You open ChatGPT. You stare at the blank box. You type "help me with..." and delete it.

Sound familiar?

The problem isn't ChatGPT—it's knowing what to ask. CEOs of small companies (1-20 employees) need specific, actionable prompts that solve real business problems.

Here are 30 copy-paste-ready prompts organized by business function. Bookmark this page.

How to Use These Prompts

1. Copy the entire prompt (including brackets)
2. Replace [bracketed text] with your specific information
3. Paste into ChatGPT (Plus recommended for best results)
4. Refine the output by asking follow-up questions

Pro tip: The more context you provide in brackets, the better your results.

Strategic Decision-Making (6 Prompts)

1. Make a Complex Business Decision

I need to make a decision about [describe the decision, e.g., "whether to hire a full-time developer or outsource to an agency"].

Here's the context:
- Current situation: [your current state]
- Budget: [your budget constraints]
- Timeline: [when you need to decide]
- Key concerns: [what worries you]

Create a decision framework that includes:
1. Criteria weighted by importance (1-10 scale)
2. Pros and cons for each option scored 0-10
3. Potential risks with mitigation strategies
4. A clear recommendation with reasoning

2. Identify Market Opportunities

I run a [industry] company with [number] employees serving [target customer]. Our main product/service is [brief description].

Analyze emerging market trends for 2025 and identify 3-5 untapped opportunities we could pursue with our current capabilities. For each opportunity, include:
- Market size and growth potential
- Why we're positioned to win
- Resources required to execute
- Expected timeline to revenue

3. Build a 90-Day Growth Plan

My company currently generates [revenue] per month. Our goal is to reach [target revenue] in 90 days.

Current situation:
- Team size: [number]
- Main revenue source: [describe]
- Biggest bottleneck: [what's holding you back]
- Available budget: [amount]

Create a 90-day action plan with:
- Week-by-week milestones
- Specific tactics (not generic advice)
- Success metrics for each initiative
- Resource allocation recommendations

4. Competitive Analysis Framework

I need to analyze my competitors in [industry/niche]. My main competitors are [list 2-4 competitors].

Create a competitive analysis that covers:
- Pricing strategy comparison
- Unique value propositions
- Marketing channels they use
- Gaps in their offering we could exploit
- Threats they pose to our business
- 3 actionable insights for our strategy

5. Prioritize Product/Service Ideas

I have multiple ideas for new products/services but limited resources. Help me prioritize.

Ideas:
1. [Idea 1 with brief description]
2. [Idea 2 with brief description]
3. [Idea 3 with brief description]
4. [Idea 4 with brief description]

Evaluate each based on:
- Estimated ROI (revenue potential vs. cost)
- Time to market
- Alignment with current capabilities
- Market demand signals
- Risk level

Recommend which one to pursue first and why.

6. Create a 3-Year Vision

Help me develop a compelling 3-year vision for my company.

Current state:
- Revenue: [current ARR/MRR]
- Team: [size and key roles]
- Market position: [where you stand]
- Key strengths: [what you're good at]

Industry trends: [1-2 major trends]

Create a vision that includes:
- Where we'll be in 3 years (specific metrics)
- 3-5 strategic goals with KPIs
- Major milestones year by year
- What we'll need to build/acquire to get there

Operations & Efficiency (5 Prompts)

7. Optimize a Recurring Process

I want to optimize this recurring process: [describe the process, e.g., "client onboarding"].

Current process:
[List current steps]

Problems:
- [Issue 1]
- [Issue 2]
- [Issue 3]

Tools we use: [list relevant tools]
Team involved: [who's responsible]

Redesign this process to:
1. Reduce time by at least 30%
2. Minimize errors
3. Improve customer experience
4. Be executable with our current tools

8. Build a Weekly CEO Dashboard

I need a simple weekly dashboard to track business health.

My business: [brief description]
Key revenue drivers: [what generates money]
Main costs: [biggest expenses]
Team size: [number]

Create a weekly dashboard with:
- 5-7 KPIs divided into: Financial, Customer, Operational, Team
- Why each metric matters
- Target ranges for each KPI
- How to collect the data
- Simple traffic light system (red/yellow/green)

9. Diagnose Workflow Bottlenecks

We're experiencing delays/inefficiencies in [department or process].

