ChatGPT Prompts for Business: 30 Templates You Can Use Today

Sales prompts (1-5): from prospecting to close

**1. Prospect research brief.** "I am preparing for a sales call with [prospect name/role] at [company]. Research this company and provide: a 3-sentence company overview, their likely top 3 business challenges based on their industry and size, 2 recent news items or trends affecting their sector, and 3 conversation-opening questions that demonstrate I understand their business. Focus on challenges that [my product/service] could address." — Customisation: replace the bracketed fields with your actual prospect details. Add your product/service description for more targeted challenge identification. This works because it gives the AI a specific research framework rather than asking for generic information.

**2. Cold outreach email sequence.** "Write a 3-email outreach sequence for [target role] at [company type]. My value proposition: [one sentence]. Email 1: Initial outreach — lead with a specific challenge they face, not with our product. Under 150 words. No 'I hope this finds you well.' Email 2: Follow-up 3 days later — share a relevant insight or case study result, not a pitch. Under 100 words. Email 3: Break-up email 5 days after that — acknowledge they're busy, offer one specific resource, make it easy to say 'not now' without closing the door. Under 80 words." — The declining word count forces conciseness. The instruction to "lead with a challenge, not our product" prevents the self-centred outreach that prospects delete instantly.

**3. Objection response framework.** "I sell [product/service] to [target audience]. The most common objection I hear is: '[objection]'. Write 3 different response approaches: one that reframes the objection, one that uses a relevant case study or data point (you can invent a realistic example), and one that asks a question to understand the root concern. Each response should be 2-3 sentences maximum. Conversational tone — this is a live dialogue, not an email." — Three approaches give you options for different conversation dynamics. The conversational tone instruction prevents overly scripted responses.

**4. Proposal executive summary.** "Write an executive summary for a proposal to [prospect company]. They need: [their problem/need]. We propose: [our solution]. Key benefits: [list 3-4]. Investment: [price range]. Timeline: [duration]. The summary should be under 200 words, lead with their business outcome (not our product features), and end with a clear next step. Tone: confident but not salesy." — "Lead with their business outcome" is the critical instruction that transforms a product pitch into a value proposition.

**5. Win/loss analysis questions.** "Generate 15 post-deal analysis questions — 8 for won deals and 7 for lost deals. Questions should uncover: the real decision-making process, which competitors were considered and why they were rejected/chosen, what nearly derailed the deal, and what we could do better. Questions should be open-ended and non-leading. Format: numbered list with a [W] or [L] tag." — Win/loss analysis is one of the highest-value sales activities and one of the least practised. These questions can be used in post-deal interviews or as a self-reflection framework. For more sales and business prompts, explore the [Prompt Template Library](/tools/prompt-library).

Marketing prompts (6-10): content, campaigns, and strategy

**6. Content calendar generation.** "Create a 4-week content calendar for [company/brand] targeting [audience]. Our content pillars are: [list 3-5 topics]. Channels: [list channels]. For each week, provide: 2 blog post ideas with working titles, 5 social media posts (platform-specific), 1 email newsletter topic, and 1 repurposing idea from existing content. Each idea should have a one-line description of the angle — not just the topic. Prioritise ideas that address specific pain points, not general awareness." — "Not just the topic" and "specific pain points" prevent the generic content suggestions that AI often defaults to. The structure ensures a balanced, executable calendar.

**7. Landing page copy.** "Write landing page copy for [product/service]. Target audience: [description]. Primary action we want them to take: [CTA]. Structure: Hero headline (under 10 words, benefit-focused, not clever), sub-headline (one sentence expanding the benefit), 3 benefit blocks (each with a bold heading and 2-sentence description), social proof section (write placeholder text showing where testimonials would go), FAQ section (5 questions a sceptical visitor would ask, with honest answers), and a final CTA block. Tone: [specify]. Do not use the words 'revolutionary,' 'game-changing,' or 'unlock.'" — The explicit word bans prevent AI marketing clichés. The instruction for "honest answers" in the FAQ produces authentic content that builds trust.

**8. Email campaign A/B test.** "I am sending an email campaign about [topic] to [audience segment]. Write 2 versions: Version A with an emotional hook (curiosity, urgency, or aspiration) and Version B with a rational hook (data, specific benefit, or social proof). For each version, provide: subject line, preview text, opening paragraph, and CTA button text. Then explain which version you would test first and why." — Having the AI explain its recommendation builds your marketing intuition, not just your content library.

