The cost of a slow first response
Response-time studies consistently show a steep drop-off in lead engagement after the first few minutes. Most businesses aren't losing leads because their offer is weak — they're losing them to a competitor who answered first.
Where AI fits, and where it shouldn't
AI-staffed first response works well for qualification and routing — confirming intent, capturing details, and getting the lead to the right person fast. It works less well as a substitute for the actual sales conversation. The goal isn't to remove humans from the process; it's to make sure a human gets involved while the lead is still warm.