Let me guess—you’ve tried using AI to solve a tricky problem, only to get answers that feel like they came from the back of a cereal box. Frustrating, right?
AI is an incredible tool, but to unlock its full potential, you’ve got to know how to talk to it. Today, we’re diving into smart prompting practices—how to structure your prompts to get the right answers and actionable results. I’ll also point you to this fantastic Forbes article by Lance Eliot if you’re ready to take an even deeper dive into the nuances of AI prompting.
Let’s make your AI work smarter, not harder!
The Problem: Prompt Sensitivities
If you’ve ever asked an AI a question and gotten a reply that feels totally off, you’re not alone. AI systems can be surprisingly sensitive to how you phrase your prompts. A tiny tweak—adding an example, reordering words—can mean the difference between brilliance and blandness.
Lance Eliot captures this challenge beautifully in his article, explaining how even the smallest prompt adjustments can radically change the AI’s response. His solution? Be strategic. Let’s break it down.
1. Use Larger AI Models for Nuanced Questions
Not all AI models are created equal. Larger models, like OpenAI’s GPT-4 or Google’s PaLM 2, are like the A-team of generative AI—they’ve been trained on massive datasets and can interpret complex prompts better than smaller, less sophisticated models.
Example:
“What’s a creative, budget-friendly way to celebrate a team milestone?”
- Smaller AI Response: “Throw a party with snacks.” (Not exactly inspiring.)
- Larger AI Response: “Host a team potluck or run a fun mini awards ceremony with categories like ‘Best Team Player.’” (Much better, right?)
Eliot’s article emphasizes this point: if you need nuanced, high-quality answers, opt for larger models.
2. Leverage Topic-Specific AI Models
Sometimes, a general-purpose AI just doesn’t cut it—especially when you’re dealing with specialized topics like finance. That’s where topic-specific AI models shine. These tools are trained on niche datasets and can provide deeper insights into your industry.
For Business Owners: Finance-Specific Tools
- BloombergGPT:
This financial whiz of an AI is built to analyze markets, predict trends, and break down complex economic data.
Use Case: “How will inflation impact small businesses in the next six months?” - Fathom:
Tailored for small businesses, Fathom connects to accounting software like QuickBooks, providing actionable insights on cash flow and profitability.
Use Case: “What’s the best way to optimize my cash flow this quarter?”
Why It Matters
In Lance Eliot’s article, he explains how topic-specific AI models can interpret industry jargon and deliver actionable results. By matching your query to the right tool, you’re setting yourself up for success.
3. Add Examples to Your Prompts
Giving AI an example is like giving it a map—it helps the system understand what you’re asking for and avoids confusion.
Example Prompt:
“What are creative ways to thank loyal clients? For example, a personalized video message.”
- Without Example: “Send them a thank-you card.” (Yawn.)
- With Example: “Create a ‘Client of the Month’ feature on social media or host a private webinar just for loyal customers.”
Eliot highlights this in his article: even a single example can dramatically improve AI responses.
Takeaways for Smarter AI Prompts
- Use Larger Models: For complex queries, choose sophisticated tools like GPT-4.
- Specialized AI: Leverage models like BloombergGPT or Fathom for industry-specific questions.
- Add Examples: A well-placed example can make your prompt crystal clear.
Want to Dive Deeper?
If you’re hungry for more, I highly recommend checking out Lance Eliot’s article, “Three New Best Prompting Practices for Coping With Generative AI Sensitivities”. He shares research-backed insights on how to improve your AI prompts and take your results to the next level.
Generative AI is like a superpower—but only if you know how to use it. By following these best practices and leveraging the right tools, you can get responses that save time, boost creativity, and help you make smarter decisions.
So, what’s your next move? Test a larger model? Try a specialized tool like Fathom? Whatever you choose, start experimenting today. And remember, the key to great AI results is as simple as asking the right question.