Current workflow:
[Describe step-by-step what happens]

Symptoms:
- [What's going wrong]
- [Impact on business]
- [Who's affected]

Team feedback: [any complaints or observations]

Identify:
1. The root cause bottleneck (not symptoms)
2. Quick wins we can implement this week
3. Long-term solutions (with cost/effort estimates)
4. Metrics to track improvement

10. Create Standard Operating Procedures

I need to document [specific task/process] so others can do it without me.

The process: [describe what you do step-by-step]
Goal: [what success looks like]
Common mistakes: [what usually goes wrong]
Tools needed: [software, equipment, etc.]

Create an SOP that includes:
- Clear step-by-step instructions
- Screenshots/templates needed (describe)
- Quality checkpoints
- Troubleshooting guide for common issues
- Time estimate for completion

11. Cost Reduction Analysis

I need to reduce costs without hurting quality or growth.

Current monthly costs:
- [Category 1]: [amount]
- [Category 2]: [amount]
- [Category 3]: [amount]
- [Category 4]: [amount]

Target: Reduce costs by [percentage or amount]
Non-negotiables: [what we can't cut]

Analyze each cost category and suggest:
1. Immediate cuts (this month)
2. Optimization opportunities (3-month timeline)
3. Alternative vendors/solutions
4. Expected savings for each recommendation

Marketing & Sales (5 Prompts)

12. Write a Cold Email Sequence

I want to reach [target persona, e.g., "HR directors at 50-200 person companies"] to sell [your product/service].

Our unique value: [what makes you different]
Main benefit: [primary outcome for customers]
Proof: [testimonial, case study, or metric]

Write a 3-email cold outreach sequence:
- Email 1: Short, pattern-interrupt subject line and curiosity-driven opener
- Email 2: Follow-up with value (insight or resource)
- Email 3: Final attempt with social proof

Keep each email under 100 words. Make them sound human, not salesy.

13. Create Social Media Content Calendar

Create a 30-day social media content calendar for [LinkedIn/Twitter/Instagram].

My business: [brief description]
Target audience: [who you serve]
Content pillars: [3-4 themes you want to cover]
Current followers: [approximate number]
Goal: [what you want to achieve]

For each post, provide:
- Post concept/hook
- Type (carousel/video/text/poll)
- Estimated engagement potential (low/medium/high)
- Best posting time

14. Generate Landing Page Copy

I need landing page copy for [product/service/offer].

Target audience: [who it's for]
Main problem we solve: [pain point]
How we solve it: [your solution]
Key benefits: [3-4 outcomes]
Social proof: [testimonials, logos, metrics]
Objections: [common reasons people don't buy]

Write conversion-focused copy for:
- Headline (clear value proposition)
- Subheadline (expand on benefit)
- 3 benefit sections with descriptions
- Social proof section
- FAQ (address top 3 objections)
- CTA (compelling call-to-action)

15. Develop a Positioning Statement

Help me articulate our positioning clearly.

What we do: [product/service]
Who we serve: [target customer]
Main competitors: [2-3 alternatives]
Why we're different: [unique approach/feature/benefit]
Customer outcome: [result they get]

Create:
1. A one-sentence positioning statement
2. A 30-second elevator pitch
3. A "We help [X] do [Y] by [Z]" statement
4. 3 proof points that support our positioning

16. Plan a Product Launch

I'm launching [product/service] in [timeframe].

Product: [brief description]
Target market: [who will buy this]
Unique angle: [why it's different]
Budget: [available for launch]
Email list: [size]
Social following: [size]

Create a launch plan including:
- Pre-launch (build anticipation)
- Launch week (create urgency)
- Post-launch (maintain momentum)
- Content/channels for each phase
- Success metrics to track

Team Management (5 Prompts)

17. Write a Job Description

I need to hire a [role] for my [size] company in [industry].

