How I set AI up to be an assistant in my small business

AI isn’t here to take over your job. But it can be an absolute game-changer if you set it up right.

In my business, I use AI like an assistant: it's got my back when I’m staring blankly at a caption box, trying to string a sentence together.

But, AI is only as good as the info you give it. Want gold out? You need to put gold in.

Here’s exactly how I set AI up to be a helping hand in my small business (and how you can too)

Step 1: Be Specific About What You Need

Start by telling your AI tool what you’re going to ask it for help with.

For example, don’t just say:

“Help me with content.”

Try something like:

“I’m going to ask you to help me write captions for my business Facebook page.”

Clear, specific prompts mean better results. No vagueness. No fluff.

Step 2: Give It the Bigger Picture

Type this out (seriously, do it):

“Before we begin, I want you to fully understand my business and my ideal client.”

This is your chance to train your AI assistant so it can give you answers that actually sound like you and resonate with your audience.

Step 3: Ask AI to ask you 20 Questions About Your Business

Yes, 20!

It sounds like a lot, but it’s worth every minute.

Ask it to include things like:

• What you do

• Your products/services

• What makes you different

• Your tone of voice

• What you struggle with

• What’s on your to-do list every week

This step gives your AI context, and context is everything.

Step 4: Ask AI to ask you 20 Questions About Your Ideal Client

This is where the magic happens.

If your AI knows who you're talking to, it can help you talk to them better.

Ask it to include:

• Age, lifestyle, values

• What they’re struggling with

• What they want most

• What keeps them up at night

• Where they hang out online

• What kind of content they love

Basically, paint a full picture of your dream client.

Step 5: Ask Away!

Now that your AI is fully briefed, go ahead and ask it anything you need to complete a task, whether that’s writing captions, planning a launch, or coming up with video ideas.

You’ve now got a virtual assistant who gets you and gets your audience.

Yes, This Takes Time—But It’s Time Well Spent

Doing this prep work is like setting up a new team member. It takes a bit of upfront effort, but once it’s done? You’ve got an assistant ready to help you bust through the “what should I write here?” fog at a moment’s notice.

So if you’ve ever opened ChatGPT and typed something like “I’m a travel agent, write me a blog post” and got back a vague wall of words… this is why.

The AI wasn’t set up to help you properly. But now? You’ve got a shortcut to specific, tailored, actually-helpful responses.

Amanda Hughes, Award Winning Social Media Mentor for Small Business Owners

About Me👋

Hey, I’m Amanda! Award Winning Social Media Mentor, Apple Top 30 Podcaster & Amazon #1 Bestselling Author.

I mentor small business owners, like you, to get seen & get sales on social media, without the overwhelm.

With 10+ years of experience running small businesses, I know what it’s like to juggle marketing, sales, and all the things. That’s why I’m obsessed with making social media easy, fun, and profitable for business owners.

📩 Grab my FREE 30 Content Prompts here for instant content ideas!📲

Let’s connect on Instagram → @amandahughes.uk