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Talk With It: The Pro Tip to Smarter AI Output

By Dobbin Bookman | September 30, 2025

Your Chatbot is a Genius Intern (until it becomes your agent). Train it Like One.

If you’re a small business owner (or anyone for that matter), here’s one reframe that will change how you think about and use AI:

Don’t talk to ChatGPT. Talk with it.
Photo Credit: Canva Photos

Think of your AI bot as the most brilliant, curious, never-tired college intern you’ve ever hired. It remembers everything it’s ever seen and heard, loves trying new ideas with everything it knows, and just needs one thing from you, a clear and detailed assignment.

That’s where prompt engineering comes in—and it’s simpler than it sounds. Prompt Engineering formally defined is the practice (art) of crafting specific input to guide Generative AI systems (e.g. ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot) in generating accurate and desired outputs. Your prompts should read like detailed instructions left behind for a brilliant intern working on your behalf. This guide breaks down how to structure your prompts like real assignments, so your AI performs more like a strategic intern (and eventually, an agent). Your words, and as important, your feedback, shape its power—let’s make them count.

Use this structure I teach in AI workshops and client sessions to guide your engineering toward the most impactful output.

Five Elements of a High-Performance Prompt
  1. Clarity: Uses precise, direct language
  2. Context: Contains relevant details (who, what, when, where, why)
  3. Tone: Conveys formal, playful, urgent, friendly, serious
  4. Structure: Format the output – Banner ad, blog post, memo, infographic, TikTok, email, etc.
  5. Specificity: Any other datapoints – Pricing, audience, region, guidelines/policies, etc.

“Your prompts should read like detailed instructions left behind for a brilliant intern working on your behalf.”

Each of the prompts below follows this simple framework. And while they’re powerful as written, it’s not about using these exact words. These are starting points—prompt templates that can and should be tailored to your current and evolving needs. Think of them like Lego bricks: plug in your own business details, adjust for your voice or goals, teach it about your competitive landscape. The goal is to build something that works for your unique situation and that drives operational efficiency. This is where the impact of AI is put to highest and best use.

One Last Pro Prompting Tip: Don’t Stay in Your Lane

Just because a prompt is listed under one sector doesn’t mean that’s the only place it’s useful. In fact, some of the best insights come from seeing how other industries apply AI to solve similar problems in different ways. A real power move is to scan prompts from across sectors and adapt them to your need or business. That’s how you turn ideas into strategy—and prompts into real productivity. And always, always give AI feedback on the quality of what it’s producing for you. Like a great intern, AI gets better (smarter!) with constructive and well-timed feedback.

Photo Credit: Canva Photos
The Prompting Conversation

Here’s a quick illustration of how the conversation unfolds in real time—showing a single idea evolve across three short prompt refinements, each building on the last. Notice how the final response becomes sharper, more useful, and immediately actionable—all because the prompter treated the exchange as a collaborative, back-and-forth conversation.

Initial Prompt: “I run a small café. Can you suggest ideas to increase weekly traffic?”

Chatbot Response: “Sure! Here are a few ideas: Launch a daily lunch special to attract office workers. Offer a midweek loyalty card – buy 4 coffees, get the 5th free. Partner with local gyms or yoga studios to cross-promote morning deals. Promote your offers on Instagram with eye-catching images and hashtags.”

First Prompt Refinement: “Thanks…great start. I need more. Here’s more detail- our café is in downtown Durham across from a major university and lots of offices and foot traffic which peaks between 11am–2pm. I’d like ideas that feel fresh, fit that window, and don’t require discounting too much. Can you narrow it down?”

Revised Chatbot Response: “Absolutely. Based on your downtown Durham location and 11am–2pm traffic, here are tailored weekday ideas: Create a rotating 2-hour lunch drop menu: limited-edition small plates or sandwiches only available from 11–1. Offer a Bring a Colleague lunch pairing—two curated meals with free sparkling tea. Run a Seen@Lunch Instagram spotlight: post photos of customers (with permission) and tag local businesses to create buzz.”

Final Prompt Refinement: “This is great—now can you write the ideas like quick action steps I can share with my manager, in a more casual and clear tone?”

Final Chatbot Response: “Of course. Here’s a casual action-ready summary:

  1. Launch a “Lunch Drop” menu–One or two special dishes only from 11am–1pm. Change weekly.
  2. Run a “Lunch Buddy” special—Two mains + sparkling tea combo for anyone who brings a friend.
  3. Start a “Seen@Lunch” photo series–Snap photos of happy lunch customers, tag them and their workplace on IG. Let me know if you want help designing any of the signage or posts.”

What follows are a set of well-crafted, impactful prompts—categorized by sector and function—that you can use and tweak to drive your operation forward.

 

Client Services (Beauty, Fitness, Coaching, Cleaning, etc.)

Appointment No-Show Reduction Workflow

“Design a three-step automated reminder sequence that seamlessly reduces client no-shows while maintaining a warm, high-touch experience. The system should integrate with Calendly for booking management and Stripe for payment tracking. Include a professionally written email reminder sent 24 hours before the appointment that reinforces the value of the service and confirms the time and location. Three hours prior, a short SMS should be delivered with any necessary access info, driving or parking instructions, and a quick link to reschedule if needed. Finally, one hour before the session, a gentle confirmation request should go out via SMS or email, depending on client preference, to ensure attendance. The tone throughout should feel personable, appreciative, and clear—not robotic or transactional.

Upsell Strategies for Core Services

“I run a mobile massage business and want three natural, low-pressure upsell options to offer during or after a session. These suggestions should be rooted in value to the client and positioned in a way that aligns naturally with the flow of the session—whether that’s during intake, while setting expectations, or as part of the post-session wrap-up. Each upsell should include a compelling benefit that connects to the client’s self-care goals, a recommended price point, and a conversational way to offer it without sounding salesy. My current services include Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Sports Massage. The upsells should align with my mobile format and be easy to implement without disrupting session flow. Think enhancements like aromatherapy, add-on stretching sequences, or focused trigger-point work. Clients tend to be health-conscious, outcome-driven, and appreciate convenience and expertise. Help me turn value delivery into a seamless revenue opportunity without undermining trust.”

