Announcing More Power Together, a first-of-its-kind conversational directory and digital network redefining how nonprofits, volunteers, donors, community leaders, and residents connect to opportunities, services, and each other.

Search can find information, but it cannot reveal the real expertise, stories, and opportunities that live within a community. Local AI Guides change that by giving cities a digital voice. They allow Pittsburgh’s organizations, cultural destinations, and service providers to speak for themselves, in their own words, through simple conversation. People can now ask real questions and receive clear, human-informed answers that lead to participation, connection, and impact.

AI is only as powerful as the trust people place in it. At More Power Together, that trust is earned through a network engineered for protection and accountability, where personal data stays private, bias is continuously checked, and every Guide learns to serve communities with care.

The power of the More Power Together network comes from the collective knowledge, reach, and trust contributed by each participating organization. Sustaining such a network requires ongoing resources and support to ensure it remains vibrant and accessible to all members.

More Power Together is a transformative network of AI Guides designed to help nonprofit and civic organizations connect people, donors, and volunteers with the right programs and services quickly and effectively.

Website maintenance demands time nonprofits often lack, with constant updates for projects and grants pulling focus from mission work. Traditional sites, even updated, often fail to deliver instant, relevant conversational responses. AI agents solve this by providing verified answers through dialogue and enabling updates via conversation instead of complex systems.

Travel planning is changing. Most trips now start with an AI search, not Google, but how do smaller cities ensure those searches reflect their reality?

AI has dominated conversations about improving digital experiences, smarter apps, faster answers, personalized feeds. But its most powerful use may be getting us off our screens and into the real world.

Every city has its heroes. The nonprofits that keep up schools, families, nature, and animals. But most cities also have a problem: no one knows how to find them. Now imagine a nonprofit directory powered by a network of AI guides, each representing a real organization trained to speak about their programs 24/7.

Here’s the simple idea: every passionate Pittsburgher should have their own personal AI guide they can share with the world… a customized digital link that becomes their portable Pittsburgh concierge.

One in five adults in the United States struggles with anxiety, and the digital world has only made it worse. Constant notifications, endless scrolling, and comparison-filled feeds keep our minds in overdrive. The new AI-guided internet could change that by creating calmer, more intentional spaces that encourage focus and emotional balance.

AI search now dominates discovery, with 77% of ChatGPT users relying on it for search. While AI portals excel at summarizing information, they fall short when it comes to local communities by missing real-time updates, first-party knowledge, and the nuanced details that turn generic listings into actionable answers.

As social networks fray and third spaces vanish, AI-powered community guides offer a new way to rebuild local bonds by connecting neighbors to resources, opportunities, and each other.

The map used to tell us where to go. The directory told us who to see. Now, AI can introduce us and in real time, in any language, and before we even arrive.

The homepage once defined digital identity. Now it’s mostly a polite waiting room that visitors rarely linger in. The next era of the web isn’t about better design… it’s about intelligent guidance.

Erie's nonprofit sector operates on a 1.8% margin and faces staff shortages and funding cuts. Embracing AI could transform how it serves the community.

The internet is changing. Search helps people find information, but the real challenge is getting them to complete their goals. One-third of U.S. workers lack basic digital skills, yet they are still expected to juggle multiple tabs, compare sources, and navigate complex online tasks on their own. The numbers are decisive: search-driven journeys have a 5% completion rate, while guided experiences achieve 38%. That is an eightfold improvement in results.

80% of organizations now use AI for customer care, but traditional chatbots struggle with language barriers, cultural context, and system integration. Networked AI Guides provide real-time multilingual translation, seamless cross-organizational handoffs, and 24/7 availability without increasing costs. Discover how interconnected AI agents are transforming customer service equity for refugees, small businesses, nonprofits, and healthcare providers, delivering contextually aware support that reaches underserved populations regardless of language or geography.

Erie, Pennsylvania can boost its local economy by using AI-powered guides to connect visitors at major attractions like Presque Isle State Park and the Bicentennial Tower with neighborhood businesses. These intelligent tools create personalized itineraries that route tourists from iconic landmarks to local breweries, shops, and restaurants, increasing repeat visits and keeping tourism dollars circulating in the community. By implementing dynamic AI agents instead of static listings, Erie's compact waterfront can transform single-visit sightseers into repeat customers who develop deeper connections with local businesses year-round.

Traditional search is collapsing as AI Agents replace blue links with contextual guidance. Learn more about AEO(Answer Engine Optimization), and the secret to maximize your digital presence.

