Welton's Wisdom - No More Bottlenecks

Part 1: No More Bottlenecks in Client Interactions with AI-Powered Chatbots, Virtual Assistants

Note: This is part one of a six-part series by Welton Hong, the founder and CEO of Ring Ring Marketing, about using artificial intelligence (AI) in funeral services.

Let’s face it, people expect things faster nowadays. Whether it’s internet speed, the latest iPhone upgrade or a coffee order—heck, they’ll even pay a few extra bucks for a quicker Instacart or DoorDash delivery—they want it as fast as possible and provided with seamless communication in the process. This need for speed is especially true when they have questions for local businesses like your funeral home. And this is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in.

Imagine a world where your funeral home never misses a question—no matter what time it’s asked. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants make that possible. They’re available 24/7, ready to provide families with answers in real time. This means less waiting for them and less strain on your staff. No one gets left in the dark, and your team is free to focus on more meaningful tasks.

Families in need share many of the same questions—service hours, prices, cremation options. AI can handle all of that instantly. So, instead of repeating yourself on the phone, you’re free to focus on the conversations that can’t be answered by a Chatbot. It’s about making everything easier for everyone. When AI tools can’t handle something sensitive, it smoothly hands it off to a real person, keeping things personal when it matters most.

AI can help with scheduling, too. Families can book appointments on the spot, directly from your website. No more phone tag. Just quick, seamless scheduling that saves time for you and the families you serve.

Installing a chatbot is straightforward—choose a platform, customize responses and integrate it with your website. The bot can handle routine questions and scheduling, allowing you to focus on more personal interactions. With regular monitoring and refinement, the chatbot becomes an extra set of hands, helping you be there for families when it matters most.

My philosophy: AI doesn’t replace the human touch; it enhances it. By handling the routine stuff, AI frees you up to be fully present when families need personal care. It’s about being more available, more efficient and still delivering the compassion only you can provide. You’re not replacing empathy, just removing the bottlenecks that slow you down.