Simple ways entrepreneurs can use AI tools today — no tech skills required
If you’re a business owner in Saskatchewan, chances are you’ve already heard of ChatGPT. Maybe a friend mentioned it, or maybe you’ve seen it in the news. But knowing about ChatGPT isn’t the same as knowing how to use it.
This guide is here to help with that.
Whether you’re starting a business, running one solo, or wearing too many hats in a small team, ChatGPT can help save time, reduce costs, and increase efficiency — often in ways that take less than five minutes to learn.
You don’t need to be tech-savvy. You don’t need to buy new software. You just need to know where to start.
What is ChatGPT (in one line)?
ChatGPT is a free tool that helps you write, edit, plan, and problem-solve by typing in everyday questions or tasks — kind of like texting a very smart assistant.
Why Use ChatGPT in Your Business?
You’re already short on time. You don’t need another complex platform. ChatGPT is:
- Free (with optional paid upgrades)
- Available 24/7
- Simple to use from your phone or computer
- Useful in marketing, operations, admin, HR, planning, and more
It’s not perfect — and shouldn’t replace your judgment — but it can get you 80% of the way there on many tasks.
5 Ways to Start Using ChatGPT This Week
Here are simple, practical ways ChatGPT can help your business — no setup or learning curve required.
Remember: it’s rarely a one-and-done task. You can always refine your results by giving follow-up instructions like “make it shorter,” “add more detail,” or “use friendlier language.” You can also paste in your social media handles, website links, or other content so ChatGPT can better match your style.
1. Write and Send Better Emails
Whether you’re following up with a client, introducing your services, or handling a complaint, ChatGPT can help you get your message across clearly and professionally.
Try this prompt:
“Write a friendly follow-up email to a customer named Sarah who hasn’t responded to a quote we sent last week.”
Follow-up prompts to refine:
- “Make it more persuasive without sounding pushy.”
- “Shorten to under 100 words.”
- “Add a link to our services page.”
2. Draft Social Media Posts and Captions
Struggling to come up with what to post? ChatGPT can generate ideas, write full captions, and suggest hashtags based on your business type.
Try this prompt:
“Write 3 Facebook post ideas for a home-based dog grooming business in Regina. Keep it casual and engaging.”
Follow-up prompts to refine:
- “Add 5 playful hashtags.”
- “Make them match the tone of our Instagram page: [link].”
- “Write one with a customer testimonial feel.”
3. Create Website and Marketing Content
Writing your homepage, product descriptions, or sales one-pager doesn’t need to take hours. Use ChatGPT to create drafts you can edit and improve.
Try this prompt:
“Write a short paragraph for the homepage of a Saskatoon-based landscaping company. Focus on reliability and affordability.”
Follow-up prompts to refine:
- “Add a call-to-action to request a quote.”
- “Match the tone of this page: [link].”
- “Include keywords like ‘yard care’ and ‘Saskatoon lawn service.’”
4. Plan Your Business (or Revise an Existing Plan)
ChatGPT can help you build a basic business plan outline, write sections, or even explain unfamiliar terms.
Try this prompt:
“Create a business plan outline for a mobile detailing service. Include sections on customer analysis, pricing strategy, and operations.”
Follow-up prompts to refine:
- “Add examples for each section.”
- “Expand the marketing plan with social media strategies.”
- “Make the financial projections more detailed.”
5. Brainstorm Ideas and Solve Problems
Use ChatGPT like a sounding board. Whether you’re naming a product, designing a loyalty program, or stuck on how to attract new customers, it can help.
Try this prompt:
“Give me 10 creative name ideas for a Saskatoon-based eco-friendly cleaning service.”
“How can I attract more weekday customers to a downtown coffee shop?”
Follow-up prompts to refine:
- “Give me shorter names that are easy to remember.”
- “Add names inspired by prairie landscapes.”
- “Suggest marketing tactics under $200.”
Tips for Getting the Most Out of ChatGPT
- Be specific. The more detail you give, the better the output.
- Use your own materials. Share links to your website, socials, or previous marketing so it can better match your style.
- Think in drafts. It’s normal to give multiple follow-up prompts until it’s right.
- Protect privacy. Don’t share personal client info or sensitive business data.
What You Need to Get Started
- A free account at ChatGPT
- 5 minutes to test your first prompt
- A few real-life tasks you want help with today
There’s also a mobile app for iOS and Android if you prefer working from your phone.
Final Thoughts
ChatGPT isn’t just for tech companies or AI experts. It’s a practical, hands-on tool for entrepreneurs who want to get more done with less stress.
Start small, refine often, and make it part of your daily workflow. The more you use it — and the more context you provide — the more valuable it becomes.
