Starting a small business phone should be simple—not a full-time project
If you're a solo business owner, freelancer, PR consultant, chances are your phone is your business. You’re making calls, leaving voicemails, sending texts, and juggling follow-ups all day. But setting up a real small business phone system—one that feels professional and saves time—usually feels like a tech nightmare.
VoIP providers like RingCentral, Ooma Office, or Vonage are great and promise a business phone system, but they make you download separate apps, set up call forwarding rules, configure PBX menus, assign voicemail inboxes, and then cross your fingers it all works.
You don’t have time for that.
You just need a small business phone that’s smart, fast, and built for how real people work on their phones. This is where M1 comes in.
M1 is the iOS-only AI phone assistant that gives you a second number, voicemail, call summaries, texting, and smart follow-ups—all in one app. And you can set it up in minutes.
Here’s how.
Step-By-Step Set Up
Step 1: Download M1 on iOS and activate your new small business phone number
As soon as you download M1, you can pick your new small business phone number. No waiting. No hardware. No PBX setup. No softphone or desktop mess. Just one app.
Your new VoIP-powered small business number runs right on your iPhone. You can call, text, and manage contacts all from the M1 app—just like your regular number, but with business features layered in.
You now have a dedicated small business phone number that:
- Keeps your personal number private
- Sounds professional from day one
- Uses VoIP over internet protocol for crystal-clear calls
- Works wherever you have WiFi or data
This replaces any need for Grasshopper, OpenPhone, Vonage, or other VoIP services trying to be your small business phone provider.
Step 2: Meet your AI-powered receptionist and voicemail system
Most small business phone systems give you basic voicemail. M1 gives you AI voicemail with summaries.
Now, when a call comes in and you’re busy, M1’s Voicemail Receptionist answers professionally. The caller leaves a message, and M1’s AI does the work:
- Transcribes the voicemail
- Summarizes what the caller said
- Tells you exactly what to do next
This turns missed calls into clear next steps. No more digging through audio clips or missing deals. And it’s way better than traditional voicemail on RingCentral, Ooma, or Vonage Business.
M1 also supports call forwarding so you can route calls wherever you want—whether you’re on your iPhone or using another phone line.
You now have a small business phone with real voicemail, call forwarding, and a virtual receptionist—all with no extra setup.
Step 3: Let the M1 Assistant handle your call notes and follow-ups
Here’s where M1 becomes more than just a small business phone—it becomes your VoIP assistant.
The M1 Assistant joins your calls silently in the background. You don’t need to tap anything. It listens, captures key info, and generates instant call summaries right after you hang up.
- Caller names
- What they said (voice recognition)
- What you promised (tasks and deliverables)
- What to do next
Forget scribbled notes. Forget re-listening to voicemails. Forget forgetting. You now have a 24/7 phone system that acts as your full-time receptionist.
The M1 Assistant turns every VoIP call into a clean, searchable record that saves you time and stress. That’s something no other VoIP phone system, PBX service, or softphone app offers.
Step 4: Text, call, and record—all from one business phone app
With M1, you don’t need multiple apps to make VoIP calls, manage voicemail, send texts, and follow up. It’s all in one place.
- Make and receive VoIP calls
- Send and receive text messages
- View caller ID
- Record and review conversations
- Search past messages and call summaries
- Manage call forwarding and voicemail in one tap
Your small business phone is now your command center.
You can even use voice memos with AI summaries to quickly capture ideas, messages, or client feedback after a call. Just speak, and M1 turns it into text instantly.
That’s something no traditional VoIP provider like Grasshopper, Dialpad, or 8x8 offers in one app.
Step 5: Connect M1 to your favorite tools
Running a small business means you already use tools like your calendar, CRM, or task manager. M1’s integrations connect your call summaries, voicemails, and reminders to those tools—automatically.
So instead of copying and pasting notes between apps, M1 does the work. Your business phone becomes your business brain.
And if you’re using VoIP services like RingCentral or Ooma Office and still manually logging client calls, M1 saves you even more time.