Admin Automation Tech Stack

“Recommend a tech stack under $50/month to handle intake forms, scheduling, reminders, and payments for a solo provider. The tools you suggest should be intuitive for non-tech-savvy users and integrate either directly or via platforms like Zapier to reduce manual effort. Explain why each platform fits well for solo operators, how they work together, and any setup quirks to be aware of. Include product links, why they work well together, and learning curve notes. Also include a list of related YouTube video links. Think of this prompt as building my behind-the-scenes client experience engine, helping me save hours every week while elevating professionalism.”

Referral Program System

“Design a simple referral program that rewards clients with $15 service credits for every referred friend who books. Include sample email copy, referral card text, and a basic Airtable tracker setup. Additionally, please offer five variations of this program—such as limited-time double credits, loyalty stacking, social media share bonuses, or community leaderboard models—with insights into when and why each variation might be most effective. Each variation should reflect the tone of an owner-operated, personality-driven business where clients want to help because they genuinely enjoy the service. The goal is to build word-of-mouth momentum with minimal tech investment while keeping things personal, light, and rewarding for all.”

Testimonial Request & Follow-up
Write a 2-part testimonial follow-up system for clients post-service. The first message should thank them and include a link to a short form. If there’s no response, I’d like a second message to go out three days later that offers a small $5 credit or loyalty bonus as a thank-you and encourages them to take just one minute to share their thoughts. Also include an alternate short SMS version that I can use for high-response or VIP clients.

 

Construction & Trades

Homeowner Project Update Template

“I’m a residential remodeler and want a reusable weekly email template to keep homeowner clients updated on project progress. Please act as a customer experience consultant and write a clear, professional update that includes key sections: current status, anticipated delays (if any), upcoming milestones, and what to expect next. The tone should be confident and reassuring, with enough structure to build trust while saving time. Also suggest how I can use this update format internally to stay organized across multiple jobs—either in a Google Sheet tracker or lightweight project dashboard.”

Project Estimate Tools Overview

“I manage residential remodeling projects under $100K and want to streamline my estimating process using AI-powered tools or smart calculators. Act as a technology scout for trades professionals and recommend a set of easy-to-use options that help estimate cost, timeline, and materials. Each recommendation should include a link, pricing, and pros and cons, and must be suitable for solo or small team use. Bonus if tools integrate with QuickBooks or project scheduling software. Keep the tone straightforward and helpful—this is for someone who’s good at building but doesn’t want to waste time testing dozens of apps.”

Simple Subcontractor Agreement Template

“I’m a small business owner who regularly hires subcontractors for short, one-off jobs like flooring, appliance installation, or paint work. I need a plain-English subcontractor agreement I can reuse and tailor quickly. Please draft a one-page agreement that includes clear sections for scope of work, timeline, payment terms, and responsibilities, and avoids complex legal jargon. The tone should be friendly but professional, with placeholders I can easily update. Assume this is for a single project under $5K with a 1–2 week completion window. I’d also like you to include a closing note advising that legal counsel should be consulted for longer or high-value projects.”

Bid and Job Tracker System

“I run a small service-based business and need a job tracking template in either Airtable or Google Sheets. It should help me view all open bids, active jobs, and upcoming client payments at a glance. Please include column names like client name, bid amount, job status, due dates, payment schedule, and assigned team members. Color-code by project status (e.g., bidding, in progress, awaiting payment, completed). Provide setup instructions and any formulas or filters that would help me monitor cash flow and workload in real time.”

TikTok Ad for City Homeowners

“I’m running a small contracting business and want to attract more first-time homeowners in urban neighborhoods through TikTok. Please write a 15-second ad script that highlights our core values: high-quality work, trustworthy service, and great value for the price. The tone should be upbeat and confident, speaking directly to young city homeowners who may be overwhelmed with finding reliable contractors. Include both a voiceover script and suggestions for accompanying B-roll visuals, such as curb appeal upgrades, friendly contractor interactions, or before/after transformations. The goal is to build brand trust in a short video and encourage viewers to follow us or click to book an estimate. Keep the language tight, approachable, and optimized for TikTok engagement.”

 

Education & Training Services

4-Week Course Outline Design

“I’m designing a 4-week workshop series on entrepreneurship fundamentals for adult learners, to be offered both virtually and in person. We’ll use Zoom and include a printable worksheet, with a focus on diverse learning styles and interactive engagement. Please outline weekly topics, core learning outcomes, and delivery strategies that are effective for adult learners with varying backgrounds. Recommend techniques to promote discussion, reflection, and application between sessions. Include a fillable syllabus template that reflects your proposed structure and is easy to adapt for future courses.”

Lead Magnet PDF Creation

“I’m creating a 2-page downloadable PDF lead magnet titled ‘5 Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Make and How to Avoid Them’. Please write it in a skimmable format, using bolded section headers, short actionable advice, and simple language. Leave space where readers can jot down personal notes under each tip. Tone is helpful, practical, and encouraging for first-time entrepreneurs. Provide best practice recommendations for how I should follow up with leads who download this resource—including ideal timing, messaging, and conversion strategies to guide them toward a paid service or consultation.”

Enrollment Email Nurture Sequence

“Create a 3-part email sequence for prospective students who have expressed interest in (insert topic/goal) but haven’t enrolled yet. Emails should be concise, warm, and actionable—written in a tone that builds trust and encourages reflection. Address common psychological or logistical hurdles to enrollment (e.g., time, confidence, money), offer value in the form of relatable insight or encouragement, and nudge the reader toward booking a free exploratory call with me. Please include subject lines, ideal send timing (in days after initial inquiry), and a simple call to action in each message.”

