ChatGPT Just Gave Me Superpowers

The more I use ChatGPT (and Claude, and Bing, and Pi, and all the LLM Kids on the Block,) the more it feels like a superpower. I no longer have writer's block... ever. Small projects transform into big ideas in the blink of an eye. The sense of dread knowing I need to research an unknown topic has evaporated. I marvel at the power under my keyboard multiple times a day. ChatGPT is a magical "Ability Amplifier."

This happened today. I had a simple task. A SIMPLE task.

I agreed to help a local United Way chapter create a little Madlibs-syle framework for first-time founders to easily give their "Elevator Pitch." Patrick, the man who asked me to do this, told me that the founders were nervous about pitching their business and were resisting the idea. We talked about how this simple tool might make it easier for them. I've done this 1000 times before. I can do this in my sleep. This is a 10-minute (tops) exercise.

Enter ChatGPT. I launched it with the simple goal to get the "Why" quote from Simon Sinek's "Lead with Why" TED talk. I just wanted the quote. But AI had other plans for me, and started sparking one idea after another, and I entered into a creative cage match that made me realize these nervous founders were right. An Elevator Pitch is intimidating and there's got to be a better way.

An hour later, I emerged out of this hyperfocus tunnel (thanks ADHD!) and had completely transformed the idea of the elevator pitch into an origin story generator called the business "Belief Brief." It allows a founder to capture their "Why" in a simple story framework. With it (and a little practice,) they might actually ENJOY talking about their business when confronted with the dreaded, "So tell me what you do?"

Below is the document I co-created with Chat-GPT. The AI did about 80% of the blocking and tackling, and I kept refining over and over and over. In about an hour I was done. I created something that will provide massive value for the first-time founders, over-delivers on what I was asked to do, and left me feeling invigorated and accomplished. I would have never gotten to this level of execution and thinking, had I not been for my robot collaborator.

This is magical. This is creative heroism. This is a superpower.

(FWIW, it took me longer to format this into the final document than it did to create it.)

Here's the framework and worksheet I created. If you're a founder, feel free to use and share! (I have a PDF version if you want it. Hit me up.)

Crafting Your Business "Belief Brief”

Ditch the "pitch" and let your "why" lead the way.

Imagine the scene. You're in a conversation and the inevitable question comes, "What do you do?" or "Tell me about your Business!" Your heart races because you want to say the right thing, but you don't know exactly where to start. Many entrepreneurs dive straight into the "what" of their business—the products, the services, the tangible offerings. The dreaded "Elevator Pitch" can feel so formal, so intimidating. Let's change all that.

The "Belief Brief" makes it easy for you to talk about your business in a way that will resonate with people and understand why you do what you do. In Simon Sinek's famous TED talk "Lead with Why," he says, "People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it." Think about the times you've excitedly shared your dream with friends and family. You didn't start with a sales pitch. Instead, you shared the passion, the purpose, and the story behind it—the "why." It's that natural storytelling—that essence of who you are and what makes you tick—that connects with people on a personal level. It makes your business journey relatable.

Now, let's take that story you already know, and give it some structure. Use the framework below and the worksheet on the following page to guide you, and see how effortlessly you can share your business story with the world.

“Belief Brief” Recipe:

Why

Well, it all started when I noticed [A Problem or Gap You Observed]. This hit home for me because [Your Personal Connection or Experience Related to the Problem]. That’s why I started [Your Business Name].”

• Example: ”Well, it all started when I saw how urban communities struggled to access fresh produce. This hit home for me because I faced the same challenges as a child. That's why I started Urban Oasis."

How

I've always believed in [A Core Value or Principle You Uphold]. Then, in a moment of inspiration, I thought: [Your Initial Solution Concept].

• Example: ”I've always believed that everyone deserves access to fresh, local food regardless of where they live. Then, in a moment of inspiration, I thought: why not bring farms right into the heart of urban communities?"

What

From that spark of an idea, [Your Business Name] began its mission to provide [Your Product or Service Description.]

But at [Your Business Name], it's not just about [Product/Service]; it's about [The Impact or Difference Your Product/Service Makes].

• Example: "From that spark of an idea, Urban Oasis began its mission to provide organic produce grown in urban containers. But at Urban Oasis, it's not just about selling vegetables; it's about ensuring urban communities have easy access to fresh and healthy food options."

Now, weave your answers together to tell your business story. While the labels "Why," "How," and "What" helped guide your thoughts, they aren’t needed for your story. Remember, this isn't a rehearsed pitch; it's your genuine journey. Share it authentically, just as you would if you were talking to your best friend.

Mastering Your Business “Belief Brief”

Crafting your Belief Brief is just the beginning. To truly make it an integral part of your business conversations, it's essential to practice, refine, and internalize it.?

Here are some tips to guide you on this journey:

Reflect on Your Answers

Dive deep into the heart of your journey. Remember and reflect on those key moments that shaped your business's purpose.

Write It Out

By putting your narrative on paper, you solidify the story in your mind. This gives you a clearer direction and helps in coherence.

Practice the Original

Speak it out loud. Listen to how it flows. This allows you to refine and adjust any parts that feel unnatural or awkward.

Rewrite in Your Voice

After practicing, make tweaks to make it sound truly like you. Your unique voice adds authenticity and relatability.

Memorization and Repetition

The key to fluency is repetition. The more you rehearse, the easier and more natural it becomes to share your story without hesitation.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Don't wait for formal settings. Every chat, whether with a friend or stranger, is a chance to refine and practice your Belief Brief.

Iterate and Adapt

Your business and experiences will grow and evolve. Ensure your story does too. Update it as significant changes or realizations come along.

Remember

The goal is to forge genuine connections with your audience. It's not about a sales pitch; it's about sharing your passion and journey.

Let your "why" shine and resonate with others. Embrace your journey and share it confidently!

You got this.

Belief Brief Worksheet

Why:

Well, it all started when I noticed [A Problem or Gap You Observed] __________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

This hit home for me because [Your Personal Connection] __________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

That's why I started [Your Business Name] ______________________________

How:

I've always believed in [A Core Value or Principle] ________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Then, in a moment of inspiration, I thought: [Initial Solution Concept] __________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

What:

From that spark of an idea, [Business Name] ____________________________

began its mission to provide [Your Product or Service Description] ____________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

But it's not just about [Product or Service] _______________________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

it’s about [Impact or Difference Your Product/Service Makes] ________________

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Remember, this is your story. Dive deep into the heart of your business, and let your "why" shine through!