AI travel guides can transform tourism by providing personalized planning that goes beyond viral social media content. While TikTok excels at travel inspiration, its engagement-driven algorithm creates "copy-paste tourism" - directing everyone to the same viral spots while missing authentic local experiences and realistic logistics.Using Pittsburgh as an example, TikTok reduces 90+ diverse neighborhoods to a few Instagram-worthy locations, causing travelers to miss unique gems that better match their interests and budget.The solution: use TikTok for inspiration, AI travel guides for personalized planning that considers your actual constraints and interests.

Your AI agent doesn’t have to stay home. This blog unpacks how going “off-platform” can be a game-changer for citizen engagement.

What if your team took Fridays off—but work didn’t stop? “AI-Only Fridays” is a bold, low-risk path to exploring a 4-day work week.

As AI handles the repetitive and routine, humans are free to reclaim what we do best—creativity, empathy, and vision.

This step-by-step playbook gives managers a practical roadmap to transform fresh talent into AI-powered mentors

What happens when intelligence isn’t owned by one mind, but distributed across human and machine collaboration?

Can a machine offer mentorship, or do we still need the human touch to build confident, strategic thinkers?

In a world where artificial intelligence is praised for its ability to remember everything, we must start asking a deeper question: should it?

In today’s fast-evolving workplaces, a new kind of fluency is emerging—one that goes beyond languages and into the realm of intelligence.

In the age of AI, no question is too small, too obvious, or too naïve.

In this blog, we explore how experimenting with AI forces organizations to confront outdated processes, clarify goals, and rethink how work gets done.

Engaging with AI isn’t just about getting faster answers—it’s about sharpening your own thinking.

Instead of asking what jobs AI will take, this blog asks a deeper question: What tasks have we normalized that are actually inhuman for humans to do?

Explore the seamless integration of AI into human workflows and the intricate handoff between AI and human tasks.

Discover the concept of an AI twin at work—a digital counterpart that facilitates seamless transitions during employee severance processes.

In an era where AI is becoming an integral part of workplace culture, blending AI's capabilities with human interaction is crucial.

In the era of agentic AI, what your AI says is your brand. SkillBuilder.io helps leaders “homeschool” their AI—training agents on your voice, data, and values for consistent, brand-safe communication. The result: faster insights, fewer risks, and scalable expertise that stays true to your mission.

Optimism bias can lead to costly missteps. An AI-powered Contrarian in Residence (CiR) offers a conflict-free way to challenge assumptions, spot risks, and drive better decisions. Scalable and objective, AI CiRs help high-growth teams avoid blind spots and improve outcomes across strategy, product, and operations.

Boston Dynamics—and companies like it—can flip the 80/20 rule with Agentic AI. Instead of relying on a small group of experts to carry critical knowledge, AI can democratize access, giving every employee instant, contextual answers. This shift boosts productivity, reduces burnout, and speeds innovation by turning organizational bottlenecks into scalable solutions. Learn how Agentic AI unlocks the full potential of your team.

RSS is back—smarter and stronger with AI. Once a quiet staple of the internet, RSS is now being reimagined for the modern workplace. Platforms like SkillBuilder.io are blending AI with personalized content delivery, transforming how teams learn, retain, and act on information. Discover how this AI-powered RSS revival helps reduce information overload, boost productivity, and give businesses a real-time competitive edge.

In workplace conflict, the first step no longer has to be confrontation — it can be clarity. This new policy brief encourages teams to “Write to AI first,” using AI as a private, neutral space to process emotions, reduce tension, and plan productive responses. Discover how AI-supported conflict navigation helps build stronger culture, reduce burnout, and prevent quiet quitting — one calm conversation at a time.

Discover how emotionally consistent AI agents—like the classic ELIZA—are transforming the workplace. From reducing burnout to boosting job satisfaction, emotionally steady AI doesn’t replace humans, it supports them. Learn why managers should embrace AI as the never-cranky colleague that helps teams stay productive, engaged, and stress-free 24/7.

As AI becomes a true team member—not just a tool—it’s time to rethink how we evaluate its performance. Learn how to implement monthly check-ins and data-driven annual reviews to measure accuracy, engagement, business impact, and more. Build a high-performing AI+human hybrid workforce with real accountability and continuous improvement.

Confidence alone doesn’t win deals—differentiation does. SkillBuilder.io’s AI-powered “Answer Coach” helps founders, sales teams, and SMEs break free from generic responses by prompting unique, evidence-backed answers tailored to each situation. By addressing cognitive biases and providing real-time structure, this tool turns every Q&A moment into a chance to stand out, scale trust, and close faster.

