Author Archives: bebtexas

DEFINING AI Based on Functionality

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The earlier versions of the AI applications that we commonly interact with were based on traditional machine learning models. These models rely on learning algorithms created and managed by data scientists, requiring human intervention to process new information and perform tasks beyond their original training.

With the introduction of artificial neural networks,  machines are able to learn through reinforcement and mimic the information processing of the human brain.

With the continuous evolution of AI, the field is in a state of constant change and rapid development. Our comprehension of both realized and theoretical AI is constantly shifting, leading to variations and overlaps in AI categories and terminology across different sources. Nonetheless, a comprehensive understanding of AI can be gained by examining two overarching categories: AI capabilities and AI functionalities.

The four types of AI based on functionality are:

Reactive Machine AI:

Reactive machines refer to AI systems that lack memory and are programmed to carry out specific tasks based solely on present data without the ability to remember past decisions or outcomes. These AI systems utilize statistical mathematics to analyze large volumes of data and generate intelligent outputs.

Examples of Reactive Machine AI:

  • IBM Deep Blue: This supercomputer AI defeated chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov in the late 1990s by evaluating the current chessboard configuration and predicting potential move outcomes.
  • The Netflix Recommendation Engine: Netflix employs models that analyze viewing history data to suggest content tailored to individual preferences.

Limited Memory AI:

In contrast to Reactive Machine AI, Limited Memory AI can retain past events and outcomes for a certain period, allowing for decision-making based on historical and current data. While it improves with additional training data, it does not store past experiences for long-term use.

Examples of Limited Memory AI:

  • Generative AI tools: ChatGPT, Bard, and DeepAI utilize Limited Memory AI to predict and generate content.
  • Virtual assistants and chatbots: Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana, and IBM Watson Assistant incorporate Limited Memory AI to comprehend user queries and provide relevant responses.
  • Self-driving cars: Autonomous vehicles employ Limited Memory AI to navigate their surroundings and make real-time driving decisions.

Theory of Mind AI:

Theory of Mind AI falls within the General AI category and encompasses AI systems capable of understanding the thoughts and emotions of others. This would enable AI to interact with individuals based on their emotional needs and intentions, forming human-like relationships. Emotion AI is a concept within this category, focusing on analyzing data to recognize and appropriately respond to human emotions.

Self-Aware AI:

Self-Aware AI, a theoretical form of functional AI, would possess superintelligence capabilities, including an understanding of its own internal states and human emotions. This AI class would exhibit emotions, needs, and beliefs, similar to human behavior but remains a concept rather than a realized technology.

 

DEFINING AI Based on Capabilities

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The earlier versions of the AI applications that we commonly interact with were based on traditional machine learning models. These models rely on learning algorithms created and managed by data scientists, requiring human intervention to process new information and perform tasks beyond their original training.

With the introduction of artificial neural networks,  machines are able to learn through reinforcement and mimic the information processing of the human brain.

With the continuous evolution of AI, the field is in a state of constant change and rapid development. Our comprehension of both realized and theoretical AI is constantly shifting, leading to variations and overlaps in AI categories and terminology across different sources. Nonetheless, a comprehensive understanding of AI can be gained by examining two overarching categories: AI capabilities and AI functionalities.

Artificial Narrow Intelligence, also known as Weak AI, is the current state of artificial intelligence that exists today. It is designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks more efficiently than a human mind. However, it is limited to the narrow range of tasks it has been trained for and cannot operate outside of those parameters. Examples of Narrow AI include virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, as well as IBM Watson.

On the other hand, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), also known as Strong AI, is a theoretical concept that encompasses the ability for AI to use previous knowledge and skills to perform new tasks in different contexts without the need for human intervention. AGI has the potential to learn and perform any intellectual task that a human can.

Artificial Superintelligence, also known as Super AI, goes even further beyond AGI in terms of theoretical capabilities. If realized, Super AI would possess cognitive abilities that surpass those of human beings, including the ability to think, reason, learn, and make judgments beyond human capacity. Super AI would have evolved to understand human emotions and experiences, and potentially even develop emotions, needs, beliefs, and desires of its own.