Responsibilities:
- [Key task 1]
- [Key task 2]
- [Key task 3]

Must-have skills: [critical requirements]
Nice-to-have: [preferred qualifications]
Company culture: [brief description]
Salary range: [if comfortable sharing]

Write a job description that:
- Hooks qualified candidates immediately
- Clearly outlines day-to-day work
- Highlights growth opportunities
- Filters out unqualified applicants
- Sounds authentic (not corporate jargon)

18. Create Interview Questions

I'm interviewing candidates for [role]. I want to assess [specific skills/traits, e.g., "problem-solving ability and cultural fit"].

Key responsibilities: [what they'll do]
Must-have qualities: [what makes someone successful]
Red flags: [what would disqualify someone]

Create 10 interview questions:
- 3 behavioral questions (past experience)
- 3 situational questions (hypothetical scenarios)
- 2 technical/skill questions
- 2 culture-fit questions

For each, include what a strong answer would demonstrate.

19. Draft a Performance Review

I need to conduct a performance review for [employee name/role].

Review period: [timeframe]
Key achievements: [what went well]
Areas for improvement: [what needs work]
Company goals for next quarter: [relevant objectives]
Career growth opportunities: [potential paths]

Write a balanced performance review that:
- Acknowledges specific accomplishments
- Provides constructive feedback with examples
- Sets clear expectations for next period
- Offers actionable development suggestions
- Maintains positive, motivating tone

20. Resolve a Team Conflict

I have a conflict between [person A/role] and [person B/role].

The situation: [describe what's happening]
Impact: [how it affects the team/business]
What I know about each perspective: [brief summary]

Help me:
1. Identify the root cause (often not what it seems)
2. Prepare for a mediation conversation (what to say)
3. Develop a resolution framework
4. Create follow-up plan to ensure it doesn't recur

21. Build an Onboarding Checklist

I'm hiring for [role]. I want them productive quickly.

Day 1 priorities: [what they need to know immediately]
Week 1 goals: [what success looks like]
Month 1 objectives: [key milestones]
Tools they'll use: [software, systems, etc.]
Key people to meet: [team members/departments]

Create a comprehensive onboarding checklist organized by:
- Before Day 1 (prep work)
- First Day
- First Week
- First Month
- 90-Day check-in

Financial Planning (4 Prompts)

22. Build a Simple Cash Flow Forecast

I need a 6-month cash flow forecast.

Current cash: [amount]
Monthly recurring revenue: [amount]
Monthly expenses: [breakdown]
Upcoming one-time costs: [list with dates]
Expected new deals: [amount and probability]

Create a month-by-month forecast showing:
- Expected inflows
- Expected outflows
- Net cash position
- Runway calculation
- Warnings if cash gets low
- Recommendations to improve cash position

23. Evaluate a Major Investment

I'm considering [investment, e.g., "hiring a senior developer for $120K/year"].

Cost: [total investment]
Timeline: [when we'd make it]
Expected return: [how it would help business]
Current revenue: [monthly/annual]
Runway: [months of cash]

Help me evaluate:
1. Can we afford this? (cash flow impact)
2. What ROI can we expect? (realistic projection)
3. What's the breakeven timeline?
4. What risks should we consider?
5. Is now the right time, or should we wait?

24. Create a Pricing Strategy

I need to price [product/service].

What we're selling: [description]
Target customer: [who buys this]
Value delivered: [outcomes/benefits]
Costs to deliver: [COGS or time investment]
Competitor pricing: [range]
Business model: [one-time, subscription, usage-based]

Recommend:
1. A pricing structure (tiers if applicable)
2. Price points with reasoning
3. Positioning (budget/mid-market/premium)
4. Discounting strategy (if any)
5. How to test and optimize pricing

25. Plan for Hiring Budget

I want to hire [role(s)] but need to understand the full cost.

Positions to fill:
1. [Role 1] - [expected salary]
2. [Role 2] - [expected salary]

Current revenue: [monthly/annual]
Current team costs: [payroll total]
Revenue per employee: [calculation if known]

Calculate:
1. Fully-loaded cost (salary + benefits + taxes + overhead)
2. Impact on burn rate and runway
3. Revenue per employee after hiring
4. Required revenue increase to justify hires
5. Recommendation: can we afford this now?

Personal Productivity (5 Prompts)

26. Plan Your Weekly CEO Schedule

I want to optimize my weekly schedule for [primary goal, e.g., "growth" or "stability"].

