AI Isn’t the Problem — Your Prompts Are
How Small Business Owners Can Turn AI Into a True Team Member
Everyone’s talking about AI like it’s magic. But let’s be honest - when you’ve tried using it, the results probably felt more like a stiff high school essay than something you’d actually sign your name to. Technically correct, but with zero heart.
Here’s the truth: AI isn’t the problem. Your prompts are.
Over the past year, I’ve helped a dozen small to mid-sized companies integrate AI into their people and operational systems - and yes, I use it in my own daily work too. What I’ve learned is simple but powerful: when you know how to structure your prompts, ChatGPT stops being just another “tool” and starts acting like your silent business partner.
The 4-Step Prompt Formula That Changes Everything
Think of this as your roadmap for getting AI to work with you, not for you:
Role – Tell it who to be. A CFO, a recruiter, a leadership coach.
Context – Give it the “why” and “who for.” Just like delegating to a team member.
Command – Define success clearly. What does “done” look like?
Format – Decide how you want it back: an email draft, table, checklist, or policy outline.
And here’s a pro tip almost nobody talks about:
Once you get the result you want, ask AI to write the system prompt that would have generated it from the start.
That one step turns a one-off experiment into a reusable playbook—a system you can share with your team, refine, and use again and again. That’s how you move AI from “shiny distraction” to serious efficiency booster.
Why This Matters for HR and Operations
At Salt & Light Advisors, we believe AI belongs right alongside your other people and process tools. It’s not about replacing human connection - it’s about removing friction, freeing up your team to focus on the parts of business that require human judgment and empathy.
That’s why we’ve built AI integration directly into our HR in a Box program. Whether we’re building onboarding systems, refining hiring processes, or simplifying compliance, we focus on systems that assume you’ll win. Because growth doesn’t come from reacting—it comes from preparing.
This Month’s Focus: Onboarding (With a Little Help From AI)
This month in HR in a Box, we’re walking members through how to streamline onboarding using AI—from creating role-specific training plans to automating welcome communications and compliance tracking.
It’s one more way we help business owners build structure without losing heart.
Your Next Step
So here’s my challenge to you:
Stop asking, “Can AI do this?”
Start asking, “How do I prompt it to do this well?”
That small shift can save you hours each week—and help you lead with clarity and confidence.
Only 15 seats are open this month for HR in a Box.
Reserve yours today →