Why M1 is the smartest small business phone system for solo pros
Let’s recap what you get with M1—all setup in minutes:
- A second VoIP small business phone number on your iPhone
- AI-powered voicemail receptionist that transcribes and summarizes messages
- Call forwarding that routes calls where you want
- AI Assistant that joins your calls and creates instant summaries
- Voice memos with summaries for capturing ideas on the go
- Integrations to sync everything with your existing tools
All from your iPhone. All in one app.
No desk phones. No PBX system. No voicemail app. No separate texting tool. Just one small business phone system powered by AI and built for real people.
Real Use Cases: How Small Business Owners Actually Use M1
Whether you're running a one-person shop or juggling multiple clients each day, a reliable small business phone is essential. Many professionals start out using tools like RingCentral, Grasshopper, Ooma Office, or Vonage Business. These VoIP providers offer helpful services—but for people who work entirely from their phones, something more mobile-first and simplified can make a big difference.
M1 gives professionals a complete VoIP phone system that includes voice, voicemail, AI call summaries, texting, and call forwarding—all in one app. Here's how real users are using M1 to run their day more efficiently.
Real estate agent – managing nonstop calls and follow-ups
A real estate agent needed a business phone system that could keep up with back-to-back showings, quick client calls, and fast decisions. She had previously used a VoIP phone system with separate voicemail and call forwarding tools but found it hard to stay on top of messages and notes.
With M1, she picked a new phone number, enabled call forwarding to her cell phone, and let the AI Assistant handle voicemail and call summaries. Now, every caller gets a professional experience, and she has fewer missed messages. M1’s AI gives her clear follow-up notes so nothing slips through the cracks, and the entire phone system runs from her iPhone.
Consultant – simplifying daily communication
A consultant was using a mix of tools for conferencing, voicemail, and texting, including virtual receptionist services and separate VoIP apps. His goal was to streamline everything without giving up functionality.
He switched to M1 to combine all his communication into one small business phone system. Now he uses M1’s virtual phone line for client calls, call management, and texting. The voicemail receptionist greets every caller and delivers a summary to his inbox. He uses voice memos to capture ideas after calls, and the summaries automatically sync with his calendar and project boards. No extra software or desktop app needed.
Therapist – keeping sessions focused while staying connected
A therapist was looking for a phone system that respected client privacy while giving her flexibility between sessions. She had been using a traditional business phone number with toll free access, voicemail transcription, and PBX features.
She found that M1 offered what she needed in a simpler way. She picked a new VoIP number, used her iPhone as a softphone, and now lets M1 handle call recording, voicemail, and caller ID. When she can’t answer, the auto attendant picks up. M1 gives her clear, summarized voicemail messages so she can quickly decide who needs a reply—and when.
Freelance coach – moving to a fully mobile setup
A freelance coach needed a more unified phone system that worked with her mobile lifestyle. She had been using a mix of OpenPhone, 8x8, and her personal cell phone for different tasks like making calls, receiving voicemail, and sending follow-ups.
She started using M1 as her complete small business phone. It now manages her entire call flow—from caller ID and texting to voicemail summaries and auto attendant greetings. She uses voice memos during walks and gets AI-generated notes without needing to type. Everything stays organized, and she no longer switches between multiple VoIP service apps or relies on desktop software.
Startup founder – building trust from day one
A startup founder wanted a professional phone presence that didn’t require technical setup or extra hardware. He had explored using VoIP tools like RingCentral and Grasshopper but preferred something faster to deploy.
He signed up for M1, selected a new business phone number, and had everything ready to go within minutes. Now his callers hear a polished greeting via the auto attendant, calls are recorded when needed, and every voicemail gets a clear summary. He appreciates the ability to manage everything—voice, texting, caller ID, call recording, and forwarding—without needing a separate PBX system or toll free number plan.
M1 fits right into the way he works: fast, clean, and entirely mobile.
Built for real work, not just features
M1 gives small business owners a phone system they can depend on. Whether you’re managing landlines, testing VoIP apps, or exploring providers like Ooma Office, Dialpad, Vonage Business, Zoom Phone, or Grasshopper, M1 offers a way to bring everything together into one tool that works from your phone.
