When you sit down to work with AI, it’s easy to fall into the habit of treating it like Google. You type a blunt question or issue a direct command, and you wait for the answer. But what if you approached AI differently—not as a tool to fetch answers, but as a conversational partner? Conversations, after all, have the power to reveal ideas, perspectives, and solutions that aren’t immediately obvious. They can help you think through a problem instead of rushing to solve it.
For small and medium-sized business owners, this shift in mindset can be transformative. Decision fatigue is real, and with so many goals to set, problems to solve, and opportunities to evaluate, it’s no wonder that even the best ideas can feel out of reach. But what if you could work through these decisions collaboratively, using ChatGPT as a partner to guide your thinking? When used thoughtfully, ChatGPT can do more than just answer your questions—it can ask the right ones, helping you uncover insights and build confidence in your choices.
The secret lies in flipping the dynamic. Instead of asking ChatGPT for answers, invite it to ask you questions. This subtle adjustment changes the way you engage with AI, turning it into a dynamic, interactive process that encourages deeper reflection. For instance, instead of framing your query as, “What are the pros and cons of expanding my product line?” you might say, “Can you guide me with 10 thoughtful questions to help explore whether expanding my product line is the right move? Please wait for my answer before moving on to the next question. Then, tailor your next question based on my response.” By approaching AI as a conversation, you create room for exploration and discovery.
To help you get started, here’s a simple formula for crafting your own prompts using this technique:
Here’s how this formula looks in action:
This formula provides a clear and repeatable framework to ensure you get the most out of ChatGPT while keeping the process interactive and insightful.
Running a business often involves navigating complexities where clear-cut answers are rare. Thoughtful, open-ended questions challenge your assumptions, broaden your perspective, and push you to think critically. For example, ChatGPT might ask, “What specific customer needs would this new product address?” or “How would this expansion align with your long-term business goals?” Questions like these help clarify not just the decision itself, but also the motivations and potential challenges behind it. More importantly, this approach ensures that the solution you arrive at is one you can fully understand, articulate, and own—making it feel authentically yours rather than something handed to you by an AI.
This method isn’t just about finding solutions—it’s about fostering creativity and confidence. As you answer each question, you engage in a process of self-reflection that naturally leads to better-informed decisions. Breaking down a complex challenge into smaller, focused inquiries reduces overwhelm and allows you to tackle each aspect of the decision methodically. And because you’re exploring these ideas interactively, the insights often feel more tailored and relevant to your unique situation.
The benefits of this approach extend beyond any single decision. By encouraging you to think critically and systematically, it strengthens your problem-solving skills over time. It also provides a structure for tackling challenges that might initially feel too large or ambiguous to address. This is especially valuable for small and medium-sized business owners, where every decision—big or small—can significantly impact your bottom line.
If you’ve been using ChatGPT solely for quick answers, now is the time to try something new. Let it ask you the questions. The next time you’re wrestling with a tough choice or exploring a new opportunity, prompt ChatGPT to guide you through a series of inquiries that reveal what truly matters. For instance, ask, “Can you guide me with questions to explore whether focusing on social media marketing will align with my business goals?” By doing so, you’ll not only gain fresh perspectives but also build the confidence to move forward with clarity.
This shift in how you use ChatGPT is simple yet transformative. It turns an AI tool into a true collaborator, helping you uncover insights, explore creative solutions, and make smarter decisions. Because sometimes, the best answers come not from answers at all, but from the right questions.