Brand-building isn’t a once-a-year activity anymore. In the age of AI, it's a continuous conversation. Learn how SkillBuilder.io helps companies evolve their brand in real time—through internal knowledge hubs, AI-powered customer interactions, and real-world feedback loops that drive clarity, consistency, and competitive edge.

Off-the-shelf AI agents may be fast and cheap, but they’re also forgettable. To turn AI into a true competitive advantage, you need to train it like a team member—aligning it with your voice, culture, and customer needs. Just like art without human input lacks soul (and copyright protection), untrained AI lacks the intentionality and originality that earns trust. Build an agent that speaks like you, not like everyone else.

First impressions are no longer made by your best salesperson—they’re made by your best-trained AI. When visitors land on your site, they expect clarity, empathy, and real answers, not generic chatbot replies. A well-trained AI agent builds trust in seconds by anticipating needs, speaking the customer’s language, and offering real solutions. In an era where trust drives conversion, the first AI-powered interaction isn’t just a moment—it’s a make-or-break opportunity. Make it count.

AI-powered night shifts unlock hidden customer needs and drive smarter decisions. Whether handling emergencies at 2 AM or engaging late-night prospects, AI agents capture insights missed by traditional schedules. From government to SaaS, businesses embracing AI’s “third shift” gain speed, engagement, and a competitive edge. The future doesn’t sleep—now, neither do top businesses.

Explore how collaboration among AI-driven initiatives strengthens non-profits' impact, fostering innovation and efficiency in their missions. Discover the power of unified AI strategies in navigating challenges and maximizing societal benefit.

Dive into how meticulous data training empowers algorithms, ensuring precision and reliability in decision-making. Discover the transformative impact of refining data to drive innovation and shape the future of industries.

Dive into the fascinating world of AI agents and the evolving landscape of coopetition, where collaboration and competition intersect to drive innovation. Discover how businesses are leveraging AI to forge sustainable digital ecosystems that thrive on mutual benefits and shared advancements.

The SaaS industry is undergoing a seismic shift, and AI Agents are at the center of it. No longer just tools, they’re becoming fully autonomous service providers, automating tasks once handled by humans. With AI Agents as a Service (AIAaaS) replacing traditional software, some platforms—like Zendesk—face disruption, while others—like Notion—are evolving into AI-first ecosystems. By 2025, will SaaS still be about dashboards, or will AI-powered execution take over? The answer might surprise you. Read on to find out.

I Agents follow rules and require input, while Agentic AI learns, adapts, and makes decisions independently. AI Agents boost efficiency, but Agentic AI is the future—driving innovation through true autonomy. Understanding this shift is key to staying ahead. Are you ready?

Your website should do more than just exist—it should sell, support, and engage. AI-powered chatbots turn passive sites into 24/7 sales and service machines, answering questions, capturing leads, and closing deals in real time. Businesses using AI chatbots see higher sales, lower support costs, and better customer experiences. In 2025, AI-driven engagement isn’t optional—it’s essential. Is your website ready to keep up?

Nobody likes being stuck on hold, repeating their issue, only to get a scripted response. Meanwhile, your competitors are using AI to deliver instant, personalized customer interactions—no waiting, no frustration. Conversational AI is transforming customer service, sales, and marketing by eliminating hold times, engaging leads in real time, and tailoring messages based on behavior. The future isn’t coming—it’s already here. Are you keeping up?

Sales teams waste hours chasing cold leads while competitors close deals faster. What if AI handled the heavy lifting? AI sales assistants qualify prospects, personalize outreach, and nurture leads 24/7—turning lost time into real opportunities. But here’s the catch: AI isn’t a magic bullet. Without a steady flow of traffic, there are no leads to convert. When paired with a strong marketing strategy, AI transforms lead generation into a scalable, predictable growth engine. Is your sales strategy ready?

Deployment of conversational AI demonstrates how institutions can scale their impact, engage students meaningfully, and streamline resource management to maintain their position at the forefront of entrepreneurship education in addition to core areas like admissions and student affairs.

We know, we know - most everyone at a University or College feels they have a chatbot for engaging prospective students, alumni, and partners. It might even connect with a CRM and likely has had hours invested in structured pathways that people can “follow.” But, here’s the reality - we have tested with a LOT of prospective students and almost every time they are underwhelmed if not resentful.

For an AI agent to succeed, the marketing and business teams must work in tandem to ensure it has enough traffic to interact with and convert.

Research (and likely your intuition) consistently remind us that first impressions have a massive impact on relationships, including workplace culture. A Princeton study found that people form impressions of others in less than one-tenth of a second. That’s faster than just about everything except the speed of light, sound waves and nerve impulses. These initial reactions, including judgments, are hard to change, and once locked in, they shape how we perceive someone's credibility, competence, and trustworthiness. In the (remote or in person) workplace, a well-handled introduction can increase team culture and productivity, while poor introductions can lead to confusion about who is doing what and nothing good comes from that lack of clarity.

