Picture this: It’s 6:30 PM. You’ve just sat down to dinner with your family. The spaghetti is hot, the conversation is flowing, and then—it happens.

The work phone rings.

Your stomach drops. You’re faced with the classic small business owner’s dilemma. Do you answer it, annoying your family and interrupting your downtime? Or do you let it go to voicemail, knowing there’s a high chance that potential client will hang up and call your competitor before you’ve even swallowed your first bite?

If you’re like most business owners out there—juggling a clinic, a trade business, or a law firm—you probably feel a mix of guilt and frustration. You want to be available, but you also need a life.

For years, the only alternative to being glued to your phone was hiring a full-time receptionist (expensive) or using those clunky "Press 1 for Sales" automated systems (impersonal).

And that brings us to the big fear that holds so many Kiwi businesses back from modernising: "I worry that an automated system will feel cold, robotic, and impersonal."

It’s a valid concern. We’ve all shouted at a banking bot that didn't understand us. But the world has moved on from basic chatbots. Today, AI phone answering isn't about replacing the human touch; it's about saving it.

Here is why bringing Doris onto your team might be the most personal move you can make for your customers.

The "Robot" Stigma vs. The Doris Reality

When we think of automation, we often think of rigid scripts and robotic voices. However, Generative AI has completely changed the game.

GetDoris is a voice AI designed specifically for phone conversations. She doesn't just play pre-recorded messages; she listens, understands context, and responds naturally.

Doris can be customised to match your brand voice. Whether you run a friendly local physio clinic or a high-end real estate agency, Doris adopts the tone you set. She can pause, acknowledge complex queries, and even handle interruptions gracefully.

Think of her not as a machine, but as the smartest employee you never have to train. She doesn't get tired, she doesn't have bad days, and she treats your 2 AM callers with the same warmth and professionalism as your 10 AM callers.

The Real Cost of "Missed" Connections

Let’s look at the alternative to AI: Voicemail.

You might think voicemail is a "personal" way to handle missed calls because it’s your voice on the recording. But let’s look at the hard truth. Statistics show that two thirds of customers will hang up if they can't reach a real person (or a smart agent) on the first call.

Even worse, it’s estimated 85% of those missed calls will never call back .

In the service industry, speed is everything. If a customer has a leaking pipe or a toothache, they aren't leaving a message; they are calling the next number on Google.

Let’s do the math:

If your average job or client value is $200, and you miss just 5 calls a week because you’re on a job site or with a patient:

• That’s $1,000 a week in lost revenue.
• That’s $52,000 a year walking out the door.

Suddenly, the cost of a subscription to our Doris Business Assistant looks incredibly small compared to the cost of silence.

Why Availability = Empathy

The biggest misconception about AI is that it removes empathy. In reality, availability is the highest form of empathy in business.

Imagine a client calling your clinic in distress. Which experience feels more "personal" and caring?

1. The Human (Busy): The phone rings 10 times. Finally, a stressed receptionist answers, puts them on hold for 5 minutes, and then rushes through the booking because three other lines are ringing.
2. The AI (Doris): The phone is answered instantly. A calm, friendly voice acknowledges their issue, takes their details, and books them in immediately—even if it’s a Sunday.

By using AI to handle the initial intake, spam filtering, and appointment booking, you aren't being lazy. You are respecting your client's time. You are ensuring they feel heard the moment they reach out.

"Businesses using AI tools report a reduction in admin overhead, saving valuable time for core activities."

That saved overhead is time you get back to spend face-to-face with the clients who are actually in your office, or time spent with your family without the phone glued to your hand.

Case Study: The Overwhelmed Physio

Let’s look at a hypothetical example of a Physiotherapy practice manager, let's call her Sarah.

Before Doris: Sarah was drowning. She was treating patients while trying to answer the front desk phone. She missed calls constantly. When she did answer, she was often distracted. Her patients in the room felt deprioritised, and the callers felt rushed.

After Doris: Sarah installed GetDoris. Now, when the phone rings, Doris answers.

• "Hi, thanks for calling Sarah's Physio. How can I help you today?"
• The caller asks for an appointment.
• Doris checks the calendar (integrated in real-time) and books the slot.
• If the caller has a complex medical question, Doris takes a detailed message and flags it for Sarah to review later.

Sarah’s patients now get her full attention during treatment. Her phone stops interrupting her life. And her calendar stays full because Doris captures every single lead, 24/7.

Keeping It Human

We know that trust is the currency of small business in New Zealand. You’ve worked hard to build your reputation, and you don't want to hand it over to a "robot."

That’s why we designed Doris to be a partner, not a replacement. You retain control. You can review call recordings, tweak the script, and decide exactly how Doris represents you.

It’s time to flip your thinking upside down. Using AI isn't about pushing your customers away; it’s about pulling them closer by being there for them, instantly and consistently.

Ready to Hear the Difference?

Don't just take our word for it. You need to hear how natural and capable Doris sounds to believe it. She’s ready to start working for your business today—no training required.

[Book a chat to a real person via Doris today!]