the takeaway

issue no. 17

6 ways to use (and not use) ChatGPT

AI is everywhere these days and it’s quickly becoming a go-to tool for business owners + their team, content creators and marketers.

part one: a beginners guide on when to use AI in your business

AI is everywhere these days and it’s quickly becoming a go-to tool for business owners + their team, content creators and marketers. from brainstorming to research, it’s got your back. but as amazing as it is, it’s not always the right fit. so, how do you know when to let ChatGPT take the wheel and when to step in yourself?

we’re breaking down the do’s and don’ts of using ChatGPT in your business strategy, plus some actionable tips for using it in the most effective way possible.

📝 outlines for templates, presentations, and more
need to get your ideas down, but don’t know where to start? cue ChatGPT. from templates to powerpoints and even blog posts, ChatGPT can help you stay organized and on track. insert your initial thoughts + “must-haves” into ChatGPT and let it create an outline for you. it’s important to note that when using ChatGPT, your prompt is key. the more information you provide, the better the outcome will be. 

👉🏻 for example: you’re drafting a blog on succession planning and want to include three statements on why it’s important to have a plan in place. here is a sample prompt to tell ChatGPT what you’re looking for: create an outline for a blog post regarding succession planning including three key points on the importance of having a plan in place. also be sure to include reputable resources to reference when writing the blog and include 2-3 misconceptions about succession planning for an opposing point of view. the tone of voice should be professional yet warm and relatable. I am specifically looking to target small to medium-sized business owners. ideally my blog post will be between 450-600 words.

👩🏻‍💻 writer’s block (aka: blank screen syndrome)
we’ve all been there… staring at a crisp, white, and admittedly blank screen, willing the words to flow, but nothing happens. that’s where ChatGPT shines. for business owners, AI can help generate training protocols, employee handbooks, meeting recaps and takeaways, job descriptions and so much more.

🔎 high-level industry research
whether you’re trying to get a quick overview of trends, competitor analysis, or emerging industry insights, ChatGPT can help you gather the basic info you need to dive deeper into more specific research.

when to leave ChatGPT alone

at this point, you’re probably thinking “wow, ChatGPT is the perfect business tool!”, but there are certain scenarios where it’s just not “it”. 

🗣️ brand voice
your brand’s voice is the soul of your business. it’s how you connect with your audience, tell your story, and stay authentic. while ChatGPT is great for drafting ideas, it can’t fully replicate the unique tone and nuances of your brand. leaning on it too much could end up diluting your message, sounding like a logo and not a person that your audience can chat with..

📲 social media Captions
relying on AI for connection with your audience is like flirting with CAPTCHA – you’re never going to get that first date. there is a reason it’s called human connection: AI can’t always capture the essence of your brand’s vibe or nail the tone that resonates with your audience. that’s something only you can do.

⚡️ sweb tip: use ChatGPT to generate ideas or spark inspiration, but always make sure your final caption is true to your brand’s voice. think of it as a FaceTime with your best friend or a coffee meeting with your advisor.  trust us: your followers will thank you for it.

☑️ fact-checking
while ChatGPT can do a lot, it’s not always 100% accurate. it can occasionally pull in outdated or wrong information, which is a big deal when you’re dealing with facts, stats, or legal info. always double + triple check your content, especially if you’re using data or quotes.

🥡 the takeaway

ChatGPT does not substitute for original thought. it’s a tool to give you back time and scale time.. the key is using ChatGPT to streamline your processes and get through the repetitive stuff while reserving your time for the high-level, human touch. 

it’s perfect for business process, overcoming writer’s block, drafting outlines, and gathering initial research, but the real magic happens when you add your personal expertise and brand knowledge into the mix. 

published: 04/08/2025

from the desk of:

  • Madilyn Carothers

    account executive

keep ‘em coming

prepared by sweb

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