Answer every new lead within minutes while you're on a job

Who did it: Mark Sloan, Sloan Electric (solo electrical contractor)

Calls and messages interrupted jobs. Podium's AI Employee sends a first message to every lead within one or two minutes, and estimates, scheduling and invoicing moved into one place.

⏱ Time saved: About 10 hours per week (per source)

Steps

1. Connect your business phone and messaging to the AI answering tool.
2. Write the details it should know: services, area, hours, how you price.
3. Let it send the first reply to every new lead and book or collect details.
4. Review conversations at the end of the day and step in where needed.

The prompt

Example prompt written by FirstAIWin to match the documented task — not the original user's words. Replace the [brackets].

You answer messages for [business], a [trade] business in [area]. When a new lead writes in, reply within the first message: thank them, ask what job they need, the address or area, and a good time to call. Be short and friendly. Never quote prices; say [owner] will confirm.

Source: Podium case study (Vendor case study)