The Prompting Techniques Your Competitors Aren't Using (But Should Be)

Chain of Thought, Logic of Thought, Tree of Thought, Skeleton of Thought, Atom of Thought, Directional Stimulus Prompting, Self-Consistency, Few-Shot Prompting (CoT, LoT, ToT, SoT, AoT)

[Content=LeighHaugen→DeepSeek→ChatGPT→Perplexityai]

In the world of AI, the way you ask questions—or craft prompts—can make all the difference. Whether you’re optimizing sales pitches, generating leads, or improving customer engagement, the right prompt engineering strategy can unlock the full potential of AI tools. But with so many strategies emerging, it can be overwhelming to know which one to use and when.

In this article, we’ll break down the most effective prompt engineering strategies in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re new to AI. We’ll focus on sales pitch optimization as our central theme, providing specific examples for each strategy so you can see how they work in practice. By the end, you’ll have a toolkit of techniques to experiment with and apply to your business.

What is Prompt Engineering?

Prompt engineering is the art and science of designing inputs (or prompts) to get the best possible outputs from AI models. Think of it like giving clear instructions to a highly skilled assistant. The better your instructions, the better the results.

Prompt Engineering Strategies for B2B Sales Optimization

1. Chain of Thought (CoT)

What It Is

Chain of Thought (CoT) is a prompting technique that encourages the language model to explicitly verbalize its reasoning process step-by-step, rather than directly providing the final answer. This is particularly beneficial for complex, multi-stage problems where intermediate reasoning steps are crucial for arriving at the correct solution. CoT leverages the LLM's ability to perform complex reasoning by decomposing the problem into smaller, more manageable steps.

What Makes It Unique

CoT forces the AI to break down the problem, improving accuracy and transparency. It's especially useful when you need to understand how the AI arrived at its conclusion, not just the conclusion itself. This is crucial for debugging, refining prompts, and building trust in AI-generated solutions. It enhances the interpretability of the model's decision-making process, making it easier to identify potential biases or errors in reasoning.

Relationship to Other Strategies

CoT serves as a foundational strategy for more advanced techniques like Logic of Thought (LoT) and Tree of Thought (ToT). It can be combined with other strategies like few-shot learning or knowledge integration to further enhance performance.

Example: Sales Pitch Optimization

Initial Prompt:

You are an expert B2B sales strategist. Develop a sales pitch for a cloud-based project management software targeting medium-sized businesses (50-200 employees). Decompose your reasoning into a series of distinct steps, explicitly stating your assumptions and considerations at each stage.

Output:

1. Identify Target Audience Needs: Medium-sized businesses often struggle with project coordination, communication, and resource allocation. Assume they are looking for scalable, cost-effective solutions.

2. Highlight Key Features & Benefits: Emphasize features like task management, real-time collaboration, integrated communication, and reporting dashboards. Frame these as direct solutions to the identified needs.

3. Address Potential Objections: Acknowledge concerns about data security, integration with existing systems, and the learning curve for new software.

4. Craft Value Proposition: Position the software as a way to improve project efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance team productivity.

5. Call to Action: Offer a personalized demo or a free trial with dedicated onboarding support.

Follow-Up Prompt 1:

Now, based on the initial pitch, identify the top three potential objections a prospect might raise. For each objection, develop a concise and persuasive counter-argument, again explicitly outlining your reasoning.

Follow-Up Output 1:

1. Objection: "Our current system works fine." Counter-Argument: "While your current system may be functional, our software offers significant improvements in automation, collaboration, and reporting, leading to measurable gains in efficiency and reduced costs. We can quantify these benefits during a demo."

2. Objection: "It's too expensive." Counter-Argument: "The initial investment is offset by the long-term cost savings achieved through improved efficiency, reduced errors, and better resource allocation. We offer flexible pricing plans to fit your budget."

3. Objection: "It's too complicated to implement." Counter-Argument: "Our software is designed for ease of use and comes with dedicated onboarding support to ensure a smooth transition. We also offer ongoing training and technical assistance."

Follow-Up Prompt 2:

Refine the entire sales pitch, incorporating the counter-arguments to the potential objections. Create a single, cohesive narrative that addresses both the benefits and potential concerns.

2. Logic of Thought (LoT)

What It Is

Logic of Thought (LoT) is an advanced prompting technique that extends the Chain of Thought approach by explicitly incorporating formal logic structures, such as "if-then" statements, to guide the AI's reasoning process. This is particularly useful for scenarios requiring precise decision-making or where adherence to a strict set of rules is paramount.

