In January 2023, I “discovered” ChatGPT, an AI that promised to revolutionize the way I worked, brainstormed, and solved problems. At first, I wasn’t sure how to use it effectively. Could it really help me craft marketing campaigns, write engaging blog posts, or teach me a new skill? I decided to find out, one query at a time.
It didn’t take long for me to see the potential. I quickly learned that ChatGPT could do far more than just answer questions. It could brainstorm real estate strategies, craft compelling emails, and even help me build workshops. But as I explored more, I realized something crucial: the better my input, the better the output.
By November 2024, after almost two years of working with this AI, I had a new question. Was I using it to its full potential? Sure, I was getting results, but could I be *better* at interacting with ChatGPT? To answer that, I asked ChatGPT directly, and the insights it gave me changed the way I approached every interaction.
This blog post is about that journey. I’ll take you through my experience, share the guidance ChatGPT gave me on improving our interactions, and show you how anyone—whether you’re an AI newbie or a seasoned pro—can get the most out of working with AI.
The Journey Begins: Discovering ChatGPT
When I first started using ChatGPT, I treated it like a smarter search engine. My queries were straightforward: “Write a blog post about real estate,” or “What’s the best way to market a workshop?” It responded well enough, but over time, I noticed something important: the more detailed my requests, the better the responses.
For example, when I simply asked for marketing ideas, I got generic suggestions. But when I added context—like the audience I was targeting, my goals, and my budget—the ideas were suddenly much sharper and more tailored. I realized that using ChatGPT wasn’t just about asking questions; it was about asking the *right* questions.
The Turning Point: Could I Do Better?
Fast-forward nearly two years, and I decided to assess my skills. I asked ChatGPT:
“Given our history of conversations over nearly two years, would you say that I am an expert, knowledgeable, or only so-so in my ability to interact with you?”
Its response was thoughtful: I was knowledgeable, bordering on expert, but there was room for improvement. It complimented my clarity, strategic thinking, and adaptability but also pointed out ways I could refine my approach.
Naturally, I had a follow-up question:
“What steps, techniques, and information do I need to make better use of our interactions?”
The answer was eye-opening. ChatGPT didn’t just tell me what I was doing well; it laid out a roadmap for becoming an expert user.
The Roadmap to Better AI Interactions
Here’s the advice ChatGPT gave me on improving our conversations:
1. Define Clear Objectives
– Be specific about what you want to achieve.
– Example: Instead of “How do I market a workshop?” try “What are five digital marketing strategies for a $99 real estate workshop aimed at suburban agents?”
2. Provide Relevant Context
– Share details about your goals, audience, or past experiences to get tailored advice.
– Example: “I’m targeting real estate agents for a $499 course. My last campaign on Facebook didn’t perform well. What platforms should I explore next?”
3. Use Iterative Refinement
– Treat conversations as collaborative. If the first response isn’t perfect, ask for revisions or more details.
– Example: “This list of strategies is helpful, but can you expand on the social media portion, especially for Instagram?”
4. Request Examples or Templates
– Ask for concrete examples, like email templates or blog drafts, to make implementation easier.
– Example: “Can you write a sample email to re-engage real estate agents who attended my workshop?”
5. Leverage Specialized Features
– Use AI’s unique tools for tasks like generating images, analyzing data, or brainstorming creative ideas.
– Example: “Create 4 images: 2 hyperrealistic and 2 photorealistic of a suburban home with a landscaped yard.”
6. Organize Multi-Step Goals
– Break down complex tasks into smaller steps to ensure thorough exploration.
– Example Process:
1. “What are the key elements of an engaging sales page?”
2. “How can I write persuasive copy for the page?”
3. “What tools should I use to build it?”
7. Use AI Memory Effectively
– Reference prior conversations to build on stored context and save time.
– Example: “Based on our earlier discussions about marketing my workshop, can you refine the strategies for a $499 course?”
8. Explore Creative and Strategic Thinking
– Use AI for brainstorming and innovation.
– Example: “What are some unconventional ways to market my real estate workshop?”
9. Evaluate and Test Suggestions
– Don’t just take advice—test it and refine as needed.
– Example: “The email campaign didn’t perform well. Can you suggest alternative subject lines?”
10. Stay Updated on Capabilities
– Regularly ask about new features to leverage the full power of AI.
– Example: “What new tools or features should I be aware of?”
11. Reflect on Outputs
– After each interaction, think about what worked and what didn’t.
– Example: “The steps you provided were helpful, but next time I’d like more detail on timelines.”
12. Experiment
– Don’t be afraid to try new formats or use AI for unexpected tasks.
– Example: “Draft a short script for a YouTube ad targeting first-time homebuyers.”
What I Learned
Looking back, I realize how much my interactions with ChatGPT evolved over time. I started as a casual user, gradually became a knowledgeable one, and now have the tools to reach expert-level interactions. The secret? Treating AI as a collaborator, not just a tool. The more context, clarity, and creativity you bring to the table, the better your results will be.
Why This Matters
Whether you’re a real estate agent, a small business owner, or someone curious about AI, the lessons I’ve learned can apply to you too. AI is only as good as the questions you ask and the details you provide. By following the roadmap I’ve shared, you’ll not only get better results but also discover new ways to use AI that you might not have thought possible.
Your Turn
If you’ve been using AI or thinking about trying it, start with these steps. Define your goals, provide context, and don’t be afraid to ask for revisions or examples. Trust me—once you see what’s possible, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.
What’s the first thing you want AI to help you with today?
PS – Everything on this post was created by ChatGPT, including the graphic. The only words that I wrote were the queries to ChatGPT and those are in italics above.