**9. Customer persona development.** "Help me develop a detailed customer persona for [product/service]. Industry: [industry]. Ask me 10 specific questions about our customers, one at a time. After I answer all 10, create a complete persona document with: name, role, demographics, goals, frustrations, buying triggers, objections, preferred content formats, and a 'day in the life' narrative showing where our product fits. Include quotes the persona might say." — The conversational approach extracts better information than trying to provide everything upfront.

**10. Competitive positioning statement.** "I need a positioning statement for [our product/service]. Our target customer: [description]. The problem we solve: [problem]. Our key differentiator: [what makes us different]. Top 3 competitors: [list]. Write a positioning statement using the format: 'For [target], [product] is the [category] that [key benefit] unlike [alternatives] because [reason to believe].' Then write 3 variations with different emphasis — one focused on the outcome, one on the differentiator, and one on the audience." — The classic positioning template with three variations gives you options and helps clarify which angle resonates most. For systematic approaches to marketing with AI, the [Essentials curriculum](/school/essentials) covers foundational prompting techniques.

Operations prompts (11-15): processes, planning, and efficiency

**11. Standard operating procedure (SOP).** "I need to document the process for [task/process]. I will describe the process in rough terms, and you will structure it into a professional SOP. Format: Purpose (why this process exists), Scope (who this applies to, when it applies), Prerequisites (what needs to be in place before starting), Steps (numbered, with sub-steps where needed, decision points marked clearly), Exceptions (common variations and how to handle them), and Quality Check (how to verify the process was done correctly). Start by asking me to describe the process." — The conversational approach pulls out details that a single-shot prompt would miss. The "exceptions" and "quality check" sections elevate the SOP from basic documentation to a genuinely useful operational guide.

**12. Project risk assessment.** "I am launching [project/initiative] with these parameters: timeline [duration], budget [amount], team [size/composition], key dependencies [list]. Conduct a risk assessment. For each risk, provide: description, likelihood (high/medium/low), impact (high/medium/low), mitigation strategy, and early warning indicator. Identify at least 8 risks across these categories: technical, resource, schedule, stakeholder, and external. Then rank the top 3 risks that deserve the most attention." — The category structure ensures comprehensive coverage. "Early warning indicator" is the most valuable element — it turns a static document into an actionable monitoring framework.

**13. Meeting agenda design.** "Design an agenda for a [duration] meeting about [topic]. Attendees: [list roles, not names]. The key decision we need to make: [decision]. Objectives: [list]. Structure the agenda with time allocations. Include: a pre-read requirement (what attendees should review before the meeting), a 'context setting' block (maximum 5 minutes — no lengthy presentations), discussion blocks structured as questions to answer (not topics to discuss), a decision block with a clear decision-making method, and an 'actions and owners' block. Total should not exceed [duration]." — "Questions to answer, not topics to discuss" transforms vague agendas into focused, productive meetings.

**14. Vendor evaluation matrix.** "I am evaluating vendors for [need]. Our requirements: [list prioritised requirements]. Vendors under consideration: [list]. Create an evaluation matrix with: weighted criteria (you suggest weights based on typical priorities for this type of purchase, I will adjust), scoring rubric for each criterion (what constitutes a 1, 3, or 5), and a template I can fill in after demos. Then list the 5 most important questions to ask each vendor during the evaluation." — Having the AI suggest weights rather than assign them invites collaboration and produces a more thoughtful framework.

**15. Process improvement analysis.** "Analyse this process for improvement opportunities: [describe current process]. Identify: bottlenecks (where does work queue?), redundancies (what is done twice?), handoff risks (where do errors occur when work passes between people?), automation candidates (what could a tool handle?), and simplification opportunities (what steps could be eliminated?). For each improvement, estimate the effort to implement (low/medium/high) and the expected impact (low/medium/high). Recommend a prioritised sequence of changes." — The effort-impact matrix makes the analysis immediately actionable, helping you decide where to start.