It’s not about replacing what’s out there—it’s about giving people who run their business from a phone a solution that’s flexible, clear, and time-saving. With M1, you can manage voicemail, record calls, capture voice notes, set up call forwarding, and stay on top of every caller—all from one app.
Try M1 Free for 7 Days
M1 costs just $19.99/month or $199/year, with a free 7-day trial to see how it works in your real life. If you’ve been managing a small business phone the hard way—using Vonage, RingCentral, Ooma, or Grasshopper—it’s time to simplify.
FAQ
What makes M1 different from other VoIP providers like Vonage, RingCentral, or Ooma Office?
M1 is an iOS-only VoIP provider that combines voicemail, call summaries, texting, and AI automation in one app. It’s built for small business owners who want less setup and more time. See how M1 compares.
Does M1 support call forwarding?
Yes! M1 has built-in call forwarding so your small business phone can follow you wherever you go. Set it up in seconds.
Can I use M1 with my current phone number?
You’ll get a new VoIP small business phone number with M1. It keeps your personal number private while letting you run your business professionally. Learn more.
Does M1 have voicemail transcription?
Yes. M1’s AI voicemail not only transcribes your messages but summarizes them clearly—so you can take action fast.
What devices work with M1?
M1 is currently iOS-only. It’s built to run natively on iPhones, making it fast, reliable, and intuitive for solo professionals. No desktop app, no PBX mess—just your phone.
Can M1 replace my existing VoIP business phone system?
Absolutely. M1 replaces tools like Vonage Business, RingCentral, Grasshopper, Ooma, and Dialpad. It’s everything you need in one simple iPhone app. Try it now.
Can M1 help me avoid using a desk phone or landlines?
Yes. M1 was designed specifically for mobile-first professionals who don’t want to be tied to landlines or desk phones. Your entire phone system runs from your iPhone using internet protocol—no hardware, no cables, no complicated PBX setup.
Does M1 support auto attendant features?
It does. M1 includes an AI-powered auto attendant through its voicemail receptionist, giving every caller a professional experience. You can greet callers with a custom message and still get transcribed summaries when you’re unavailable.
Can I use M1 as a virtual phone for my team?
M1 is perfect for solo users and small teams who need a virtual phone that works without complexity. While it’s currently optimized for individual use, more team features are coming soon. You get the full benefits of a business phone system—voicemail, texting, voice memos, call summaries—in one app.
Does M1 offer toll free numbers or support toll free calling?
At this time, M1 provides local business phone numbers. While toll free numbers aren't currently available, many users prefer a local number to build trust with clients in their region.
Does M1 support call recording and voice notes?
Yes. M1’s AI Assistant can generate summaries from your calls, and you can also record quick voice memos that are automatically transcribed. It’s an easy way to document important details after client conversations.
Do I need to download a desktop app to use M1?
No desktop app is needed. M1 is built entirely for iOS. It runs smoothly on your iPhone, meaning your entire business phone system is always with you—no laptop, no setup, no extra software.
How fast can I set up my M1 phone system?
Setup takes just minutes. You can choose your new phone number, activate your virtual receptionist, enable call forwarding, and start making calls—all from your iPhone. It’s a faster setup than most business phone systems or VoIP providers.
Does M1 require any additional hardware?
None. M1 is a fully mobile phone system that doesn’t require any hardware, fax machines, or special equipment. Everything works through your iPhone using modern internet protocol.
Can M1 replace my virtual receptionist service?
Yes. M1 includes an AI-powered voicemail receptionist that greets callers, transcribes their messages, and summarizes them for you. It works like a virtual receptionist—without the monthly cost or extra app.
Is M1 a reliable provider for voice and call management?
Absolutely. M1 is a trusted VoIP provider for professionals who want reliable voice quality and simple call management. It’s built to support busy people who make calls all day and need a business phone system that keeps up.
How is M1 different from a traditional phone provider or carrier?
Traditional phone providers often require contracts, hardware, and landline connections. M1 is a VoIP provider built entirely for mobile use. It gives you a smart, app-based business phone system without the setup headaches or equipment.
Try M1 Free for 7 Days and see how fast you can set up your smart small business phone—with no mess, no PBX, and no extra hardware.
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