Course Pricing Tiers

“I’m developing an online course and need help designing a 3-tier pricing model that includes (1) a self-paced option, (2) a live coaching add-on, and (3) a VIP 1:1 tier. Act as an experienced online education strategist familiar with current trends in course monetization and adult learning psychology. Keep total price under $1,500 across all tiers and differentiate value by level—ensuring each tier builds on the one before. I’ve attached the core offerings here: (insert your course details). Please recommend pricing, benefits, and naming conventions that resonate with adult learners and support enrollment conversion, particularly those new to online learning but motivated by personal growth or business success.”

Testimonial & Survey Follow-Up Email

“Act as an experienced program coordinator writing a post-program follow-up email to adult learners who recently completed a training course. Message should express appreciation, encourage completion of a short survey, and request a testimonial for marketing purposes. Include a link to our testimonial form (attach it), mention the completion badge and certificate, and reference the participant’s recent accomplishment to reinforce pride and engagement. Keep the tone warm, professional, and brief—no more than 150 words. The survey should include these questions: (insert your custom questions). Write the email in a way that feels like a personal, high-touch outreach while nudging the reader to respond promptly.”

 

Event Services & Creatives

Event Recap Social Caption

“Act as a social media copywriter for an event designer and write a short caption (under 300 characters) summarizing a recent wedding or anniversary project I designed in Raleigh, NC. Highlight the aesthetic vibe, the color palette used, and one reason the couple loved the outcome. Keep the tone celebratory and stylish, matching the energy of high-end, design-focused event recaps. Add a soft call to action for fall wedding consultations and include 3–5 relevant hashtags. I’ll upload images or mood board elements separately, which should subtly inform the visual references in the caption.”

Reusable Proposal Template

“Act as a client communications designer and help me build a reusable client proposal template formatted in Google Docs, tailored for freelance event planners. The document should include clearly labeled, editable sections for event vision, scope of services, timeline, pricing breakdown, and payment terms. Use friendly yet professional language that reflects the creative and logistical balance required in event planning. Ensure formatting is clean and easy to customize, with placeholder text where needed and guidance prompts inside each section to support repeat use. The tone should strike a confident and organized feel while remaining approachable for potential clients.”

AI Tool Stack for Planning

“I’m a solo event planner looking to streamline pre-event workflows like checklists, contracts, and automated reminders, while still maintaining a high-touch client experience. Recommend three AI-powered tools I can use to support this process, each under $75/month. For each tool, briefly explain what it does, how it supports automation without feeling impersonal, and whether it integrates well with Google Workspace, CRM platforms, or calendar tools. Include pros and cons from recent user reviews and link to each platform’s website or setup guide. The goal is to build an efficient yet client-centered stack that supports repeatable success.”

SEO-Friendly Homepage Copy

“I’m a freelance photographer based in Atlanta specializing in branding and lifestyle photography for women-led startups. Please write homepage copy that is emotionally resonant and SEO-optimized, clearly highlighting my niche, services, and value proposition. Focus on trust, empowerment, and visual storytelling, using keywords like “Atlanta brand photographer,” “women entrepreneur photography,” and “personal brand photoshoot Atlanta.” The tone should feel warm, confident, and professional, appealing to ambitious founders and creators. Include a compelling headline, intro paragraph, and brief service highlights that position me as a go-to photographer in this space.”

Behind-the-Scenes Instagram Script

“I’m producing a 15-second Instagram Reel for a rooftop day party venue setup, targeting millennials and young professionals planning celebrations or corporate events. Please write an upbeat, visually rich voiceover script that matches an energetic, modern vibe—think luxury urban rooftop, sunlight flares, décor details, and team action shots. The tone should feel exciting, welcoming, and aspirational, as if you’re inviting viewers into an exclusive moment before the party begins. End the script with a clear, confident call to action to follow us for more behind-the-scenes moments or to book the space for their next event. Script should pair well with B-roll of setup shots, sweeping city views, floral installs, DJ setup, and a champagne toast.”

 

Food Services (QSR, Cafes, Food Trucks)

Menu Engineering Analysis

“Act as a restaurant operations analyst and review my 15-item fast casual menu (uploaded in PDF/Word/Excel). Analyze each item based on ingredient cost, prep time, selling price, and contribution margin. Recommend 3 high-margin items to promote more heavily, 3 low performers to cut or consolidate, and 2 items that could be re-engineered (e.g., resized, renamed, or paired) to boost profitability or kitchen efficiency. Present recommendations in a clear, color-coded decision matrix (Green = Promote, Yellow = Rework, Red = Remove) that I can share with my team at our next ops meeting. Please also suggest rules of thumb for improving average margin per minute of prep time. My goals are faster service, lower food waste, and higher per-ticket contribution margin.”

Labor Scheduling Optimization

“Please act as a restaurant labor strategist and help me optimize my weekly staffing schedule for a 7-person front-of-house and kitchen team at a fast casual location. I’ve noticed that traffic patterns are lighter in the morning and peak from 11:30am–2pm and 5:30pm–8pm. I want to reduce excess overlap and improve productivity while ensuring we never miss peak demand. Build a sample 7-day labor schedule with shift times, role assignments (cashier, line cook, prep, expo, etc.), and legally compliant break windows. Assume we’re in a U.S. state with standard labor laws. My goal is to reduce overall labor costs by at least 10% without affecting customer satisfaction or ticket times. Please also recommend tools (under $100/month) that I could use for predictive scheduling based on foot traffic or POS data.”

