ChatGPT: Your Step-by-Step Business Planner
Starting or growing a small business can feel overwhelming, but what if you had a business coach available 24/7? That’s exactly how you should think about ChatGPT—it’s not just a tool, it’s a conversation partner that helps you think, plan, and execute your ideas step by step.
Instead of just giving you answers, let’s flip the script. Let ChatGPT ask you the right questions to guide you through building or improving your business.
Step 1: Let ChatGPT Get to Know You
Before diving into business strategy, ChatGPT can learn about your interests, skills, and passions to provide tailored guidance. Instead of just jumping into planning, take a moment to let ChatGPT understand what drives you.
<PROMPT>
"I want to start a business (or grow my business). So, I need you to act as my business coach. Get to know me. Think of every successful business from the beginning of time and all of the philosophies and actions that helped them be successful. Before we get started, ask me 10 thoughtful questions to help me explore my strengths, passions, and what kind of business would be a great fit for me."
This approach shifts ChatGPT from a simple AI assistant to a virtual business coach that asks the right questions before giving advice. By taking the time to reflect on your answers, you’ll start to uncover your true interests, marketable skills, and potential business ideas that align with your strengths.
Once you answer the questions, ChatGPT can guide you through the next steps—refining your idea, identifying key challenges, and mapping out an action plan.
Step 2: Define Your Business Idea
Once ChatGPT understands you, it’s time to refine your business idea. This step is all about clarity—taking your thoughts and shaping them into something viable, competitive, and aligned with your strengths.
<PROMPT>
"Now that you know more about me, ask me some more questions that'll help me shape a clear and concise business idea. There are no bad questions. Challenge me to think about my target market, competition, business model, and startup costs. Help me refine my idea until it’s something I can confidently pursue."
Expect ChatGPT to ask detailed follow-up questions about:
✅ Target Market – Who will buy from you? What problem are you solving for them?
✅ Competition – Who else is doing this? How will you stand out?
✅ Business Model – Will you sell products, services, subscriptions, or something else?
✅ Startup Costs & Revenue – What will it take to get started? How will you make money?
By answering these questions, you’ll force yourself to think critically, refining your idea from a vague concept into something actionable and realistic. The more details you provide, the better ChatGPT’s recommendations will be.
Once you feel confident in your idea, you’ll be ready to work through your business plan, step by step in the next phase.
Step 3: Work Through a Business Plan—One Question at a Time
A blank document can feel overwhelming, but your business plan doesn’t have to be. Instead of trying to write everything at once, let ChatGPT guide you through it—one section at a time.
<PROMPT>
"Take me through a step-by-step business plan process by asking me questions one at a time. Start with my vision and end with financial planning. Open Canvas to help draft a business plan document as we go. Remember, there are no wrong questions or answers. Challenge me to think about my strategy, my customers, and my financial future."
Here’s what ChatGPT will help you develop:
✅ Business Vision & Mission – What problem does your business solve? What’s your long-term goal?
✅ Target Audience & Market Research – Who are your customers, and what do they need?
✅ Products or Services – What exactly are you offering, and how will it stand out?
✅ Marketing & Social Media Strategy – How will you attract customers? (Don't forget social media!)
✅ Operations & Logistics – How will your business run on a daily basis?
✅ One-Year Financial Forecast – What are your expected expenses, revenue, and profit?
Do You Have Money to Invest?
If you already have money to put into the business, ChatGPT can help allocate those funds wisely. If not, use this prompt:
<PROMPT>
"I don’t have any money to invest right now. Create a section in my business plan on how I can either raise money or bootstrap my business idea from nothing."
ChatGPT will suggest funding options like:
Bootstrapping – Starting lean with little to no investment
Crowdfunding – Platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe
Small Business Grants – Free money that doesn’t need to be repaid
Business Loans – If you’re open to taking on debt
Strategic Partnerships – Working with others to share resources
By the end of this process, you won’t just have a business idea—you’ll have a structured plan that’s ready to take action on.
Once you’ve worked through the key sections, you’ll be ready to fine-tune your strategy, address challenges, and map out your next steps in the following phase.
Step 4: Identify Challenges & Solutions
Every business faces obstacles, but preparing for them ahead of time can set you apart. Let ChatGPT help you spot potential risks and brainstorm solutions before they become roadblocks.
Try this prompt:
<PROMPT>
"Ask me about potential risks and challenges in my business idea and help me brainstorm solutions. Consider financial risks, competition, customer demand, and operational challenges. Help me think critically and avoid common mistakes."
ChatGPT will guide you through:
✅ Financial Risks – Unexpected costs, cash flow issues, or funding shortfalls
✅ Market Competition – How to stand out in a crowded industry
✅ Customer Demand – Ensuring there’s a real need for your product or service
✅ Operational Challenges – Hiring, supply chain issues, or scaling problems
By addressing these risks early, you’ll be better prepared to navigate obstacles and build a stronger, more resilient business.
Step 5: Get a Personalized Action Plan
Now that you’ve developed your business plan and identified potential challenges, it’s time to turn ideas into action. Instead of feeling stuck, let ChatGPT create a step-by-step roadmap for your next 30 days.
Try this prompt:
<PROMPT>
"Now, based on everything we've discussed, create a 30-day action plan with specific steps I can take to move my business forward. Include tasks for refining my business idea, setting up operations, marketing, and financial planning."
ChatGPT will help you break things down into manageable steps, such as:
✅ Week 1: Finalize your business concept, define your unique value, and outline your services/products.
✅ Week 2: Set up business essentials—register your business, secure a domain, and create a social media presence.
✅ Week 3: Develop your marketing strategy, including content ideas and early promotion.
✅ Week 4: Launch! Start networking, seek feedback, and make adjustments.
By the end of the 30 days, you’ll have made real progress toward launching or growing your business.
Closing: Don’t Just Plan—Start the Conversation
The biggest mistake most people make? Not doing it. ChatGPT isn’t just here to give you answers—it’s here to help you think, challenge you, and refine your vision one question at a time.
So, don’t overcomplicate it. Start the conversation with ChatGPT today, answer its questions honestly, and take action.