Jenn Marie

When you list your number publicly, spam calls and sales calls are to be expected. You want people to find you, otherwise you wouldn’t have listed your number online. However, being easy-to-find online can also bring on the automated spam messages and annoying sales calls. Protect your business with the power of Smith.

When we first launched Smith.ai, we spoke with numerous pros about the features they found important. Surprisingly, live transfer (also known as “warm phone call transfer”) was not at the top of the list. Instead, our pros wanted an answering service that would free up their time, and reduce the amount of calls they received. As our business grew, we decided it was time to revisit this feature. Now, after some significant updates to our already streamlined system, we introduce Smith Live Transfer.

Smith.ai answering services features an intelligent messaging system that helps you screen and prioritize your calls. An integral part of that service is the instant call summary sent almost immediately after your call. When we first started, we sent it out via text message, but as we grew, our pros indicated their needs had grown. Here is a story of how one of our pros used Smith to support the customer service team of their busy online storefront.

If you’re a lawyer, you have probably heard or read about virtual practices. In fact, according to results from the BA Legal Technology Survey Report, there’s a chance you may already be in one. In 2013, 5% of attorneys defined their practice as “virtual”. For those lawyers and anyone else considering a leap into the virtual world, Smith.ai is the perfect solution.

When it comes to business, everyone understands the value of Google. Through its powerful search engine, companies of all sizes can effortlessly gain new customers. Google is an innovator for tools that support and build enterprises — and with Google Voice they introduced phone number portability to an increasingly mobile world. However, their voicemail and phone management service leaves a little to be desired.

Do you think hiring a virtual receptionist is a bit of an overkill for your small business? Well, before you rule it out, consider this real example of a spam voicemail one of our pros received.

Smith.ai is designed to be your comprehensive call answering solution, but it is easy to use conditional forwarding to forward some incoming calls to your cell phone to your Smith receptionist. You can set up your phone to forward all calls, or only so calls to your Smith number will ring your cell phone, except in certain situations (depending on carrier). To get started, grab your personal Smith number and follow these easy steps:

Your personal Smith number is much more than another telephone number to remember — it’s a powerful tool for connecting with potential customers, building a professional brand, and saving you time. It is included with every Smith package and is available as a local or toll-free number. If you are not sure how to best use your number, here are five of our favorite suggestions:

If you aren’t already using text messaging in your business, you may be missing out. Professionals are relying on text messaging as a way of staying efficient, focusing on their customers, and even reaching new markets. It’s not just a convenient messaging tool for teenagers; it is also a part of the American professional’s life.

You’ve likely been in business long enough to know when you need help. Experience has proven there simply isn’t any way to answer all of your calls and get any work done. It can be a struggle to grow your business when you’re fielding all aspects of the work. It is time for a receptionist — someone that can handle the calls while making sure you hear about the important ones. But can you afford to hire help?