Ghost Kitchen vs. Pop-Up Evaluation

“I’m considering launching a second location for my food concept in Charlotte, NC, but want to test the market first. Act as a startup strategist for food entrepreneurs and help me evaluate the best launch format: ghost kitchen, food truck, or pop-up shop. Please compare all three options based on estimated startup costs, licensing and permitting requirements, operational complexity, and time to launch. Include links to current data or platforms (e.g., DoorDash Kitchens, CloudKitchens, Commissary Connect, or event marketplaces for pop-ups). Recommend which model aligns best with my goals of minimizing upfront investment, validating customer demand, and building local buzz before committing to a full lease. I’m open to hybrid approaches as well.”

Local Lunch Campaign Strategy

“Design a short-term local marketing campaign to boost weekday lunch traffic at my fast casual restaurant in downtown Durham. My target audience is office workers within a 5-block radius. Please build a 10-day marketing plan tailored for the months of June, July, or August. Include: One flyer design concept (with headline, imagery, and CTA) for window and street distribution; Three Instagram captions with matching visuals or story ideas; Two SMS messages with opt-in-friendly incentives.

The campaign should emphasize quick, craveable lunch items and limited-time offers. Recommend platforms for printing/distribution and SMS (under $50/month). Please also include a simple way to track redemptions and engagement across all three channels.”

Google Review Request Scripts

“Help me generate more Google Reviews from satisfied customers. Write 3 warm, short review request scripts, each under 30 words, customized for in-person staff delivery (verbal or written on a receipt), QR code signage at point-of-sale or table, post-order text message for online orders.

The tone should be authentic and friendly, not robotic. Please include a fill-in-the-blank area for a review incentive (e.g., ‘Get $2 off your next visit!’). Incorporate my top 5 SEO keywords for Google Review relevance: best lunch Durham, fast casual restaurant, downtown Durham eats, quick healthy meals, Durham food trucks.”

 

Health & Wellness (Clinics, Therapists)

HIPAA-Compliant Automation Tools

“I’m a solo wellness practitioner working with sensitive health information. I need to automate my client intake and appointment reminders while staying fully HIPAA-compliant. Suggest three HIAA compliant tools that can handle digital intake forms, appointment scheduling, and text or email reminders. Each should be priced under $75/month and designed for small practice use. Include direct links to each tool, and clear pros and cons of use by each. My ideal outcome is to streamline client onboarding without compromising privacy or budget. Tone should be clear, supportive, and solution-oriented, as if advising a wellness entrepreneur just getting started with automation.”

New Client Welcome Email

“Write a welcome email for a first-time therapy client that sets expectations around confidentiality, scheduling, and cancellations. Keep the tone warm and professional. Please provide 3 different versions for my review.”

Monthly Newsletter Template

“I’m a wellness coach who wants to send a consistent, motivating monthly newsletter that nurtures my client base and builds community. Please create a plug-and-play email template that includes three recurring sections: (1) a quick wellness tip, (2) a short client story or win, and (3) upcoming events or programs. Please suggest 12 monthly themes, each with a one-sentence summary, that align with my core coaching philosophy: small, consistent habits lead to big, sustainable transformation. The tone should be calm, uplifting, and lightly instructional—like a trusted coach who’s always rooting for you. Make sure the structure is simple enough for me to reuse monthly in Mailchimp or Flodesk, and help me keep readers engaged and looking forward to the next edition.”

Value-Based Pricing Explanation

“I’m a wellness coach who charges $120 per session and I want to clearly communicate this value to prospective clients in a way that emphasizes personal transformation, long-term benefit, and emotional ROI over just cost. Please write a short, compelling website blurb that frames the pricing through the lens of the change clients can expect to experience—not just the time they’re purchasing. The tone should be confident, affirming, and emotionally intelligent—without being defensive. Then write a sample social media caption (Instagram or Facebook) that matches this tone and offers a gentle call to action. Both should reflect a central theme that positions my service as an investment in self-worth and sustainable growth, not a one-time expense. Be concise but resonant—each piece should feel like an invitation, not a justification.”

AI Tools for Client Accountability

“I’m a wellness coach looking for AI-powered tools to help my clients stay engaged and accountable between sessions. Please recommend 3 AI tools that support daily mood tracking, journaling, or personalized reminders to complete habits or check-ins. I work primarily with individuals managing stress, life transitions, or wellness goals, so the tone of the tools should feel supportive and non-intrusive. For each, include estimated pricing, setup time for me and the client, and key benefits or differentiators. In addition, suggest 5 other topic areas or tech tools I might consider highlighting in my coaching practice to boost between-session follow-through and engagement. Keep the language simple and practical, as I want to test and implement these tools quickly.”

 

Manufacturing

Supply Chain Optimization

“Act as a lean manufacturing and supply chain efficiency expert supporting a small urban CPG producer in the Southeastern U.S. It’s August 2025, and I want to optimize toward operational excellence across my supply pipeline. Using my average supplier lead time of 15–21 days, suggest realistic and cost-effective ways I can reduce procurement delays and lower inventory holding costs. Your recommendations should include regional sourcing strategies, small-batch logistics solutions, and off-the-shelf inventory tools under $300/month. Also outline how I can use these solutions to improve communication with vendors, flag bottlenecks sooner, and support better forecasting. Present the advice as a short, actionable plan I can review directly with my ops lead and pilot this quarter.”

Shop Floor Efficiency

“You’re an operations consultant with experience in small-scale apparel manufacturing. I operate a facility producing 100–200 units per day through a 3-step production workflow that currently takes 5.5 hours end-to-end. My goal is to reduce either total production time or labor hours per unit by at least 20%, without increasing overhead. Recommend specific layout changes, simple automation tools (under $500/month), or workflow improvements I can test and implement within the next 30 days. Your recommendations should consider batch size variation, energy savings, and ergonomic improvements. Format the output as a concise bullet-point plan I can discuss with my floor team and immediately trial for a pilot rollout.”