Trolls have been part of the Internet since I can remember stumbling around user groups and dinosaur-aged chat programs (RIP AOL instant messenger), lurking in forums, comment sections, and social media feeds, sowing chaos and stirring controversy. The term “troll” originally referred to a fishing technique where bait was slowly dragged through the water to attract a bite. How does this look online? Baiting users into pointless arguments, negativity, or confusion. As the internet expanded and social networks of all shapes and sizes emerged, so too did an army of trolls.

We know that everyone won’t have a use case that requires a billboard, window sticker, bus ad, or flyer but a lot of people are still looking for tangible ways to be introduced to a business and between the SPAM, screen exhaustion, and good ol’ fashioned nostalgia of finding things as you explore we think there is a future here for offline marketing + AI.

The future of work in government does not lie in replacing human employees with AI but in finding the right balance between human and AI capabilities. By hiring agentic AI as fractional employees, county governments can optimize their operations, deliver better services to their residents, and empower their human workforce to do what they do best—serve the community with creativity, empathy, and dedication.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to become common place across workplaces regardless of industries, a common misconception has emerged: AI is often treated as just another tool, akin to legacy software-as-a-service (SaaS) platforms like CRM systems. Or, even worse, people expect AI to be magical in it's ability to immediately know everything or do anything. I'll focus on the former (legacy tools comparison and in the future tackle the do everything angle) Unlike traditional software tools, managing AI is more akin to managing a junior employee. This distinction is crucial for organizations to understand if they are to harness the full power of AI.

Job descriptions are often the first social contracts between a company and an employee. They provide clarity, define roles, and set expectations, serving as a blueprint for both employees and employers. As future-facing leaders start to hire artificial intelligence (AI) that works seamlessly with human colleagues and therefore creates hybrid teams, the need for clarifying job descriptions on who does what will become even more critical.

Understanding your product or service’s key benefits is essential. But, the most effective salespeople (AI or Human) don’t just stop at knowing what makes their offering valuable; they rock at differentiating these key points against their competition.

Questions are fundamental to effective communication, guiding conversations, uncovering truths, and fostering authentic connections. In sales, the style and type of question a prospect chooses can significantly shift the response you need to give and the direction of the conversation. By understanding the various questioning styles, you (and now AI) can tailor your interactions to achieve specific objectives, whether in early qualifying conversations or end-of-sales-cycle chats where you are trying to close in on a purchasing decision.

Today’s chat experiences powered by AI are smarter, more intuitive, and, candidly, a lot more fun to chat with. So, let’s explore why it’s time to let go of your past chatbot traumas and embrace a more fulfilling AI relationship.

Throughout my earlier career days of the various tech booms I observed something wild yet consistent, entrepreneurs would often find themselves cornered by investors with a simple yet daunting question: “Why won’t Google just do this?”

One specific, and particularly annoying, phrase for entrepreneurs building specialized AI has gained traction: “GPT wrapper.” With thousands of AI tools now available, many of them on platforms like the OpenAI Marketplace, it's becoming increasingly common for applications to be built as wrappers around powerful language models like ChatGPT. These wrappers represent a significant portion of the AI market, providing interfaces that leverage the pre-trained capabilities of GPT models.

The future of SaaS lies in leveraging the power of AI to transcend the limitations of industry-specific Vertical SaaS. By focusing on Functional SaaS, businesses can access flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that provide deep industry context and customization. As AI continues to mature, it will bridge the gap between generalization and specialization, making Functional SaaS the preferred choice for organizations looking to optimize their operations and drive innovation. The shift from Vertical to Functional SaaS is not just a trend; it’s a strategic evolution that will define the next generation of software buyers and perhaps make it possible for little companies to act big and big companies to get nimble again.

AI can play a transformative role, not just in product launches but in aligning teams and ensuring a consistent, accurate message across the board.

At the risk of stating the obvious lets quickly frame up base salary vs commission et al. Think of base salary like a steady paycheck for showing up—it’s like paying rent every month whether you use all the rooms or not. But commission is more like getting a bonus every time you help sell something big—it’s like getting a slice of the pizza WHEN you bring a NEW pizza to the table. Other pay structures, like bonuses or profit-sharing, are more like dessert—you might get some after a great meal, but it’s not always guaranteed and if linked to broader company performance then it’s largely out of your control as an individual.

