Are Most of Your AI Prompts Garbage?

Make Yours Gold and stand out from the crowd using these 3 simple steps to better prompts

Why did you start reading this?

Maybe the title caught your eye, or you’ve read my stuff before and know I deliver the goods. At least subconsciously you’re probably wondering, “Is this article worth my time?”

If you are like most others, you’re in autopilot mode, skimming articles, barely processing, and moving on. If you’re reading this mindlessly, it’s time to wake up. Because I'm about to show you how to create AI prompts that truly stand out—ones that cut through the noise and deliver the kind of value that elevates you as a thought leader in your niche. Most of us are so overwhelmed with content that we don’t decide to engage consciously. So if you’re tired of getting average, “meh” outputs from your AI, then keep reading. I truly want you to provide some feedback and engage with me, so I take extra effort to prompt AI to fuel my creative juices in a way that will help me generate better content for you.

Imagine this. As a thought leader and content creator, your goal is to stand out in a world where everyone’s using AI to create more, faster.?

It sounds exciting, right??

Just let the AI tools do the heavy lifting.?

But here’s the catch—most people don’t understand how to really use these tools. They’re churning out average, forgettable content because they’re not taking the time to learn the art of prompting. And that’s what I want to talk to you about.

Because here’s the thing: You’re only scratching the surface, and you’re leaving so much potential untapped. It’s like trying to paint a masterpiece with one color. Sure, you can make it work, but imagine what happens when you start exploring the entire palette.

I remember the first time I tried ChatGPT. My initial prompts were basic, and the responses were, well… fine. Okay…I admit it; the output was BORING! But “fine” or “boring” doesn’t get results, does it??

It certainly won’t make people stop scrolling or feel compelled to click “share.” I needed help ensuring my content could pop, surprise, and engage. The problem wasn’t the AI; it was the prompt.?

So I decided to go deeper and learn how to write next-level prompts.

Once I learned to add context, ask layered questions, and invite the AI into a “conversation,” just as I would if I were talking to an employee, I started seeing real magic happen. The responses weren’t just good; they were tailored, rich with nuance, and completely aligned with my brand voice. Suddenly, I wasn’t just getting answers. I was getting ideas, fresh angles, and insights I hadn’t considered. My content had more depth, and creating became a whole lot more fun.

Here’s what you will discover: mastering prompts isn’t just about getting better answers. It’s about saving time, improving quality, and building a unique brand voice that no one else can replicate. It’s about reaching the right people in the right way. And in a world where we’re all looking to get noticed, that’s an advantage you can’t ignore.

Let me tell you, I am seeing that I am making a greater impact, too!

And that’s something you have the power to change and all it takes is implementing these 3 simple steps to ensure that what any LLM delivers is what you really wanted.

Step 1: Make Context King ??

When you prompt AI, think of it as a conversation with a purpose. If you don’t provide context, the AI doesn’t have a clear sense of direction, which often leads to vague or inaccurate responses. Research from my alma mater, the University of Maryland, highlights that context can significantly reduce “hallucinations,” where the AI makes up information. By setting the stage with specific details, you help guide the AI toward what’s truly relevant.? Even better if you start with your own custom GPT.

Imagine Rick Rubin, the music producer of notable artists ranging from Metallica to LL Cool J and Lady Gaga who, when talking about creativity says: “The Source is out there, an inexhaustible offering that is always available.” To engage AI on a deeper level, include details—specifics that ground the conversation. For you, the “source” could be anything—an inspiring quote, a powerful story, or even a feeling you want to convey.?

I go so far as to create and use custom GPTs that are trained with my brand voice, my manifesto including vision, mission and values as well as as much other information as I can to train it to think like me. Treat your prompt as the first line of a story—paint a picture, set a scene, or share a mood.

And here’s an extra touch: start with a polite, respectful tone. Research from Waseda University and Riken shows that even AI responds better when approached kindly. Try phrasing requests courteously to enhance the depth and quality of your responses.

Step 2: Build Complexity with Layered Prompts ??

Most people stop after asking the AI a single question. DON’T!!!!

Real innovators go deeper by layering prompts, building complexity step by step.?

Layering prompts lets you build complexity and create breakthroughs. Instead of “Tell me how to improve my productivity,” try guiding the AI with steps: Think of it as a mini-training process for the AI: each step refines the output and guides it toward something richer. So instead of simply asking, “How do I improve productivity?” break it down:

1. First, prompt the AI to identify common productivity mistakes.
2. Next, ask it to list solutions for each mistake.
3. Finally, make it relevant—ask how these solutions could apply to your specific scenario.

Adding this structure provides the AI with a roadmap, letting it offer more precise, actionable insights. And here’s another trick: assign the AI a “role” to enhance specificity. For example, start with “You are an expert in productivity coaching.” This helps the AI deliver more targeted advice because it’s primed to respond as a subject-matter expert.? Also tell it what tone and style of voice you want.? You can even ask it to emulate the style of a specific well-known writer.

Step 3: Embrace Imperfection ??

Here’s a secret: Creativity loves imperfection. Some of the best insights come from “wrong” answers. So don’t just ignore weird outputs; play around with them, tweak them, and see where they lead.

Often, it’s the unexpected or unusual outputs that spark creativity. So don’t dismiss a “weird” response right away—embrace it, tweak it, and explore where it might lead. The best ideas don’t always come out perfect on the first try, and AI is no exception.?

Think of prompting AI like sculpting: you start with a rough outline on a huge slab of rock, then refine it by chipping away a piece at a time until it takes shape .

Being polite here matters, too. Rude or abrupt commands can limit creativity, producing less nuanced results. A courteous tone can help the AI explore ideas more thoughtfully, giving you responses that are a bit outside the box but often more interesting.? Even though you are conversing with a computer, you really need to talk as though it were a human.

By using a combination of context, layered complexity, and respectful communication, you’ll get responses that go beyond the basic and deliver real value.

Want to Become a Thought Leader in Your Niche? ?? Don’t Settle for Average Prompts

Imagine if every AI prompt you wrote helped boost your credibility, positioning you as a trusted authority in your field.. If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or marketer looking to elevate your personal brand, it’s time to invest a little effort here. Because while everyone else is satisfied with “fine,” you’ll be producing work that turns heads. You’ll become the kind of creator people look up to, admire, and trust.

I know that when I did this, my audience noticed.? Engagement shot up, and I felt like I’d unlocked a creative partner that worked at my pace.

That’s the power of mastering the art of prompting. The AI prompt you use today could be the one that attracts your next big client, wins a keynote speaking spot, or lands you that coveted podcast feature

Want to learn how to do this? Let’s talk. Book a call with me, and let’s get you creating content that’s memorable, powerful, and uniquely yours.

If you’re ready to step up your AI game and take your personal brand to the next level, schedule a free discovery call. Let’s explore how the right AI and automation strategies can position you as the go-to expert in your field.

What’s your biggest challenge when using AI for content creation?

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