Hiring Skilled Labor

“Help me write a compelling job post for an entry-level machine operator at my small but growing manufacturing business in Durham, NC. The tone should be straightforward, friendly, and mission-driven — we build quality, affordably, quickly, and safely. Emphasize paid training, a clear path to advancement, and our core values: We work hard, play hard, and reward reliability and trust. Be sure to include shift info, the hourly wage range ($30–$35), and a plain-language call to action on how to apply—no HR jargon or complex portals. The goal is to attract candidates who may not have manufacturing experience but are motivated, reliable, and eager to grow into the role with us.”

Sustainable Operations Grant Research

“Act as a research assistant and help me identify currently active 2025 grant programs, tax credits, or funding opportunities that support solar panel installation and emissions reduction initiatives at a small, urban-based manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Search public federal, state, and local government sources, as well as energy-specific nonprofits. Provide a categorized list that includes program names, eligibility requirements, deadlines, contact information, and application links. Also highlight which options have been most accessible to similar-sized businesses recently, and which grants are more favorable for capital improvements vs. planning or consulting costs. I’ll use your findings to prioritize with my finance and facilities teams.”

Market Expansion & Content

“You’re a small business marketing strategist focused on fashion and CPG. Based on emerging 2025 fashion trends in the Southeastern U.S., identify five niche customer segments most likely to buy from my small-batch bespoke outerwear brand, which serves both men and women. Then build a 2-week beginner-friendly content calendar for Instagram and TikTok that I can run in-house without an agency. Include personas, daily themes, content types, and captions for three featured posts. Recommend relevant hashtags and visual styles aligned with my brand voice: understated, detail-oriented, and design-forward. Bonus if you suggest ideas that can be batch-created using a smartphone and Canva Pro.”

 

Marketing Firms & Freelancers

Custom Proposal Template Builder

“Act as a proposal strategist for a mid-market digital marketing freelancer building strong client relationships. Help me design a fully customizable proposal template that includes editable sections for client-specific goals, tiered deliverables, and pricing levels. The proposal should feel confident but collaborative—highlighting my expertise while inviting conversation. Include space to personalize by industry, use simple formatting for easy reuse, and show how to layer in visual elements that work well in Canva, Word, or Notion. Please provide three layout versions—one for mobile viewing, one for in-person client meetings, and one polished design for formal email proposals—so I can match the format to the audience and setting.”

Client Onboarding Workflow

“Design a structured and repeatable client onboarding system using Notion or Trello that’s ideal for a solo marketing consultant managing multiple client projects. The workflow should begin with intake and kickoff, progress through timeline setting and content calendar delivery, and finish with reporting checkpoints and next-step planning. Include a board layout I can replicate, with categories for tasks, deadlines, and automations that reduce admin overhead. Recommend leading vendors in the onboarding and project management space for August 2025, noting pricing, integrations, and current user sentiment based on recent industry reviews and freelancer communities. Help me organize my onboarding process in a way that’s polished, stress-free, and easy to grow as my business scales.”

Tiered Pricing Package Design

“Help me structure three clear and compelling service tiers—Starter, Growth, and Premium—for monthly social media management, specifically tailored to small business clients. Each package should feel like a natural step up in value, with Starter offering essential coverage, Growth adding creative and analytics support, and Premium layering in strategic direction and content production. Keep each package under $2,500/month and suggest how I might test additional enhancements like influencer partnerships, paid ad management, or branded templates. Show how to communicate these differences in plain language so prospective clients can quickly understand the value of each option and feel empowered to choose what fits them best.”

Early-Stage ROI Reporting Template

“Create a client-facing marketing report template designed specifically for early-stage campaigns where the ROI story is still emerging. The report should guide the client through what’s happening behind the scenes, explain key KPIs like reach, engagement, and conversions, and highlight where things are working or being optimized. Use the report to build confidence and reinforce momentum—helping the client understand not just results, but also strategy, insights, and next steps. Include sections for visual metrics, quick wins, recommended actions, and a positive summary statement that reassures clients that they’re on the right path, even if the campaign is still ramping up.”

AI-Assisted Campaign Ideas

“Based on my brand in the wellness space (link website), generate three Instagram Reels content ideas that use AI tools like ChatGPT, Canva, or CapCut to enhance production speed and creativity. Each idea should include a strong hook to stop scrolling, a clear visual style using available AI design tools, a call-to-action that fits the platform, and a fully written caption aligned with my tone and target audience. Help me keep the ideas light-lift and authentic—ideal for a small business owner without a big production budget, but who still wants to show up consistently and creatively on social media.”

 

Nonprofits & Community Organizations

Grant Application Summary

“Act as a grant writing consultant with experience in youth development and economic mobility initiatives. I’m applying for a $10,000 grant to fund a youth entrepreneurship pilot in Baltimore, launching Fall 2025. Write a 1-paragraph summary (150–200 words) that I can use as the core of my application. Include the following: Community need: reference youth unemployment, access to opportunity gaps, and local economic context in Baltimore; Program design- briefly describe the structure of the pilot (training, mentorship, business planning, seed funding); How the funds will be used; Expected outcomes: both short-term (skills gained, confidence, launch plans) and long-term (entrepreneurial mindset, job creation); Tone: Optimistic, clear, and mission-driven. Assume the reader is a local foundation or community development organization familiar with Baltimore’s challenges.”

Donor Email Sequence

“Act as a nonprofit fundraising strategist familiar with small community-based arts organizations. I need a 3-part email sequence to engage new donors for a youth-focused arts nonprofit based in Atlanta, starting in October 2025. The sequence should include: (1) a warm introduction to our mission and impact (copy link to your site), (2) a short, compelling story of a student or program moment, and (3) a clear but low-pressure donation ask. Please include subject lines for each message and suggest a timing cadence across the three emails. Keep tone warm, accessible, and aligned with our values of creativity, equity, and local impact.”