What Makes It Unique

LoT enhances the rigor and consistency of the AI's reasoning by providing a logical framework. This reduces ambiguity and helps ensure that the AI's responses are logically sound and aligned with the desired outcome.

Relationship to Other Strategies

LoT builds upon CoT, adding a layer of formal logic. It can be particularly effective when combined with knowledge graphs or ontologies to provide the AI with a structured representation of relevant domain knowledge.

Example: Sales Pitch Optimization

Initial Prompt:

You are a sales expert. Create a sales pitch for a new project management software. Use logical reasoning to structure your response, such as 'If the customer values time-saving features, then highlight task automation.'

Output:

If the customer values time-saving features, then highlight task automation and one-click reporting. If the customer prioritizes team collaboration, then emphasize real-time editing and shared dashboards. If the customer is cost-conscious, then focus on the ROI of reducing manual labor.

Follow-Up Prompt 1:

Now, create a version of the pitch that combines all three customer profiles into one cohesive message.

Follow-Up Output 1:

“Whether you’re looking to save time, improve collaboration, or reduce costs, our project management software has you covered. With features like task automation, real-time editing, and affordable pricing, it’s the all-in-one solution for your team’s needs.”

Follow-Up Prompt 2:

Develop a decision tree that a sales representative could use to tailor the sales pitch based on the customer's initial responses and priorities. The decision tree should guide the conversation and ensure that the key value propositions are effectively communicated.

3. Tree of Thought (ToT)

What It Is

Tree of Thought (ToT) is a prompting technique where the AI explores multiple reasoning paths simultaneously, branching out like a tree. It is especially useful for open-ended problems where there are multiple potential solutions or creative tasks that require brainstorming and exploration.

What Makes It Unique

ToT enables the AI to evaluate different approaches, weigh the pros and cons of each path, and ultimately choose the most promising solution. This makes it ideal for scenarios where there is no single "right" answer and where creativity and innovation are valued.

Relationship to Other Strategies

ToT is an extension of CoT but focuses on exploring multiple chains of thought rather than a single one. It’s superior for open-ended problems but can be more resource-intensive.

Example: Sales Pitch Optimization

Initial Prompt:

You are a sales expert. Create three different sales pitches for a new project management software, each targeting a different audience: small business owners, enterprise teams, and freelancers. Explain the reasoning behind each pitch.

Output:

Small Business Owners: Focus on affordability and ease of use. Enterprise Teams: Highlight scalability and advanced security features. Freelancers: Emphasize flexibility and mobile accessibility.

Follow-Up Prompt 1:

Now, combine the best elements of each pitch into one universal version that appeals to all three audiences.

Follow-Up Output 1:

“Our project management software is designed to meet the needs of every team, big or small. With affordable pricing for small businesses, enterprise-grade security for large teams, and mobile accessibility for freelancers, it’s the ultimate tool for staying organized and productive.”

Follow-Up Prompt 2:

Identify potential marketing channels (e.g., social media, email, webinars) for each of the three target audiences (small business owners, enterprise teams, and freelancers). Explain why each channel is appropriate for the respective audience and how the sales pitch should be adapted for each channel.

4. Skeleton of Thought (SoT)

What It Is

Skeleton of Thought (SoT) is a prompting technique where you provide the AI with a high-level structure or outline to guide its response. This helps steer the AI's thinking without being overly restrictive, allowing for a balance of control and creativity.

What Makes It Unique

SoT strikes a balance between flexibility and control. It's perfect for tasks where you want to steer the AI in a specific direction but still leave room for creativity.

Relationship to Other Strategies

SoT is a more structured version of CoT. It’s dependent on the user providing a clear framework but can be combined with other strategies for better results.

Example: Sales Pitch Optimization

Initial Prompt:

You are a sales expert. Create a sales pitch for a new project management software. Use the following structure: 1. Introduction, 2. Key Features, 3. Benefits, 4. Call to Action.

Output:

Introduction: “Are you struggling to keep your projects on track?” Key Features: Task automation, real-time collaboration, and customizable dashboards. Benefits: Save time, improve team efficiency, and reduce costs. Call to Action: “Sign up for a free trial today!”

Follow-Up Prompt 1:

Now, rewrite the pitch to make it more emotional and relatable, while keeping the same structure.