Before we get into the capacity vs capability discussion it’s probably worth saying up front that I am a salesperson (and the CEO of SkillBuilder.io). To put a finer point on it, I have been responsible for sales, sales teams, channels, partnerships, product launches, and everything in between (in addition to being a Chief Product Officer) for 20+ years. Why does this matter? Because most AI salespeople are being developed by a bunch of folks who have never held a quota and that matters.

We at SkillBuilder understand that as a product leader, you are going to want to make sure the product information is absolutely accurate. When you have to choose between the information being compelling or accurate, and if you are the kind of product leader who is much more concerned with accuracy of the product information, then you are in the right place!

We understand that as a sales leader, you want to be both a chief storyteller and also be metrics driven while selling your product. We know that you feel accountable to the people under you doing the job of the outreach and the expectation of being on top of their game. So as a sales leader, SkillBuilder addresses your concerns by making sure that the answers and information you provide is up to date and accurate.

We at SkillBuilder understand the issues you face as a new founder who have to deal with criticism, lack of belief and attention to the product, and self-doubts about the product not being perfect yet. The founder’s journey of struggling to bring something to market naturally comes with you facing a ton of questions!

Daniela and her team at Kloopify are pioneering the integration of sustainability into the procurement process, a crucial initiative in today's increasingly eco-conscious business landscape. As one of the earliest and most enthusiastic adopters of SkillBuilder.io, Kloopify has harnessed the platform's capabilities to streamline its operations, enhance team collaboration, and deliver impactful solutions that drive corporate sustainability.

The partnership between Fred Brown's team at The Forbes Funds and SkillBuilder.io showcases a forward-thinking approach to leveraging AI technology to enhance organizational effectiveness and capacity building within the nonprofit sector. Their early adoption and active involvement in training SkillBuilder.io demonstrate a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

Blastpoint provides customer intelligence and analytics solutions to sectors such as energy, finance, and automotive. The company has experienced rapid growth and has adopted an AI tool named SkillBuilder.io to enhance team collaboration, simplify messaging for non-technical customers, and develop sales collateral for industry events.‍BlastPoint's platform offers sophisticated ML and geospatial analytics, which, while powerful, were challenging to communicate to non-technical audiences. As the company grew, maintaining effective team collaboration and producing impactful sales collateral for frequent industry events became increasingly important.

Cofounded by Aaron Watson and Hannah Phillips, Piper Creative is a cutting-edge video marketing agency that stands out for its innovative approach and practical service offerings. Specializing in video editing, production, and marketing strategy, they have a proven track record of producing thousands of podcast episodes, ads, and YouTube videos, garnering tangible insights and the best practices in digital marketing. 

Understanding that a cohesive narrative is essential in brand building, Kenyan employs SkillBuilder.io to ensure that his team is not merely workers but custodians of the distillery's story. With SkillBuilder.io, every team member becomes a storyteller, adept at sharing the rich tapestry of Noir's heritage, the meticulous journey of their handcrafted spirits, and the unique recipes that set them apart. This strategic alignment ensures that each narrative thread is woven consistently into the fabric of their brand, resonating with consumers and elevating the brand experience.

It could be argued that the holy grail of product-market fit is having an employee who can pitch any prospective customer, and be entirely unfazed by the myriad job titles in attendance. COO, VP of Product, Head of PR, Sales Engineer, Data Science Lead… the more the merrier, and the more likely to move a deal forward. But at best, a typical company might have one all-star on the client side who can navigate this gauntlet of stakeholders in real-time.

Spend enough time around product teams or Big 4 consulting firms, and you’ll inevitably find yourself using the Known-Unknowns Matrix in some capacity — especially when it comes to assessing your competitive differentiation in the market. I’ll spare you the full matrix walkthrough, and instead highlight its most actionable and operational quadrant: Known-Unknowns.‍

If your org isn’t relentlessly differentiating itself from competitors and inaction, it’s running on borrowed time. Many legacy companies have found themselves in such a position, being disrupted by startups who are laser-focused on “why us, why now” — small, nimble teams who live and breathe differentiation. I’ll tell you where larger orgs go wrong in reacting to this challenge, and how to avoid being put on the defensive in the first place.‍

Your Sales team? Your prospects? I’m going to tell you why the real answer is “nobody”, and how a new organizational perspective can change that answer to instill a sense of urgency within your customers.

If you want to know how unscalable culture festers in a company, look no further than their FAQs. Not the commoditized and sterilized list adorning the marketing website, but the list that swirls around the watercooler among employees who don’t see any differentiation in the business. I’m going to explain why those two lists don’t often line up, why it needs to change today, and how you can kickstart that change to build a resilient culture that breeds scale.