Volunteer Onboarding Checklist

“Act as a nonprofit operations coordinator experienced with food justice initiatives and community-based volunteer programs. I run a monthly food distribution organization serving 200+ households in Charlotte, NC, and need a comprehensive volunteer onboarding checklist that’s current for Fall 2025. The checklist should include clear welcome email language, links to orientation videos or docs, role descriptions, safety reminders, and tech setup steps for our volunteer scheduling platform. Please also include step-by-step instructions for new volunteers to sign up for shifts online or via mobile. Keep the tone warm and mission-aligned and suggest ways to make first-time volunteers feel informed and appreciated.”

Impact Report for Donors

“You’re a nonprofit communications specialist skilled in donor storytelling and data visualization. I need a 1-page FY2025 impact report for a small community nonprofit that served 250 low-income families in the Baltimore area through housing and employment support programs. The report should include key metrics (e.g., number of families served, job placements, housing secured), a brief but powerful success story from a single beneficiary, and a heartfelt thank-you paragraph written in a tone that’s warm, optimistic, and mission-aligned. Please format it for email or print distribution with a clear title, logical sections, and a compelling closing line that reinforces ongoing donor support. Include a list/links to all referenced data.”

AI Tools for Nonprofit Efficiency

“Act as an efficiency advisor for small nonprofits seeking to maximize donor outreach, grant writing, and communications on a tight budget (include budget). Provide a categorized list of free or low-cost AI tools—including writing assistants like ChatGPT, grant proposal helpers such as Grantable or Bloomerang AI Content Assistant, and donor engagement platforms like Momentum or Funraise AppealAI—with a brief description of each tool’s primary function, pricing status, and ideal use case. Where available, include active links to the tools and prioritize ones with nonprofit features. The tone should be practical and resource-savvy, assuming the reader has limited tech expertise but aims for impactful outcomes in 2025. Format your response as a bulleted list grouped by use-case category.”

 

Professional Services

Value-Based Pricing Copy

“I’m a solo consultant charging $300/hour. Act as a client communications strategist and help me explain this pricing in a way that emphasizes the transformation I deliver, long-term value, and ROI for clients. First, write a concise website paragraph that communicates my value proposition clearly and aligns with my philosophy of (insert your values/philosophy/website here). Write a sample response I can use when someone emails to ask about my rate—something confident, empathetic, and professional. Target audience is small business owners and executive leaders who are serious about growth but may need help understanding how expert consulting pays off. Keep the tone warm but firm. Avoid apologizing for the price.”

2025 Tax Tips Email

“Act as a professional tax advisor and email marketing specialist. Draft a clear, engaging 2025 tax tips email I can send to U.S.-based small business clients. The email should include updates on relevant deductions, common filing mistakes to avoid, and specific Q4 actions to take before year-end to improve next year’s tax position. The tone should be professional but easy to understand—no jargon, just helpful insight. Close with a strong, actionable CTA encouraging recipients to contact us for personalized support or additional tips. Please format this in email-ready style with subject line, greeting, body, and sign-off.”

LinkedIn Thought Leadership Post

“Act as a LinkedIn content strategist and small business succession planning expert in 2025. Write a 500-character LinkedIn post designed to position me as a thought leader on succession planning for family-owned businesses. The post should include a strong opening hook, one clear insight, and a soft call to action linking to our website (insert link to your webpage here) for a free consultation. In addition, research and list the top 5 emerging succession-related topics that family business owners are focused on this year. Please keep the tone confident, professional, and relevant to founders planning generational transition or exit.”

ChatGPT Use Cases for Service Firms

“I run a small accounting firm and want to explore how ChatGPT can be used safely and efficiently in my workflow. Please suggest 3 practical applications—i.e. drafting internal memos, summarizing client calls, or preparing proposals—that align with industry standards and privacy expectations. Outline ideal toolchains for each use case, including any necessary plug-ins or integrations. Highlight privacy risks and mitigation strategies, plus review steps to ensure compliance. Beyond ChatGPT, suggest other AI applications that firms like mine (insert link to your firm) are currently adopting. Include direct links to current user reviews and clearly note pros and cons of each tool you mention.”

Productivity & Client Tracking System

“I’m a solo consultant looking to set up a productivity and client tracking system in either Notion or ClickUp. I need to monitor billable hours, task deadlines, recurring deliverables, and detailed client notes in a centralized view. Please suggest a sample layout with relevant custom fields and compare the pros and cons of using Notion vs. ClickUp based on real user feedback. I prefer a clean interface with minimal setup time and integrations with Google Workspace. Also recommend 1–2 other platforms worth considering that offer similar functionality for service-based professionals like me.”

 

Real Estate & Property Services

Real Estate Listing Description

“Write a compelling real estate listing description for a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in Durham, NC that appeals to first-time homebuyers. The unit features oversized windows, excellent natural light, hardwood floors, and a balcony with skyline views. It’s located within walking distance of downtown restaurants, shops, parks, and public transit, making it ideal for urban professionals or couples starting out. Please include one emotionally resonant paragraph to capture lifestyle appeal and highlight the unit’s key features. Follow it with a short list of bullet points that reinforces the main selling points. Tone should be upbeat, accessible, and focused on lifestyle potential, not just specs.”

Step Follow-up for Buyer Leads

“I’m a residential real estate agent based in Newton, MA, and I’m looking to create a thoughtful 3-step follow-up sequence for buyer leads after an in-person property showing. The goal is to maintain warm engagement and encourage the next steps in their buying journey, without coming across as pushy. Please help me craft three brief but personalized outreach messages: the first as a thank-you text within 24 hours, the second as a summary email that includes next steps or property info, and the third as a check-in if there’s been no response after several days. Each message should reflect my brand values—calm, competent, and collaborative—and strike a tone that is warm, helpful, and professional. Please include guidance on timing between each message and adapt the language to suit buyers in a mid- to high-end suburban market. (Include a placeholder for a website or contact link that can be customized later.)”

