AI receptionists transform small business call management

Small business owners are increasingly experimenting with AI receptionists to manage high call volumes and capture leads that might otherwise be lost to traditional voicemail.

One user reported that an AI answering service, Lucy by Curious Thing, successfully captured more leads than a standard voicemail during a 30-day trial. However, the experiment highlighted potential drawbacks, such as the AI sounding ‘too polished and too corporate’ for certain trust-based consultancy roles. There is also a growing phenomenon of ‘AI vs. AI’ interactions, where automated outbound diallers encounter AI-driven screening services, leading to circular conversations where neither party yields the floor.

Experts suggest that while AI can protect professionals from robocalls and manage inquiries during meetings, users should customize scripts to maintain a personal touch and regularly review transcripts to ensure accuracy.