diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index 06adb8c..e35e928 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -1,2 +1,3 @@
 /config.json
-/node_modules/
\ No newline at end of file
+/node_modules/
+/nbproject/private/
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 9838b3f..6ab4a0d 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -19,6 +19,12 @@ Back and forth it goes!
 
 Or just run `node main.js`.
 
+## Starting a new conversation
+
+When a SMS is received from a new number, a new room is created. If you need to send a message to
+a new number, simply type something like `!sms 14065551234` into an existing SMS room. You'll be
+invited to join a new room and will then be able to send your message.
+
 ## Known Issues/Limitations
 
 * If you leave a room the bot won't invite you back, even if there are new SMS messages.
diff --git a/main.js b/main.js
index a68b302..e5ee13d 100644
--- a/main.js
+++ b/main.js
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ import { dirname } from 'path';
 
 // Load settings from config.json
 const __filename = fileURLToPath(import.meta.url);
-const __dirname = dirname(__filename);
+        const __dirname = dirname(__filename);
 let rawdata = fs.readFileSync(__dirname + '/config.json');
 let settings = JSON.parse(rawdata);
 console.log(__dirname + "/config.json loaded.");
@@ -217,6 +217,22 @@ client.login("m.login.password", {"user": settings.matrixuser, "password": setti
         if (client.getUserId() == event.event.sender) {
             return; // skip own messages to prevent loop
         }
+        if (event.event.content.body.startsWith("!sms")) {
+            // capture command to start room for new number
+            const matches = event.event.content.body.match(/([1-9]?[0-9]{10})/g);
+            if (matches.length == 1) {
+                var tel = matches[0];
+                if (tel.length == 10) {
+                    // make it the full number
+                    tel = "1" + tel;
+                }
+                logger.info("Got request to start new SMS conversation with " + tel + " from " + event.event.sender + ".");
+                createOrJoinSMSRoom(tel, function () {
+                    return;
+                });
+            }
+            return;
+        }
         //sendMatrix(room.roomId, "echo " + event.event.content.body);
         //console.log(room);
         const matches = room.name.match(/([1-9][0-9]+)/g);