Let’s skip the fluff.
If you’re Gen X, you’ve sat through enough corporate meetings and buzzword bingo to last a lifetime. You don’t want hype — you want help.
These 10 no-BS tips will help you actually get useful answers from ChatGPT — whether you’re building a business, writing content, or just trying not to pull your hair out.
1. Be Clear and Concise
Say what you want. Don’t over-explain. Don’t apologize. ChatGPT doesn’t need your backstory — it needs instructions.
Bad:
“I was wondering if maybe you could possibly help me understand how to, you know, sort of make my resume better?”
Better:
“Identify three weaknesses in this resume and suggest improvements.”
Less hand-holding, more results.
2. Use Direct Commands
This is a tool — not your therapist. Give it orders. The clearer the command, the cleaner the output.
Bad:
“I was thinking about maybe learning Python?”
Better:
“List five beginner Python projects with learning outcomes.”
3. Keep It Short
Three sentences or less. If your prompt needs its own footnotes, you’re doing too much.
Bad:
Long-winded Italy travel planning ramble.
Better:
“Recommend 3 non-Rome Italian cities for a history + art fan in June. One must-see per city.”
Cut the chaos. You’ll get better results.
4. Provide Just Enough Context
Don’t info-dump. Give the “what,” “why,” and maybe one constraint. That’s it.
Formula:
“I need X for purpose Y with constraint Z.”
Simple. Effective. Gold.
5. Ask for Real-World Examples
Vague advice is the enemy. Ask for examples or specific use cases. Generalized tips won’t move the needle — you need proof.
Bad:
“What is good leadership?”
Better:
“Give 3 real-world scenarios where a manager handled team conflict well. Include exact phrases they used.”
6. Follow Up Like a Pro
Don’t settle for a half-baked answer. Push back. Dig deeper.
When ChatGPT gives you a high-level summary, say:
“Show me exactly how this works in a service business with no team and limited time.”
Persistence pays off.
7. Be Crystal Clear on Format
Need bullet points? A table? A checklist? Say so. If you leave it up to the bot, you’ll get a wall of text no one wants to read.
Bad:
“Tell me about mortgage options.”
Better:
“Create a table comparing 15- and 30-year fixed mortgages. Show monthly payment, total interest, and pros/cons.”
8. Double Check Your Data
ChatGPT sometimes makes up facts with the confidence of a drunk uncle at Thanksgiving. Don’t trust it blindly.
Ask:
“What might be inaccurate in this answer?”
“Are there any counterpoints?”
Cross-check anything important. You’re smarter than the average AI user — act like it.
9. Tweak the Wording
One word can change the whole output.
“Plan” vs. “framework”
“Outline” vs. “step-by-step”
Play around. I once turned a garbage answer into gold just by swapping “strategy” for “system.” It’s weird. But it works.
10. Iterate Like a CEO
Use ChatGPT like a tool you’re mastering — not a genie that grants half-wishes. Save your winning prompts. Build a swipe file. Refine what works.
This isn’t magic. It’s a skill.
Advanced Power Moves
If you’re past the basics, try these:
- Assign roles: “You’re a CFO. Analyze this budget for red flags.”
- Set constraints: “Explain NFTs in under 100 words using ‘80s movie references.”
- Ask for pros/cons: “What’s the argument against this business model?”
Real Talk
I’ve used these tips to write content, generate ideas, rework client messaging, and even save time on meal planning. (Yeah, ChatGPT helps me eat better. Who knew?)
The first time I realized it saved me 5 hours in one week? I was hooked.
The 20th time?
I felt like I had a secret weapon no one else was using right.
Bottom Line
This isn’t just about writing faster or saving time.
It’s about getting your time back — so you can focus on the real work that drives your business (or gives you your weekend back).
You can keep typing the long way, fighting with vague responses, and burning time you’ll never get back.
Or you can sharpen your prompts and take the reins.
Because ChatGPT isn’t the game-changer.
You are.
The tool just helps you move faster.
Want more time-saving strategies that actually work?
Stick around. AgentRise AI was built for solopreneurs like you — the ones doing too much, too often, for
