Mastering AI Prompting: How To Get Better Results From AI Tools

Why AI Benefits Experienced Professionals Most

Many think new technology favors the young, but AI is different. It actually amplifies skill and experience, making it particularly valuable for those with years of expertise.

For the first time in history, we have a technology that benefits us more as we get older. While my 20 and 30-year-old kids are into AI, they don't leverage it like I do because they're still building their experience base.

AI is like a hammer - in a carpenter's hands, it creates masterpieces. In my inexperienced hands, I'd probably break something. Your years of knowledge give you the context to ask better questions and recognize better answers.

The Four-Step Prompting Framework

If you want to get consistently great results from AI, forget buying massive lists of pre-written prompts. Instead, learn this simple four-step framework:

1. Tell AI What Expert To Be
   Start by specifying what type of expert the AI should act as. This is like walking into the world's largest library and immediately heading to the right section.
   Example: "Act as an experienced digital marketing strategist who specializes in email campaigns."

2. Provide Context
   This is where many people fall short. Give AI background information about your situation.
   For email marketing, explain what you're promoting, who your audience is, what their pain points are, and anything else relevant to the task.

3. Ask Your Question
   Now that you've set the stage, ask your specific question or give your command. Be clear about what you want.

4. Request Questions Back
   This is the game-changer: end your prompt with "Ask me any clarifying questions you need."
   AI has been programmed to make assumptions when information is missing. By inviting questions, you allow it to identify gaps in your prompt rather than guessing.

Why Conversation Beats One-Shot Prompting

The most powerful AI interactions aren't single prompts but conversations. When you allow AI to ask questions, you might spend a couple extra minutes upfront, but you'll get much better results with less iteration.

Think about it like giving someone directions. Instead of just saying "Drive to Texas" and hoping they find you in that massive state, you can give them your exact location from the start.

Even if AI asks five questions and you only know three answers, responding with "I don't know" to the other two still dramatically improves the output.

Finding Problems Worth Solving With AI

Many people approach AI backward. They ask "How can I use AI to make money?" instead of "What problem can I solve that people will pay for?"

The right approach is:

1. Identify a problem someone will pay to solve

2. Figure out how to solve it

3. Use AI to make that solution faster, better, or more efficient

AI isn't the magic wand - it's the rocket engine we put on the car to go faster.

Introducing AI To Skeptical Stakeholders

When introducing AI to your boss, spouse, or business partner, focus on the value, not the technology.

Don't say: "I'm really excited about using AI!"
Instead say: "I found a way to add an extra five workable hours to my week. Would you allow me to pursue it?"

Focus on what's in it for them (WIIFM). Sell them on the value, not the AI.

How AI Is Transforming Business Operations

The results companies are seeing with AI implementation are dramatic. In a recent project with an accounting firm, we initially set a goal of 50% time savings for certain analysis tasks. Early testing suggests we'll hit closer to 80% time savings.

That's not unusual. While I typically start client conversations by suggesting a modest 10-20% improvement (which excites most business owners), we often end up delivering much more.

For small businesses, the impact is particularly powerful. If you save each person on a five-person team just 30 minutes daily, that's an entire extra person-week of productivity every month.

Addressing Security Concerns

When security concerns arise, I've found the best approach is to simply listen. Let stakeholders express their worries completely before responding.

Often, the solution is bringing AI tools in-house rather than using cloud-based services, especially for sensitive data like financial information.

With any technology, there's always a risk-reward calculation. Yes, there are risks to using AI with certain data, but the rewards can be incredible. The key is proper mitigation strategies.

What's Coming In 2025: Automation, Not True Agents

Despite headlines about "autonomous AI agents," what we're really seeing is sophisticated automation. In 2025, expect to see more integration between AI tools and automation platforms like Make and Zapier.

For example, creating a blog post that automatically generates social media posts and video scripts from that content is already possible through automation.

Don't believe headlines about AI forming companies on its own. Someone still had to program the steps and initiate the process.

Final Thoughts

AI is transforming how we work, giving us back time for the things we love while amplifying our existing skills and experience. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to leverage your expertise in new ways or an entrepreneur trying to do more with limited resources, learning proper prompting is your gateway to getting remarkable results.

FAQs About AI Prompting

Does it matter which AI model I use for prompting?
Different models have different strengths, but the prompting framework works with most modern AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. The quality of your prompt matters more than which model you use.

How long should my prompts be?
There's no ideal length, but providing sufficient context is key. Focus on quality information rather than word count. Include the details that would help a human expert understand your request.

Should I still use AI if I'm not technically inclined?
Absolutely! In fact, less technical people often get better results because they communicate naturally without over-engineering prompts. Your experience in your field is far more valuable than technical knowledge.

Will AI take my job if I teach it what I know?
AI amplifies human capabilities rather than replacing them. By using AI to handle routine tasks, you free yourself to focus on higher-value work that requires human judgment, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

How do I know if the AI's output is accurate?
Always verify AI-generated information, especially for critical decisions. Use your expertise to review the output and fact-check important details. Remember that AI is a tool to assist you, not replace your judgment.