their capacity to handle complex queries will likely improve as AI becomes more advanced. Various industries will be able to use them to improve accessibility and reduce the workload of human employees. All that remains is for you to decide whether your business will join this growing movement of automated interaction.

Related: A Closer Look at The Pros and Cons of AI in Business

The stock market just took a historic nosedive, with the Dow Jones plunging 1,500 points in a single day at the time of writing this. Panic? Sure, for those already invested. But for newbies, it’s a flashing neon sign that says “Buy low.” The only problem? Most people don’t know what to buy.

That’s where an OpenAI-powered stock picker is stepping in—not just to track the chaos but to help first-time investors find stocks worth paying attention to while they’re still down. Sterling Stock Picker is currently $68.99 for a lifetime subscription, down from $486.

Invest in the market with help from AI

Sterling Stock Picker was designed to help regular people make informed investment decisions without getting lost in confusing charts or financial jargon. The app starts by learning about your goals and risk tolerance through a quick five-minute questionnaire. Then, it shows you stock picks tailored to your personal investment profile.

What makes this tool different from browsing Reddit threads or Googling “best stocks to buy“? The recommendations are calculated based on your input, with guidance from a built-in AI financial assistant named Finley. Ask it anything, from what P/E ratio means to which stocks align with your goals, and you’ll get a straightforward answer powered by OpenAI.

Once you’re up and running, you can check in on your portfolio, explore detailed stock analyses, or let the AI walk you through the next steps. For those who want more than just hot tips, Sterling also offers educational insights and community features to help you level up over time.

Right now, a Sterling Stock Picker lifetime subscription is $68.99. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay for a single session with a human advisor.

Sterling Stock Picker: Lifetime Subscription – $68.99

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

This week, it was reported that Apple has flown six cargo jets with about 1.5 million iPhones from India to the U.S., per Reuters.

The tech giant reportedly began boosting its iPhone inventory in the U.S. in March when President Donald Trump first announced the possibility of tariffs on China and other trading partners.

But getting the phones here fast most likely won’t be enough.

Related: Apple Reportedly Airlifted More than a Million iPhones from India to the U.S.: ‘Wanted to Beat the Tariff’

The Trump administration said on Friday that the U.S.’s duties on Beijing are now 145%, and China raised its retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports to 125%. Apple, meanwhile, makes around 80% of its products in China, which now means an additional 145% tax when imported.

In a note, Bank of America Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan estimated that the $1,199 iPhone 16 Pro could see a price increase of at least 25%, which would add a $300 bump, per CNBC.

However, a $1,500 iPhone is a lot cheaper than how much it would cost if it was made in the U.S.

Earlier this week, Wedbush’s Dan Ives said that if iPhone manufacturing moved to the U.S., the cost could be close to $3,500 — and it could take over three years and $30 billion just for Apple to move 10% of its supply chain to the U.S.

Related: ‘Everyone Is Here Because of the Fear’: Customers Rush to Apple Stores to Buy iPhones Before Expected Tariff-Related Price Increases

Still, in an interview with CBS on Sunday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested iPhones could be built in factories in the U.S.

“The army of millions and millions of human beings screwing in little screws to make iPhones, that kind of thing is going to come to America,” Lutnick said.

With all the back and forth, shoppers are racing to buy iPhones now, according to Bloomberg.

“Almost every customer asked me if prices were going to go up soon,” one employee told the outlet.