Conversational AI Agents: How You Can Easily Scale Your Business and Build Them Yourself
Many small business owners are hearing about AI voice agents that can handle calls, book appointments, and follow up with leads. But what’s actually possible today, and what does it take to make one work reliably?
In this session, Steven Valiquette of Retell AI will show what conversational voice AI can do for small and mid-sized businesses right now. You’ll see real examples of how companies are using AI agents to automate inbound and outbound communication, and what’s required to get meaningful results.
We’ll look at three areas:
Digital Receptionists: Answering calls, routing inquiries, and scheduling appointments when no one’s available
Outbound Qualification: Calling vetted lists to confirm interest and hand off warm leads to sales
Operational Automation: Using AI agents for simple phone-based processes such as reminders and updates
The goal is to show what’s possible, where the technology adds value, and what’s still in the “work in progress” category. This session will also outline what you need in place before starting, such as defined workflows, compliant call lists, and a willingness to code, test, and refine your agents.
What We’ll Do Together
Clarify what a conversational voice agent actually is (and what it isn’t)
Walk through real-world use cases and before-and-after outcomes
Discuss the setup process, common pitfalls, and refinement needed for success
Why It Matters
Understanding how these tools work helps small business leaders avoid unrealistic expectations. You’ll see how voice AI can save time and scale communication, but only when paired with proven processes and thoughtful implementation.
Who This Is For
Founders, owners, and teams who manage calls, bookings, or customer follow-ups
Business operators curious about voice automation and where to begin
Anyone who wants a balanced, practical view of conversational AI for small business
When
📅 Friday, Oct 24, 2025
⏰ 12–1 PM PT / 3–4 PM ET
How to Prepare
Bring your questions about where AI voice agents fit in your workflow and what challenges you’ve faced managing calls or leads. No technical background required, just curiosity and an open mind about what’s real, what’s next, and what’s worth testing.
About the Speaker
Steven Valiquette is a Solutions Specialist at Retell AI, one of the top-ranked AI companies helping businesses adopt conversational voice technology. His journey into AI started from skepticism. He was once wary of the technology until joining a small team that built white-label AI voice solutions so effective that Retell hired them to lead its global solutions practice.
Today, Steven helps organizations design and implement conversational AI agents that automate calls, streamline customer interactions, and free up time for growth. Outside of work, he’s a lifelong adventurer who splits his time between van life, mountain climbing, and international parkour training.