The #1 Mistake Business Owners Make Using ChatGPT
I have two things I LOVE to talk about right now. The two C’s - Camping and ChatGPT let me explain…
I (Vivian) just returned a few weeks ago from Yellowstone, where my husband Troy and I saw 16 bears, woke up to snow, and hiked so many miles! It was a fabulous trip. Something about waking up in a tent or camper feels magical.
Life slows down to the basics; it’s all about ensuring you stay warm, eat well, hike a lot, and take in the beauty around you! Simple stuff and I love it.
My other favorite topic, not so simple, it’s all about Artificial intelligence. I know you are seeing tons of info about this right now; it seems like every platform is coming out with AI-powered features. It’s exciting….but unlike camping (at least for me), it feels much more complicated! Even though it’s not second nature for me, I’m still incredibly excited and curious about AI and got started with ChatGPT as soon as I heard about it. As I explore all the things about ChatGPT, I keep finding a huge mistake so many are making with it. It’s the #1 mistake, in my opinion, and I hope YOU are not making it.
What’s the biggest mistake when using ChatGPT?
As a business owner or creative thinker, I know you're constantly seeking innovative ways to gain a competitive edge to maximize efficiency and generate new ideas. That’s one of my favorite things about ChatGPT; it’s a great tool when you feel stuck in a rut and need to generate new ideas.
The #1 mistake may surprise you … Giving up too soon.
It's understandable to feel frustrated after just a couple of attempts using ChatGPT and just write it off, but it's important to remember that you are learning a new skill. It’s a skill called prompt engineering, an art that requires practice and perseverance.
(Guess what?! I know you already have both of these because of what you are doing with your dreams right now- so read on!)
It’s just like the days when Google was new.
Think back to when Google first came out; there were people who we referred to as “good at Google” or a “Googler.” People who had a knack for pulling up information with good search queries, and then there were some needed practice with how to be a good “Googler.” In a college class, I had exercises that required pulling up good information with quality Google prompts! Yep, I’m that old.
The point is, now, almost everyone is a second nature “Googler.” The same applies now to ChatGPT. It’s new; we are learning. So don’t give up!
If you find yourself not getting the desired results, it doesn't mean that what you are trying to generate is impossible or that the tool is worthless. Instead of assuming defeat, consider trying different approaches to improve your interactions with ChatGPT. I promise it’s worth it!
Here are some steps to make your ChatGPT prompts better
1. Reword your prompt: Experiment with different phrasing of your question or request. Sometimes, a slight rewording can significantly affect the quality of the generated content. Be creative and think about alternative ways to express your intentions. How would you explain your query to an outside vendor, for example?
2. Simplify the language: ChatGPT performs better when presented with clear and concise language. If you're not getting the desired responses, try simplifying your prompts. Break down complex questions or instructions into smaller, more straightforward components that ChatGPT can easily understand and respond to. Take it one step at a time. It’s like guiding a person through the steps of your thinking process.
3. Add more context: Provide additional context to help guide ChatGPT to generate more relevant and accurate responses. Include specific details, examples, or background information that can assist ChatGPT in understanding the context of your marketing task. This additional context can enhance the quality of the content generated by the system. Did you know you can provide ChatGPT a URL to help give it context? If you have a website, train your chat thread by giving it background information you have created. Just like you would with a human, give it context to build from.
4. Seek inspiration from others: Don't hesitate to look for good examples of ChatGPT prompts that others have successfully used. Adapt and tailor those examples to suit your specific needs. Learning from successful cases can give you fresh ideas and insights into structuring your prompts effectively. A quick Google search will give you tons of ideas. I have a few friends sharing what’s working and not working and it’s fascinating to learn from each other as we experiment.
5. Ask ChatGPT for help: Surprisingly, ChatGPT can be a valuable coach if you ask it for assistance. Seek guidance from the system by directly requesting tips or suggestions on improving your prompts. ChatGPT might offer helpful recommendations that can enhance your marketing interactions.
And remember….
Because prompt engineering is a new skill and will require continuous learning, with perseverance and a willingness to experiment, you can refine your approach and achieve better results with ChatGPT. So, don't give up too soon—reword your prompt, simplify the language, and add more context to unlock the full potential of ChatGPT for your small business marketing.
Follow these best practices, and you'll be well-equipped to harness the full potential of ChatGPT and propel your small business forward.
I recommend checking out the podcast episode #31 Master AI in Your Small Business: Secrets that Drive Growth and Efficiency - with Sue Pitts featuring my candid conversation with Sue Pitts from the SBDC. We explore our experiences with ChatGPT and discuss how small businesses can effectively leverage AI.
Our team also put together 15 surprising ways to use AI in your business over on the blog for you - go check it out.
Remember, technology is a powerful ally, and with ChatGPT, you can revolutionize your business operations, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new opportunities.
Wishing you continued success and growth!
Cheers - Vivian Kvam