D-SNP AND DIRECT MAIL

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As we approach the open enrollment period for Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), marketing to prospects turning 65 years old has never been more crucial. Utilizing direct mail campaigns can be a highly effective strategy to reach this specific demographic and guide them through the enrollment process.

Our company offers the unique ability to identify individuals who are about to turn 65 based on their birth month and birth year. We then narrow down our target audience, single individuals and married individuals earning less than the federal poverty level guidelines along with net worth.

Through a three-touch direct mail strategy, we can engage these prospects at key moments leading up to their 65th birthday. The first touchpoint involves sending them an introduction piece, providing valuable information about your D-SNP plans and the benefits they offer. The second touchpoint is a personalized birthday greeting, along with specific calls to action to start the open enrollment process. Lastly, the third piece includes a comprehensive overview of your plans, helping to seal the deal and convert these prospects into new business.

By planning a year-round open enrollment marketing strategy with our team, you can ensure that your message reaches the right people at the right time. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you effectively market to D-SNP prospects and drive success during the upcoming enrollment period.

Why Online Content Disappears and What It Means for Us

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In today’s digital age, the internet serves as a massive repository of information, connecting users worldwide to a wealth of resources. However, a recent analysis by the Pew Research Center sheds light on the fleeting nature of online content.

A staggering quarter of webpages created between 2013 and 2023 are no longer accessible as of October 2023. This phenomenon of “digital decay” is prevalent across various online platforms, with news websites, government sites, and even Wikipedia pages experiencing broken links and disappearing content.

The Pew Research Center’s study also delved into social media and found that nearly one-in-five tweets become inaccessible within just a few months of being posted. Accounts are often suspended or deleted, leading to the disappearance of tweets from public view.

The implications of this digital decay are significant. It raises questions about the permanence of online information and the reliability of sources in our digital landscape. As users, we must be aware of the transience of online content and take measures to preserve and protect valuable information for future generations.

The internet may be an ever-expanding universe, but it’s essential to recognize that content can vanish in an instant. Let’s start a conversation about the preservation of online information and the impact of digital decay on modern society.

Tradeshow Essentials

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Trade show essentials are the key items and tools that exhibitors need to have for a successful and productive trade show experience. Some common trade show essentials include:

  1. Booth materials: This includes display stands, backdrops, banners, table covers, and signage that help attract visitors to your booth and effectively showcase your products or services.
    Promotional materials: Brochures, flyers, business cards, and promotional giveaways are essential for providing information about your business and creating a lasting impression with attendees.
  2. Lead generation tools: Tools like lead capture forms, contact cards, and a system for managing and following up with leads are crucial for maximizing the networking opportunities at a trade show.
  3. Technology devices: Laptops, tablets, chargers, and any other technology needed for demonstrations, presentations, or engaging with visitors digitally.
    Marketing collateral: Branded promotional items such as pens, notepads, and merchandise that can help increase brand visibility and serve as reminders of your business after the event.
  4. Comfort items: Comfortable shoes, snacks, water, and other essentials to keep you energized and focused throughout the long days of the trade show.

Having these trade show essentials prepared and organized can help make your participation in a trade show more seamless and successful. Call on BEB for all of your tradeshow needs.

What Is Data Driven Markeing?

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Put simply, data-driven marketing is the practice of basing your brand’s marketing and communications strategies on the quantitative information you’ve gathered about your target audience.

While traditional marketing practices were based on long-held assumptions or “gut” feelings, data marketing is based on quantifiable facts from consumer data. What once would have been an untargeted marketing campaign based on an educated guess is now a factual effort based on what you know to be true.

By combining the consumer data collected by your brand and reliable third-party sources reflecting additional information about your customers’ lifestyles, interests, and behaviors—as well as consumer trends and propensities—you have all of the information you need to handcraft the perfect campaign to reach your target audience.

