‍When Vincent Phamvan, a three-time CMO and Founder of Vyten, sat down with the Mastermind podcast crew, the conversation quickly turned into a reality check for every entrepreneur:

Big brands have already claimed their advantage in the digital world through mobile apps—and they’re not slowing down. Meanwhile, smaller organizations are at risk of being left behind.

In this episode, Vincent pulls back the curtain on why mobile apps (especially those powered by AI) are no longer optional. He also shares stories from behavioral health and small business owners that reveal just how much customer expectations have shifted.

Watch the episode

Here are the five biggest lessons you can’t afford to miss.

1. Mobile Apps Are the New Front Door of Business

At one point in the conversation, Vincent compared today’s mobile app landscape to the early 2000s when websites first became mainstream.

“Can you imagine someone launching a business today and saying, I don’t think I need a website?” he asked. “It’d be unthinkable.”

The same is quickly becoming true for mobile apps. Large companies like Walmart, Nordstrom, and Chipotle aren’t investing millions into apps just for convenience—they know the lock screen of a smartphone is the most valuable real estate in digital marketing.

And with the average person unlocking their phone 205 times a day, every one of those moments is a chance to connect with your audience.

2. Push Notifications Are a Quiet Superpower

Social media algorithms are unpredictable. Email inboxes are overcrowded. But apps give businesses a direct line to their customers.

Vincent revealed a staggering stat: push notifications have a 92% read rate. That dwarfs email open rates (around 30%) and social post impressions (often below 5%).

He gave an example from behavioral health. Alumni from recovery programs—patients and their families—are often the third-largest referral source for new clients. Yet many programs struggle to stay in touch once treatment ends.

With a mobile app, programs can send meaningful reminders and updates that cut through the noise. “You don’t always need someone to tap,” Vincent explained. “Sometimes just seeing the notification is enough to remind them why they started their journey in the first place.”

3. Consumers Expect Ease and Speed

One of the most relatable moments in the episode was when Vincent told the story of a coffee shop owner.

Despite owning his own café, the shopkeeper admitted he sometimes ordered pastries through Starbucks because their app made it faster to grab breakfast on the go.

That’s the power of ease of transaction. Consumers want to support small businesses—but only if it doesn’t add friction. At some point, loyalty gives way to convenience.

For small business owners, this is the warning sign. Competitors with apps will attract customers who are simply looking for the easiest path. Without a mobile app, you risk a slow decline in customer retention.

4. Building Community Has Been Democratized

The entertainment industry used to be dominated by record labels. Then YouTube came along and gave creators like MrBeast the chance to build global audiences from scratch.

Vincent drew the same parallel for small businesses. In the past, only big brands could afford the six-figure cost of app development. Today, platforms like Shopify leveled the field in e-commerce, and app builders are doing the same in mobile.

The real opportunity? Community.

Apps aren’t just about transactions—they create hubs where people connect, share, and feel part of something larger. Whether it’s recovery alumni, fitness members, or loyal café customers, apps give businesses the chance to foster belonging.

5. Behavior Change Requires Daily Touchpoints

Vincent highlighted an uncomfortable truth: people don’t sign up for gyms or diets thinking they’ll fail. But sticking with new habits is hard.

That’s where constant reinforcement matters. Quick reminders, encouragement, and nudges throughout the day can make the difference between success and relapse.

Mobile apps—especially with AI features—are uniquely equipped for this. AI can time reminders when they’ll be most effective, tailor messages to each person’s goals, and help people feel seen in their journey.

It’s not just about marketing. It’s about helping people follow through on their intentions.

Why Every Business Must Act Now

Just as websites became non-negotiable 15 years ago and social media followed soon after, mobile apps are the next frontier. The difference this time? AI is raising the stakes.

AI-powered apps can:

• Segment and personalize push notifications.

• Automate customer engagement and support.

• Deliver timely reminders that drive real behavior change.

• Help small businesses punch above their weight against corporate giants.

As Vincent put it, this isn’t a “shiny object.” It’s a tailwind every smart business should catch now, before being forced to play catch-up later.

Final Thought

If you’re a business owner still wondering if a mobile app is worth it, think about the stories shared in this episode: the recovery alumni who want to stay connected, the café owner who buys from Starbucks because it’s easier, the patients who need daily encouragement to stay on track.

The businesses that win the future won’t be the ones with the biggest ad budgets. They’ll be the ones that put AI-powered apps in the hands of their customers and build lasting relationships through them.