Rental Property Upgrade Ideas Under $300

“I manage a short-term rental property in Asheville, NC that attracts couples and small families looking for scenic getaways. My goal is to improve guest reviews by enhancing comfort, convenience, and visual appeal on a limited budget. Please recommend 3 high-impact upgrades, each under $300 total cost, that I can implement within the next month. Keep suggestions renter-friendly—no heavy renovations or permit-required changes. Assume I use Airbnb’s platform and want to attract more 5-star reviews from vacation travelers.”

Tenant & Lease Tracking Template

“Help me build a simple but effective tracking tool using either Notion or Google Sheets (whichever you recommend for ease of use) to manage four rental units in Asheville, NC. I need to track tenant details (name, contact, unit, lease dates), monthly rent payments (due date, paid, unpaid, partial), maintenance requests (date submitted, status, resolution notes), lease renewal dates and alerts. Please include a suggested table structure with recommended field names.”

Neighborhood Market Update Email

“Act as a real estate marketing assistant. I’m a Raleigh-based agent writing a neighborhood market update email to send to a mailing list of 300 buyer and seller leads. Keep the tone conversational and helpful, and the length to about 150–200 words. Include current median home sale price in Raleigh (August 2025), notable listings (price range, days on market, any standout features), what this means for buyers and sellers right now (opportunities and trends), a friendly call-to-action to reply or book a call. Please format the email for easy reading—include a bold subject line, light intro, bullet highlights, and a warm sign-off. Use plain, accessible language.”

 

Retail (Brick-and -Mortar & E-Commerce)

SKU & Inventory Management

“Act as a retail operations analyst and use the last 90 days of my Shopify sales data to identify which SKUs I should reorder, mark down, or discontinue based on sell-through rate, margin performance, and seasonal relevance. My goal is to maintain lean inventory while maximizing gross profit per square foot. Provide recommendations in a simple, color-coded table (green = reorder, yellow = markdown, red = discontinue) that I can share with my team. Please also suggest a rule of thumb for setting minimum reorder thresholds based on daily sell-through rate or average weeks of coverage. The table should be easy to update weekly and export from Google Sheets. Assume the store serves Gen Z and Millennial customers and carries trend-sensitive products with short shelf life.”

Omnichannel Sales Campaigns

“I run a small boutique targeting Gen Z and Millennial shoppers, and I use Shopify POS for in-store transactions, Instagram for brand engagement, and Klaviyo for email marketing. I want to launch a set of three coordinated omnichannel campaigns that will drive both in-store foot traffic and online sales during the back-to-school season (August–September 2025). Each campaign should include a compelling offer or incentive, a clear call to action, and recommended launch timing to maximize engagement and conversions. Please tailor the ideas to budget-conscious, trend-savvy shoppers, and suggest how I can track performance across all three platforms. Assume I have a small marketing team and want ideas I can execute without needing outside help or large ad spend.”

Visual Merchandising Plan

“I manage a 600-square-foot retail storefront targeting Gen Z and Millennial shoppers in an urban walkable area, and I need a visual merchandising and signage strategy that boosts foot traffic and drives conversions. Please act as a retail display and visual merchandising expert and suggest a creative, cost-effective plan that includes front window layout ideas optimized for social media visibility, best practices for shelf and product display that enhance flow and encourage discovery, and recommendations for in-store signage and point-of-sale visuals. Also, include seasonal considerations and any digital integrations (e.g. QR codes, screen signage) relevant for 2025. Present the plan as a concise strategy paragraph followed by a checklist I can hand off directly to my store manager for weekly implementation and visual refreshes.”

Customer Loyalty Program Design
“I own a small retail business with under 500 recurring customers and currently use Square for transactions and CRM. I want to design a low-cost customer loyalty program that’s fully automated, costs less than $50/month to run, and is easy for both customers and staff to use. Please suggest a three-tier rewards structure with creative tier names and clearly defined benefits that drive repeat visits and average order value. The program should work seamlessly within Square’s native tools or approved third-party integrations and should not require a custom app. Include ideas for how to track success over the first 90 days and how to promote the program at point of sale and via email.”

Product Photography on a Budget

“I’m a solo retail owner managing my product photography using an iPhone and natural light, with a total budget under $100 for additional equipment. My goal is to capture clean, consistent, high-quality images for both Instagram and my Shopify store. Act as a visual content coach for small retailers and create a DIY photography guide tailored to this scenario. Provide five step-by-step setups for different product types—apparel, jewelry, packaged goods, skincare, and home goods—using everyday props and affordable accessories. Ensure instructions are easy to follow, with tips for lighting, framing, editing apps, and consistency across posts.”

 

Tech & Product Startups

Investor Pitch Copy

“Write a short, compelling investor pitch paragraph for a 2025 bootstrapped SaaS startup that solves complex team scheduling for shift-based businesses such as QSRs, retailers, and home health providers. The copy should clearly identify the problem (inefficient, manual scheduling), highlight the unique solution (AI-powered automation that cuts scheduling time by 70% and improves coverage), and mention key traction (150+ paying customers, 95% retention, $420K ARR). Briefly describe the founding team’s relevant experience in SaaS and shift operations (link to your company site). The tone should be confident but not exaggerated, ideal for early-stage angel or pre-seed investor audiences. Format this as a paragraph of 5–6 sentences ready for use in pitch decks or investor emails.

MVP Landing Page Headlines

“Act as a SaaS marketing strategist experienced in early-stage B2C product launches. Suggest 3 high-converting, attention-grabbing landing page headlines for a new AI-powered habit tracking mobile app designed for busy professionals who struggle with consistency and time management. The headlines should appeal to working adults (ages 28–50) in high-pressure roles who are seeking tools that support personal accountability without adding friction to their day. Each headline should be no more than 10 words, optimized for mobile viewing, and reflect a tone that is confident, modern, and actionable. This MVP will be used to validate user interest and build a pre-launch waitlist.”

