Listen "Empowering Your Business with an AI Assistant (with Marianne Mlechick)"
Episode Synopsis
Text us your comments or topic ideas for future shows.Connect with Us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyharlock/ Take the Key Owner Stage Assessment: www.keyhire.solutions/assessment If you are a small business owner who has ever wondered how to get more time back, reduce missed calls, capture more leads, or simply stop juggling tasks from the golf course or the job site, this episode will open your eyes to what is now possible. Corey sits down with Marianne Mlechick, Vice President of Operations at Abby Connect, to reveal how AI powered receptionists are transforming the way small businesses handle communication, scheduling, and customer intake.Marianne brings more than a decade of experience leading operations at Abby Connect, a company that has grown from a handful of people to a full scale team supporting businesses nationwide. She explains how their AI receptionist was trained on more than a million real calls, which allows it to interact with customers in a natural and conversational way. Instead of a stiff phone tree, callers reach a system that can answer questions, recognize intent, and guide them exactly where they need to go.Listeners will hear how business owners are using AI receptionists to gain instant coverage around the clock. Every call is answered. Every new lead is captured. Every detail is recorded. Nothing depends on someone remembering to write something down or call someone back. Whether a caller is asking for pricing, trying to schedule an appointment, or requesting support, the AI receptionist can handle the intake, collect all necessary information, and route the call or schedule time on your calendar.Corey also explores the warm transfer feature, which allows owners to immediately know who is calling and what they want before picking up. This creates a seamless experience for both sides. Marianne explains how custom call flows, unlimited FAQs, and drag and drop setup tools allow owners to tailor the AI receptionist to their exact business needs. From VIP client routing to outbound messages that match your brand personality, the system gives owners more control than they often realize.The episode highlights real results from small businesses that discovered they had been missing far more calls than expected. Once the AI receptionist was active, many saw measurable increases in revenue simply because every inquiry was captured and quickly followed up on. It is a simple shift that prevents opportunities from slipping away during busy days, holidays, or moments when owners are tied up with clients.Marianne also shares how easy it is to get started. Most businesses can complete setup in about 15 minutes. Abby Connect supports new users with onboarding, live technicians, and a 14 day free trial. The cost is surprisingly accessible at roughly 100 to 150 dollars per month depending on call volume. For many owners, landing just one new client covers the entire month of service.If you are curious about how AI can support your business without complexity, this episode will show you what a well designed AI receptionist can deliver. You will hear practical examples, clear explanations, and a simple path for deciding whether this tool belongs in your business. Tune in and discover a smarter way to reduce stress, improve service, and create more space to focus on growth.Connect with the Experts Learn More about Abby: abby.comBe The KeyHire Key Owner Stage Assessment helps small business owners understand where they are in their growth journey and what to focus on next. In just a few minutes, you’ll uncover what’s holding you back and get a clear path to move forward with confidence.Take the free assessment now at keyhire.solutions/assessment
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