My key responsibilities:
- [Responsibility 1]
- [Responsibility 2]
- [Responsibility 3]

Time wasters: [what steals your time]
Non-negotiables: [recurring commitments]
Energy patterns: [when you do your best work]

Create an ideal weekly schedule with:
- Time blocks for strategic work
- Meeting policies (when/how long)
- Focus time protection
- Administrative batch processing
- Recovery/recharge time

27. Prioritize Your To-Do List

I have too much to do. Help me prioritize ruthlessly.

My to-do list:
1. [Task 1]
2. [Task 2]
3. [Task 3]
4. [Task 4]
5. [Task 5]
6. [Task 6]

Current priorities: [top business goal]
Deadlines: [any hard dates]
Delegation options: [who could help]

Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize each task:
- Do First (urgent + important)
- Schedule (important, not urgent)
- Delegate (urgent, not important)
- Delete (neither)

Then give me my top 3 must-dos for today.

28. Write Difficult Email/Message

I need to write a difficult [email/message/announcement] about [topic].

Context: [explain the situation]
Recipient: [who's receiving this]
Main message: [what needs to be communicated]
Desired outcome: [what you want to happen]
Tone: [professional/empathetic/direct/etc.]

Draft the message that:
- Gets to the point quickly
- Shows empathy if appropriate
- Provides clear next steps
- Minimizes potential misinterpretation
- Maintains relationship

29. Prepare for an Important Meeting

I have an important meeting with [who] about [topic] on [date].

Meeting objective: [what I want to achieve]
Their perspective: [what they likely want/need]
Key points to cover: [main topics]
Potential objections: [what they might push back on]
Ideal outcome: [specific result]

Help me prepare:
1. Meeting structure (agenda with time allocations)
2. Opening statement (set tone and objectives)
3. Key talking points (with supporting data)
4. Responses to likely objections
5. Closing strategy (get to yes)

30. Generate Ideas Fast

I need fresh ideas for [specific challenge or opportunity].

Context: [explain the situation]
Constraints: [budget, time, resources]
What we've already tried: [past attempts]
Success criteria: [what good looks like]

Brainstorm 10 ideas ranging from:
- Safe bets (likely to work, moderate impact)
- Growth hacks (creative, higher risk/reward)
- Long-term plays (strategic, require patience)

For each idea, include:
- One-sentence description
- Estimated effort (low/medium/high)
- Estimated impact (low/medium/high)
- First step to test it

Pro Tips for Better ChatGPT Results

1. Add Context Every Time

Bad: "Write a job description for a developer" Good: "Write a job description for a mid-level full-stack developer at my 8-person B2B SaaS startup. Must know React and Node.js. We're remote-first and move fast."

2. Ask for Specific Formats

• "Provide this as a table"
• "Use bullet points"
• "Write this in the style of [person/brand]"
• "Keep it under 150 words"

3. Iterate with Follow-Ups

• "Make it more concise"
• "Add 3 more options"
• "Rewrite this for a technical audience"
• "What are the potential flaws in this plan?"

4. Use Constraints

• "Maximum budget: $5K"
• "Must be executable in 2 weeks"
• "Use only free tools"
• "Suitable for a 5-person team"

5. Request Specific Structures

• "Use the OKR framework"
• "Apply the RICE prioritization model"
• "Structure this as a decision tree"
• "Use the Jobs-to-be-Done framework"

What These Prompts Won't Do

They won't replace judgment. Use ChatGPT to generate options, not make final decisions.

They won't know your business. The more context you add, the better the output.

They won't be perfect first try. Expect to iterate and refine.

They won't solve bad strategy. AI can't fix unclear goals or poor business fundamentals.

Next Steps

1. Bookmark this page for quick reference
2. Pick one prompt that solves your most pressing problem today
3. Customize it with your specific details
4. Refine the output by asking follow-up questions
5. Save your best variations in a personal prompt library

Pro move: Copy prompts you use frequently into a notion doc with your specific context already filled in.

Want AI prompts customized for your specific business? We help small companies build custom AI workflows that save 10-20 hours per week—including prompt libraries tailored to your exact needs.