Onboarding Flow to First Success

“I’m building a task management app targeted at busy professionals. Please design a 3-step onboarding flow that guides new users from account creation to their first completed task within 3 minutes. Include a warm, branded welcome message, strategic in-app tooltips that help orient users without overwhelming them, and a final “success screen” that celebrates completion and suggests the next action. The tone should be encouraging, efficient, and intuitive, with minimal friction. I want users to feel a quick sense of progress and clarity, so make sure each step has a clear purpose, visual simplicity, and optional prompts for further exploration.”

User Feedback LinkedIn Post

“I’m preparing to share a new SaaS product idea publicly on LinkedIn and want to start gathering feedback from early users and other founders. Please write a first-person LinkedIn post written in a founder-to-founder tone—curious, humble, but confident. The product is a simple, AI-powered task tracker for freelancers and solopreneurs who feel overwhelmed by open loops and disorganized priorities. The goal of this post is to validate interest, invite direct messages or comments, and spark early collaboration. Keep the post authentic and conversational in tone, around 150–200 words and suggest a call-to-action that encourages feedback or questions from peers.”

Lean AI Startup Stack

“I’m an early-stage founder building a lean AI-enabled SaaS startup and I’m looking to assemble a modern, budget-friendly tech stack. Please recommend 5 AI-powered tools, each under $100/month, that can help me cover core functions like customer support, CRM, analytics, and marketing automation. Prioritize tools that are intuitive, widely adopted by startups, and deliver high value for cost. For each tool, include a 1–2 sentence explanation of why it’s a strong fit for startups in 2025, along with a direct link to the website. Present the recommendations in a clean, easy-to-copy list I can share with my co-founder.”

 

Transportation, Logistics & Delivery

Route Optimization Analysis

“Act as a logistics and route optimization expert specializing in last-mile delivery. I’m a small business owner operating 5 delivery drivers across 3 zip codes in [insert city/state, e.g., Raleigh, NC. I’ve uploaded a spreadsheet showing current driver routes, delivery times, and mileage totals for each run. Please analyze the schedule and routing patterns, identify inefficiencies or overlaps, suggest practical route adjustments to reduce total drive time and fuel costs by at least 10%. Please also recommend a free or low-cost route optimization tool (under $50/month) that integrates with Google Maps or Waze.”

Cost/Mile Calculator

“Act as a small business operations analyst. I run a local delivery business in North Carolina using 3 vehicles, each averaging 100–150 miles per day. I need a cost-per-mile calculator spreadsheet built in Google Sheets. Please include line items and sample monthly values for fuel (assume $3.75/gallon), routine maintenance, vehicle insurance, driver wages (assume $18/hour), and admin/overhead. Include column and row structure, built-in formulas that calculate per-mile cost and monthly total.”

Diver Hiring Job Ad

“Act as a recruitment copywriter for a small logistics company. Write a compelling job post for a full-time delivery driver position based in Atlanta, Georgia. The role involves operating a company vehicle to deliver packages across a consistent set of routes within the city and nearby suburbs. Please include a short, engaging intro that reflects our team-first culture and commitment to work-life balance. Other details to include- Role overview with duties (pickup, delivery, route logging, customer interaction), starting pay ($21–$23/hour based on experience), consistent shift schedule (Mon–Fri, 7am–3:30pm), benefits: health insurance, PTO, paid holidays, bonus eligibility, requirements: valid GA license, clean driving record, ability to lift 50 lbs., GPS proficiency. Use plain, friendly language and end with a clear <strong>call-to-action</strong> on how to apply (via email or company website). Assume the ad will be posted on Indeed, Craigslist, and social media.”

Customer Delivery Messaging Template

“Act as a customer service communication specialist for a small business with a delivery team.<strong> Write 3 brief customer communication templates for delivery updates: (1) on-time ETA, (2) slight delay with apology, (3) drop-off confirmation. Use text message tone. </strong>Assume most customers are busy working adults and expect professional, yet casual updates. Keep it personable, not robotic.”

Fleet Maintenance Tracker

“Build a vehicle maintenance tracker in Google Sheets for a 6-vehicle fleet. Include oil change dates, tire rotations, inspection deadlines, and alerts for overdue items. Please design a tracker that includes key fields: vehicle ID, mileage, oil change date and interval, tire rotation date and interval, inspection deadlines (state and emissions), next service due, and notes. Also include color-coded alerts, embedded formulas to automatically calculate next service. Layout as one row per vehicle, with frozen header row and dropdown menus for maintenance type. Output in Google Sheets-compatible table with suggestions for column headers and sample data.”

 

What’s next, you wonder?

Agentic AI…AI systems designed to act as autonomous agents (hopefully, with positive impact and on our behalf). Stay tuned. Much more with AI to come.


Want this prompting primer in a downloadable format to keep or share with your team?
Contact Dobbin directly via email me@dobbinbookman.com or connect with him on LinkedIn. Dobbin also welcomes the sharing of any prompts that you’ve found to be particularly effective.

 

About the Author
Dobbin Bookman is the Director of AI Initiatives at ICIC, where he leads efforts to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence to drive inclusive economic prosperity for small businesses and under-resourced communities. Experienced as an entrepreneur, facilitator, and global advisor, Dobbin brings a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to leveraging technology for transformative business practices.

Over the past 18 years, Dobbin has developed innovative learning paths for managers and senior leaders, focusing on optimizing human capital capacity and aligning talent with organizational objectives. His guiding principle, “Don’t manage your people, manage the backdrop against which they work,” reflects his commitment to creating environments that foster peak performance.

At ICIC, Dobbin has been instrumental in conducting focus groups and research in partnership with Intuit, aiming to revolutionize small business operations through cutting-edge AI solutions. These initiatives empower entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented communities, by equipping them with tools and education to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

Learn more about Dobbin at www.dobbinbookman.com.


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