Frequently Asked Questions
People often ask us questions, so we've put together some of the most commonly asked ones on this page.
About your Brainy Call assistant
What sort of calls can my assistant take?
Brainy Call assistants are experts in handling almost every kind of business call, in fact, we challenge you to find one they can't handle! You'll find a list of typical calls on this page but if you have something else in mind, the best thing to do is to contact us on this page.
How will my assistant know how to answer my calls?
Your assistant will assign you a special telephone number and explain how to divert your calls to it permanently, when you're busy or when you're out. Our special software means that your assistant can see the call is for you and greet callers accordingly.
How much will it cost?
We charge a reasonable "all inclusive" per minute rate and you only pay when your assistant answers a call for you. For our current rates please contact us on this page.
What level of skill and experience will my assistant have?
We only recruit the very best assistants, so you can expect an advanced level of skill and experience in a wide number of areas. Our team are mentored and trained by some of the world's best PAs including Penni Pike, Sir Richard Branson's PA of 31 years. Click here for more information on how we recruit our assistants.
How will my assistant get to know me?
Since we started in 2007 we've become pretty good at getting to know our clients using phone, email, webcam and, if you've got time, face to face. To get things started your assistant will ask a range of questions, specially designed to enable us to learn about you.
Can I meet my assistant?
Yes, in fact we encourage it! Our offices are centrally located in the UK for maximum convenience and, if you can find the time, we recommend coming to meet your assistant in person for a briefing session and tour of our offices.
How do you assign my assistant to me?
We carefully match you and your business to the member of our team who is best suited to your personality, workload and type of calls. We have experts in many fields on our team.
Will my assistant be working for other clients too?
Yes, each assistant works for a small number of other clients. It's this principle that allows us to offer you an assistant, but without you having to pay a salary. Don't worry though, we have strict data security and confidentiality measures in place.
How to use your assistant
How can I communicate with my assistant?
You can communicate with your assistant in a wide variety of ways including telephone, email, our website, text, post, MSN and Skype.
When can I contact my assistant?
Your assistant will work between 8:30am and 5:30pm, Monday to Friday and can be contacted whenever you like between those hours. You can, of course, email them any time.
Will my information remain confidential?
We take client confidentiality very seriously. We are registered with the Information Commissioner and comply with the Data Protection Act. In addition our terms and conditions offer you complete protection and we can sign a comprehensive Non Disclosure Agreement if required.
How will my assistant know how to answer my calls?
Our special technology means that your assistant will be able to tell when one of your calls comes in - answering it in your name with the greeting of your choice. Over time your assistant will build a deep knowledge of you, your business and your callers.
What happens if my assistant goes on holiday?
Your service will continue. Your assistant works in a small team and when they go on holiday colleagues from their team will cover, answering calls on their behalf.
What happens if my assistant is sick?
Your service will continue. Unexpected sickness happens to us all from time to time, but because your assistant works within a small team you'll find there is always someone to help.
What if my assistant is on the phone when a call comes in?
Your assistant works in a small team, so if she or he is on another call a member of their small, close-knit team will answer your call on their behalf.
How do I build a relationship with my assistant?
Whilst you might not be in the same office, with modern technology it is easily possible to get to know and trust your assistant. We encourage regular catch up sessions (on the phone, via webcam or at our offices) to help create a strong and long lasting relationship with your assistant.
My business is complicated, how will you understand it?
The short answer is - try us! Since 2007 we've helped hundreds of business owners with a wide variety of businesses, ranging from simple to extremely complex. Brainy Call assistants are experts at quickly understanding the most complicated of requirements.
I've never done this before, will you be able to help me?
Yes, in fact many of our clients have never used a service like this before. When you join you'll be introduced to Josie Brown, Client Advocate Manager, who'll help you get the most from the service
Cost, contracts and how to try the service
How much does it cost?
We charge a reasonable "all inclusive" per minute rate and you only pay when your assistant answers a call for you. For our current rates please contact us on this page.
Is there a long term commitment or contract?
There are no scary long term commitments! We offer a simple, short, rolling contract that enables you to cancel your service at any time, by giving us notice.
Are there any hidden costs?
Almost everything is included in our per minute charge. The only thing that isn't include is the charge BT make if we "patch" or divert a call directly to you.
Can I try the service out or test it?
You can try the service for a one month period, without any obligation to continue afterwards, to see if it's for you. Please contact us here or call Tori on 0844 561 0436.
Getting started, software and data security
How do I get started?
It's easy - simply enter your details on this page and Tori will give you a call to explain how to start using the service. Alternatively you can call 0844 561 0436.
What software, services or applications can you use?
We're a pretty tech savvy bunch of people, so your assistant can use any software, service or application. Some we've previously used include Microsoft Office, Open Office, Zoho, Backpack, Basecamp, Sage, Google apps, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, SugarCRM, Google calendar, Evernote, Microsoft Sharepoint, Skype, LinkedIN, Microsoft Outlook, Thunderbird, Gotomeeting, LogMeIn, Plaxo, GotoMyPc and Dropbox.
Will you be able to use my specialist software?
Yes, we're happy to learn about and use your specialist software or application. We can often access specialist software remotely and have our own internal IT experts who can assist.
How long does it take to get set up?
Once we've had a chat about your requirements, and you've decided to go ahead, we can generally establish your account and assign your assistant within 48 hours.
How can you answer my telephone calls?
Your assistant will assign you a special telephone number and explain how to divert your calls to it permanently, when you're busy or when you're out. Our special software means that your assistant can see the call is for you and greet callers accordingly.
How is my sensitive data stored?
We take data security very seriously. We are fully PCI Compliant and have multiple data security measures in place including firewalls, 256-bit encryption and secure file storage.
All about us, our reputation
How do I know you're any good?
Since we started we've helped hundreds of businesses - answering more than 300,000 calls during that time.
Our team are some of the best out there, recruited using an extremely selective process. We draw on the experience of Penni Pike, Sir Richard Branson's PA of 31 years, who is an important member of our team.
How long have you been in business for?
We started in 2007. Our founder, Barnaby Lashbrooke, is a successful entrepreneur who has been in business since 2000 and built several businesses with more than 24,000 customers.