The benefits of data marketing are vast. When you improve both the accuracy and speed of marketing campaigns, your efforts are more efficient and effective, allowing you to:

  • Enhance targeting and personalization. Gathering and analyzing vast amounts of customer data—such as demographics, preferences, behavior patterns, and purchase history—helps guide segmentation and enables marketers to create more personalized campaigns. This targeted approach increases the chances of engaging customers, building stronger relationships, and driving higher conversion rates.
  • Improve campaign performance. Data-driven marketing empowers marketers to continuously monitor, measure, and optimize campaign performance. By tracking performance metrics in real time, marketers can quickly identify underperforming campaigns or channels and make data-informed adjustments to improve results.
  • Achieve a higher ROI. Businesses that use data marketing strategies drive five to eight times as much ROI compared to businesses that don’t. That’s because making data-driven decisions leads to increased efficiency and cost savings, as businesses use data to optimize their campaigns and target their resources more effectively.
  • Stand out against competitors. With accurate data, you can stay up-to-date with market trends and make more informed business decisions. As a result, 64% of marketing executives “strongly agree” that using a data-driven marketing strategy helps them stand out from and succeed against their competitors.
  • While you may be able to reach these same conclusions with traditional trial-and-error marketing practices, a data-driven strategy drastically improves the process and outcome.

Let us help you fill in the gaps of your in house data by applying additional data points using third-party data allowing you to get a complete picture of your customers.

It’s a Sign!

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Signage plays a crucial role in enhancing marketing efforts by effectively communicating messages to potential customers. From storefronts to trade shows, well-designed signage grabs attention, conveys brand identity, and promotes products or services. With strategic placement and eye-catching designs, signage can attract foot traffic, increase brand visibility, and differentiate businesses from competitors. Clear and concise signage can also guide customers through physical spaces, improving their overall experience and encouraging conversions. Whether it’s a bold banner, an illuminated billboard, or creative window displays, signage serves as a powerful tool in shaping perception, creating brand recognition, and driving sales.

We can accommodate all sizes, complexities, and quantities to meet your signage needs, call us for your next signage project!

The Bureau – March 2024

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This year BEB-Business Extension Bureau celebrates our 75th year in business; what an incredible milestone.

First and foremost, we thank our clients and partners for your business and patronage.
We appreciate you and hope to serve you for another 75-years!

We are also grateful for our incredible staff. They are the focal point of the exceptional service BEB is known for. They value the art of true teamwork and give us the ability to be extremely agile. Thank you for all you do.

Business Extension Bureau was based in San Francisco and owned by J.C. Hendricks since 1928. They expanded operations to Houston in 1949.

Fresh from the University of North Texas, with a degree in Business, my dad, 23-year old Bob Royall, was hired to run the sales department for the Houston office.  Five years later, Jim Tardy joined the firm as a bookkeeper and in 1955, Dad was promoted to General Manager. Under their leadership, the Houston division experienced significant growth, focusing on the new lucrative domain of direct mail while the corporate office handled sales leads.

In November of 1959, Bob and Jim presented an offer to acquire the business, effectively severing ties with the San Francisco company. By 1970, they became the sole stockholders of BEB, which remains a privately-owned and operated company to this day.

We remain a family-owned business. My brother, Ro, joined the company in 1992.
In 2003, I took the reins from my dad as president and CEO, and Ro became
executive vice president.

Over the years, our commitment to continuously evolve allowed us to grow and become Houston’s most established marketing production company.

In 2004 we created a proprietary program which enables us to compile and manage national consumer bankruptcy files (now over 26 million records and growing). Our range of services extends to encompass data acquisition, digital, offset, label, and wide-format printing, promotional products, as well as interactive direct mail and cross-channel digital marketing, email marketing, social media management, and websites. We produce anything that has to do with marketing.

My father remained actively involved in the business until his passing in 2015 and Jim Tardy retired after contributing significantly to our success. Sadly, he passed away in 2020.

We take great pride in our company’s rich history and the entrepreneurial spirit that has been passed down to the next generation. We remain focused on prioritizing our clients’ interests and forging valuable partnerships that foster
growth and success for their businesses. We hope that 2024 is a very good year for you and yours.

Thank you again for your business and partnership.
Ron Royall