HR prompts (16-20): hiring, development, and culture

**16. Job description from outcomes.** "Write a job description for [role]. Instead of a traditional responsibilities list, structure it as: Role Purpose (2 sentences on why this role exists), What Success Looks Like (3-5 outcomes this person will achieve in year one, each measurable), How You Will Spend Your Time (percentage breakdown of major activities), What You Bring (must-have skills and experience — maximum 6 items), What Would Be a Bonus (nice-to-haves — maximum 3), What We Offer (compensation range: [range], plus [benefits]). Tone: honest and specific. Do not use 'fast-paced environment,' 'rockstar,' 'ninja,' or 'wear many hats.'" — The outcome-based structure attracts higher-quality candidates because it demonstrates that the company thinks clearly about what the role achieves. The explicit jargon bans prevent the clichés that repel experienced professionals.

**17. Interview scorecard.** "Create an interview scorecard for [role]. Key competencies to evaluate: [list 4-6]. For each competency, provide: definition (what this competency means for this role specifically), 2 behavioural interview questions (STAR format), scoring rubric (what a 1, 3, and 5 look like with specific examples), and red flags to watch for. Include a section for 'culture add' evaluation with 2 questions and a rubric. Format as a printable document the interviewer can fill in during the interview." — The detailed rubrics eliminate subjective evaluation, leading to better and fairer hiring decisions. "Culture add" rather than "culture fit" reflects modern, inclusive hiring practices.

**18. Onboarding plan.** "Design a 90-day onboarding plan for a new [role] joining a [team size] team. Structure by week for the first month, then by month for months 2-3. For each period, include: learning objectives, key activities, people to meet (by role, not name), milestones to hit, and a check-in agenda. Include a 'quick win' in the first two weeks — a manageable task that lets the new hire contribute visibly and build confidence. End with a 90-day review framework." — The "quick win" instruction is critical — it addresses the psychological need for early achievement that determines long-term engagement.

**19. Performance improvement conversation script.** "Help me prepare for a performance improvement conversation with a team member who is underperforming in [specific area]. The facts: [describe specific, observable behaviours — not interpretations]. Write a conversation framework that: opens with the purpose stated clearly and compassionately, presents specific examples (not generalisations), asks for the employee's perspective before proposing solutions, collaboratively sets clear expectations and timelines, and documents the agreed actions. Tone: direct, respectful, and genuinely supportive. Do not soften the message to the point of ambiguity." — "Do not soften to the point of ambiguity" prevents the most common performance conversation failure.

**20. Employee engagement survey questions.** "Write 15 employee engagement survey questions for a [size] company in [industry]. Cover: role satisfaction, management effectiveness, career development, team dynamics, and company direction. Use a mix of Likert scale (agree/disagree) and open-ended questions. Each question should measure something actionable — if the results are negative, we should be able to identify a specific change to make. Avoid questions that are nice to know but not actionable." — "Actionable" is the critical filter that distinguishes useful surveys from vanity metrics. Explore more templates in the [Prompt Template Library](/tools/prompt-library).

Finance and strategy prompts (21-25)

**21. Financial summary narrative.** "I have financial results for [period]: [paste key figures — revenue, costs, margins, cash, key variances]. Write an executive financial summary that: leads with the headline story (not a data dump), explains the 3 most significant variances with context, identifies the trend that matters most for next quarter, and flags one risk and one opportunity. Audience: [board/leadership team/investors]. Tone: factual, clear, no hedging language. Under 400 words." — "No hedging language" prevents the mushy, non-committal phrasing that makes financial summaries useless. The instruction to "lead with the headline story" prevents the chronological data walk-through that puts audiences to sleep.

**22. Budget proposal.** "Help me build a budget proposal for [initiative/department] for [time period]. Investment requested: [amount]. Expected return: [describe outcomes]. Write a budget proposal with: Executive Summary (3 sentences), Business Case (why this investment is necessary now), Investment Breakdown (categories of spend with amounts), Expected Returns (quantified where possible, qualitative where not), Risks and Mitigation (3 key risks), and Success Metrics (how we will know this worked). Assume the approver is numerate but not an expert in [your domain]." — "Numerate but not an expert" is a precise audience description that produces the right level of detail and explanation.

**23. Strategic options analysis.** "I am evaluating three strategic options for [decision context]: Option A: [describe]. Option B: [describe]. Option C: [describe]. Analyse each option across: financial impact (revenue, cost, margin), risk profile, implementation complexity, time to value, and organisational readiness requirements. Present as a comparison table, then write a 200-word recommendation that acknowledges trade-offs rather than pretending one option is clearly superior." — "Acknowledges trade-offs" prevents the artificially decisive analysis that makes one option look perfect and the others terrible.

