4 ChatGPT Prompts That Can Turn AI Into Your Business Coach – Forbes
BySarah Hernholm,
Contributor.
Woman using ChatGPT to help with her business.
Starting a business can feel like navigating uncharted waters without a compass, especially for teen entrepreneurs who lack access to experienced mentors. ChatGPT and other AI tools offer a solution, yet many entrepreneurs struggle to use them effectively.
Adult founders also face challenges, with personal coaching rates ranging from $100 to $500 per hour, making it financially out of reach. Despite the global business coaching market being valued at $5.34 billion and growing at an annual rate of 15.43%, expert guidance remains inaccessible to many.
However, with ChatGPT reaching 400 million weekly active users and 40% of small businesses now utilizing AI, artificial intelligence has transitioned from experimental technology to an essential business tool. Yet most entrepreneurs struggle to use AI strategically. Many founders treat ChatGPT as a glorified search engine rather than the sophisticated coaching partner it has the potential to become.
For teen entrepreneurs launching their first ventures or adult founders bootstrapping startups, AI coaching offers access to the kind of strategic guidance that was once exclusive to well-funded companies, leveling the playing field and empowering all entrepreneurs to grow and succeed.
Here are four proven ChatGPT prompts that transform AI into your business coach:
One of the most critical aspects of building a business is understanding what makes you unique in a crowded market. Defining your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) helps you communicate the value your product or service provides to customers. Most entrepreneurs know they need a USP but struggle to create one that cuts through market noise.
Prompt: “I want to define my business's Unique Selling Proposition (USP) so that I can clearly communicate why my product/service stands out. Break this down into concrete steps for me. For day 1, tell me exactly how to research my competitors' USPs. Include what to ignore or save for later. Then give me a focused 30-minute research plan for tomorrow, highlighting what I should focus on.”
Every entrepreneur faces roadblocks, especially in the early stages. It's not uncommon to have challenges with managing cash flow, acquiring customers, or finding the right team – setbacks are inevitable.
Prompt: “I want to identify and overcome common setbacks that I'll face as a new entrepreneur. Break this down into daily actions over the next 7 days. For day 1, tell me what I need to learn about the typical challenges entrepreneurs encounter and how to prepare for them. Include what to ignore or save for later. For tomorrow, create a 30-minute action plan to address one of these obstacles.”
Marketing represents one of the most significant opportunities for AI-assisted growth. For many entrepreneurs, especially those running small or startup businesses, creating a scalable marketing strategy can feel daunting, especially when resources are limited. ChatGPT can serve as an invaluable tool to streamline the process, guiding everything from audience segmentation to content creation, social media engagement, and campaign optimization.
Prompt: “I want to build a scalable marketing strategy that fits my startup's budget. Break this down into actionable steps for the next 7 days. For day 1, tell me exactly how to research low-cost marketing tactics. Focus on social media, influencers, and grassroots campaigns. Include what to ignore or save for later. Then design me a specific 30-minute plan for tomorrow that will help me focus on one of these strategies.”
Being an entrepreneur requires more than just business skills—it requires leadership and a growth mindset. This prompt develops the leadership mindset that distinguishes successful entrepreneurs.
Prompt: “I want to develop leadership skills and a growth mindset to lead my business effectively. Break this down into concrete actions over the next 7 days. For day 1, tell me what leadership qualities I should focus on. What mindset shift should I prioritize first? For tomorrow, give me a 30-minute focused learning plan that focuses solely on one aspect of leadership.”
Leadership development typically takes years, but this systematic approach accelerates the process.
By using these prompts, you can simplify the process of growing your business. Each one breaks down larger challenges into smaller, manageable tasks, allowing you to concentrate on one thing at a time.
To get the most out of them, think of these prompts as part of a step-by-step plan. Take one prompt at a time, focusing on the specific results you want to achieve during the week before moving on to the next. This approach helps create steady progress and clear improvements over time. By taking a systematic approach, you’ll see compound improvements over time, building both your business skills and your confidence as an entrepreneur.
ChatGPT may not replace a mentor, but it can be a powerful tool to guide you through the essential steps of growing your business whenever you need it.
