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Why This Matters
Dharmesh Shah, co-founder and CTO of HubSpot, doesn’t treat ChatGPT like a parlor trick. For him, it’s a daily collaborator that speeds up writing, sharpens coding, and pushes new ideas forward. The lesson: AI isn’t just about answers. It’s about acceleration. If one of tech’s most respected builders is embedding ChatGPT into every corner of his workflow, it’s worth asking—how can you do the same?
Answer
Shah uses ChatGPT to eliminate the blank page, accelerate technical problem-solving, and pressure-test business ideas. By treating AI as a partner rather than a one-off assistant, he compounds speed and creativity while keeping his energy for higher-level judgment and strategy.
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How to Talk to It
Think of prompts not as “asks” but as partnerships. Here’s how Shah frames it:
Writing Partner: Instead of “write me an article,” he starts with rough notes and asks:
Turn these bullet points into a clear, professional draft in my voice. Keep it concise but persuasive.Coding Co-Pilot: Rather than “fix my code,” he sets context:
Here’s the Python function that’s throwing an error. Explain the bug and suggest a corrected version with comments.Brainstorming Engine: To explore strategy, he’ll prompt:
I’m testing a new SaaS product idea. Give me 5 potential go-to-market approaches, including pros and cons of each.
ROI Prompts
Here are 3 practical prompts you can test right now, modeled after Shah’s approach:
For Writers (Marketers, Students, Executives):
Rewrite my rough draft into a polished LinkedIn post that balances authority with accessibility. Limit to 200 words.For Coders (Tech, Designers, Finance Analysts using scripts):
Here’s my SQL query. It runs but is inefficient. Suggest a version optimized for speed and explain why it’s faster.For Strategists (Contractors, Entrepreneurs, Retirees exploring projects):
I’m evaluating a new service business idea. Give me a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) in a simple 2x2 table.
Full Example
Prompt:
Here’s a half-written blog intro about AI in small business marketing. Rewrite it into a polished, compelling opening paragraph that grabs attention and sets up 3 practical tips. Keep it under 120 words.
Sample Output:
“AI is no longer just for Fortune 500 companies. Today, even the smallest businesses can tap into tools like ChatGPT to create campaigns, sharpen messaging, and save hours every week. The key isn’t knowing that AI exists—it’s knowing how to put it to work. In this post, we’ll cover three ways any small business owner can start applying AI today without extra staff, training, or budget.”
What job will you give ChatGPT first?
Quick Recap – TL;DR
Dharmesh Shah uses ChatGPT daily for writing, coding, and strategy.
His approach: treat it like a partner, not a shortcut.
The payoff: compounding speed and creativity, leaving him more time for judgment.
Test the ROI prompts and try the bonus plays for your audience group.
Maya Reynolds
Editor-in-Chief
AI Super Simplified
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Bonus Section
06. Bonus Play – Real-World Prompts for 5 Core Audiences
Dharmesh Shah’s method is about using ChatGPT daily in ways that multiply output. To make it concrete, here are examples for AISS’s 5 audience groups, each with a real-world prompt and believable result.
1. Business Builders
Prompt:
Draft a 2-paragraph pitch email to a property developer about using stone veneer for exterior upgrades, focusing on ROI and long-term durability.
Sample Output:
“Upgrading with natural stone veneer increases property value and curb appeal while keeping costs predictable. Unlike manufactured materials, it offers lasting durability and requires minimal maintenance. Many developers find tenants and buyers respond strongly to authentic finishes. Let’s schedule a call to review how your next project can leverage this.”
2. Marketers & Creators
Prompt:
Generate 5 video hook ideas for a TikTok campaign promoting a new productivity app aimed at freelancers.
Sample Output:
“What if you could finish today’s to-do list by lunch?”
“The tool freelancers don’t want their clients to know about…”
“One app that cuts admin time in half.”
“I tested this for a week—here’s how many hours I saved.”
“Stop losing gigs. Start closing them faster.”
3. Finance & Professionals
Prompt:
Take this raw data—Revenue $120,000, Expenses $92,000—and turn it into a 3-sentence summary for a board update.
Sample Output:
“In Q3, the company generated $120,000 in revenue against $92,000 in expenses, producing net income of $28,000. Profit margins improved from 18% to 23% compared to last quarter. Cost controls in software and staffing contributed most to the improvement.”
4. Life & Family
Prompt:
Give me 4 after-dinner conversation starters that help grandparents connect with teenage grandchildren.
Sample Output:
“What’s your favorite YouTube or TikTok channel right now?”
“If you could design your dream job, what would it look like?”
“What’s the best part of school this year—not counting lunch?”
“If you could swap lives with a character from a movie, who would it be?”
5. Lifestyle Explorers
Prompt:
Create a 3-day itinerary in Los Angeles focused on food, sports, and entertainment highlights.
Sample Output:
Day 1: Farmers Market at The Grove → Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena.
Day 2: Street tacos in East LA → backstage tour at Warner Bros. Studios.
Day 3: Brunch in Venice → Hollywood Bowl concert in the evening.