**24. Board presentation talking points.** "I am presenting [topic] to the board. Key data points: [list]. The recommendation I want approval for: [describe]. Likely questions or pushback: [list]. Write talking points for each slide topic: [list slide topics]. For each, provide: the key message (one sentence), supporting data (2-3 points), and a pre-emptive response to the most likely objection. Keep each talking point block under 100 words." — Pre-emptive objection responses are the highest-value element — they prevent the most common board meeting derailments.

**25. Quarterly business review template.** "Create a quarterly business review (QBR) structure for a [type of business/team]. Include sections for: performance vs. targets (with a RAG status framework), key wins, key challenges, lessons learned, competitive landscape changes, and priorities for next quarter. For each section, provide: the guiding question it should answer, 3 example bullet points showing the right level of specificity, and a common mistake to avoid. The QBR should be completable in 2 hours and presentable in 30 minutes." — "Completable in 2 hours and presentable in 30 minutes" prevents the over-engineered QBR templates that nobody actually completes. The [CONTEXT Framework](/context-framework) methodology underpins all of these prompt designs.

Strategy and leadership prompts (26-30)

**26. Change communication plan.** "We are implementing [change — new tool, process, restructure, policy]. Affected groups: [list]. Timeline: [dates]. Write a change communication plan with: key messages for each stakeholder group (what they need to know and when), a communication timeline (what is communicated before, during, and after the change), FAQs for each group (5 questions per group, with honest answers), and a feedback mechanism. Address the unspoken concern directly — for most changes, this is 'how does this affect my job?'" — The "unspoken concern" instruction is the differentiator. Most change communication plans address the logical dimension but ignore the emotional one.

**27. Innovation workshop agenda.** "Design a [duration] innovation workshop for [number] participants to generate solutions for [challenge]. Participants are: [describe roles and levels]. Structure with: an icebreaker that relates to the problem (not a generic game), a problem-framing exercise, an ideation session using [brainstorming method — e.g., How Might We, SCAMPER, reverse brainstorming], a prioritisation exercise, and an action-planning session. Include specific facilitator instructions for each section. Ensure introverts have equal opportunity to contribute." — "Ensure introverts have equal opportunity" produces workshop designs with individual reflection time, written exercises, and small-group components alongside the full-group activities.

**28. Stakeholder mapping.** "I am leading [initiative]. Help me create a stakeholder map. The stakeholders are: [list names/roles]. For each, assess: their level of influence over the initiative's success (high/medium/low), their current attitude toward the initiative (champion/supportive/neutral/resistant), their primary concern or interest, and the engagement strategy needed. Map them on a 2x2 grid of influence vs. attitude. Then recommend a specific action for each stakeholder in the 'high influence, resistant' or 'high influence, neutral' quadrants." — Focusing action planning on the high-influence, non-supportive quadrant ensures effort is directed where it matters most.

**29. Annual planning framework.** "Help me create an annual plan for [team/department/company]. Context: [current situation, last year's key outcomes, market conditions]. Structure: Vision for the year (2 sentences), 3-5 strategic priorities (each with a measurable objective), key initiatives under each priority (maximum 3 per priority — force focus), resource requirements, key milestones by quarter, and the 3 things we will deliberately NOT do this year (to prevent scope creep). Tone: ambitious but realistic." — "3 things we will deliberately NOT do" is the most powerful element. Strategy is as much about what you exclude as what you include.

**30. AI adoption roadmap for your team.** "I lead a team of [size] in [function/industry]. Our current AI maturity: [describe — none/experimenting/some adoption/systematic use]. Create a 6-month AI adoption roadmap with: Month 1 — assessment and quick wins, Months 2-3 — structured skill building, Months 4-5 — workflow integration, Month 6 — measurement and scaling. For each phase, include: specific activities, tools to evaluate, skills to develop, and success metrics. Account for the fact that team members have varying comfort levels with technology." — This prompt generates a personalised version of the adoption methodology taught in Enigmatica's [curriculum](/school). For the full structured learning path, start with the [Essentials level](/school/essentials) and progress through [Practitioner](/school/practitioner) and beyond.

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