Nothing beats getting stuck in the slow-lane for the self-checkout machine --or in the endless loop of an automated phone system that keeps disconnecting you--to underline how much more convenient interacting with a real person can be. While automation saves businesses time and money, it also inflicts very real frustrations on everyday people who are forced to do the work once done by employees of the companies they patronize. One recent survey found that about 70% of consumers said they'd rather talk with a human customer service representative than a digital service rep or chatbot. That poses a big opportunity for one-person businesses and other very small firms where the owners are still willing to interact with customers every day. Many consumers and businesses still value what real humans can bring to the table and some will pay for it, even when it costs more.