Follow-Up Output 1:

Introduction: “Imagine a world where your projects run smoothly, deadlines are met, and your team is happier than ever.” Key Features: Task automation, real-time collaboration, and customizable dashboards. Benefits: Spend less time stressing and more time growing your business. Call to Action: “Start your free trial today and see the difference!”

Follow-Up Prompt 2:

Develop a series of compelling visual elements (e.g., images, charts, infographics) that could be used to accompany each section of the sales pitch, enhancing its impact and engagement.

5. Atom of Thought (AoT)

What It Is

Atom of Thought (AoT) is a prompting technique where the AI breaks down a problem into its smallest, most granular components or "atoms." This approach is ideal for highly detailed or technical tasks that require a deep understanding of each individual element.

What Makes It Unique

AoT focuses on granularity, ensuring that every aspect of the problem is addressed with meticulous attention to detail. This makes it superior for tasks that require precision and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying components.

Relationship to Other Strategies

AoT is a more detailed offshoot of CoT. It’s dependent on the user defining the specific “atoms” to explore.

Example: Sales Pitch Optimization

Initial Prompt:

You are a sales expert. Break down the sales pitch for a new project management software into its smallest components, such as target audience, pain points, features, benefits, and call to action.

Output:

Target Audience: Busy project managers. Pain Points: Manual task management, lack of collaboration tools. Features: Task automation, real-time editing. Benefits: Saves time, improves efficiency. Call to Action: Free trial sign-up.

Follow-Up Prompt 1:

Now, expand on each component to create a full sales pitch.

Follow-Up Output 1:

“Are you a busy project manager drowning in manual tasks and disorganized workflows? Our project management software is here to help. With features like task automation and real-time editing, you’ll save time and boost efficiency. Sign up for a free trial today and experience the difference!”

Follow-Up Prompt 2:

For each feature of the project management software (e.g., task automation, real-time editing, reporting dashboards), identify three specific, measurable benefits that a customer could expect to achieve. Quantify these benefits whenever possible (e.g., 'reduce task completion time by 20%', 'improve team communication by 15%').

6. Directional Stimulus Prompting

What It Is

Directional Stimulus Prompting involves providing the AI with subtle hints, cues, or guiding questions to nudge its response in a specific direction. This strategy is particularly useful when you want to influence the AI's output without explicitly dictating the content or structure.

What Makes It Unique

This strategy is subtle but powerful. Instead of giving explicit instructions, you nudge the AI toward the desired outcome.

Example: Sales Pitch Optimization

Initial Prompt:

You are a sales expert. Create a sales pitch for a new project management software. Hint: Focus on how it simplifies complex workflows.

Output:

“Tired of juggling multiple tools and spreadsheets? Our project management software simplifies complex workflows with intuitive task automation and seamless integration.”

Follow-Up Prompt 1:

Now, make the pitch more urgent by emphasizing the consequences of not using the software.

Follow-Up Output 1:

“Every day you delay, your team wastes hours on manual tasks and missed deadlines. Our project management software simplifies complex workflows, so you can focus on what really matters. Don’t let inefficiency hold you back—try it today!”

Follow-Up Prompt 2:

Develop a series of open-ended questions that a sales representative could use to uncover a prospect's specific pain points related to project management. These questions should be designed to elicit detailed responses and guide the conversation towards the benefits of the software.

7. Self-Consistency

What It Is

Self-Consistency involves instructing the AI to generate multiple independent responses to the same prompt and then select the most consistent or logical one. This technique improves the reliability and accuracy of the AI's output by ensuring that its responses are coherent and well-reasoned across multiple attempts.

What Makes It Unique

This strategy improves reliability by ensuring the AI’s response is coherent and well-reasoned.

Example: Sales Pitch Optimization

Initial Prompt:

You are a sales expert. Create three versions of a sales pitch for a new project management software. Then, choose the most compelling one and explain why.

Output:

(After generating three pitches) “The most compelling pitch is the one that emphasizes time-saving features, as this is the most common pain point for our target audience.”

Follow-Up Prompt 1:

Now, refine the chosen pitch to make it even more persuasive.

Follow-Up Output 1:

“Stop wasting time on manual tasks. Our project management software automates your workflow, so you can focus on growing your business. Try it today and see how much time you’ll save!”

Follow-Up Prompt 2:

Develop a rubric for evaluating the quality of a sales pitch, considering factors such as clarity, persuasiveness, relevance to the target audience, and overall effectiveness. Use this rubric to score the three initial sales pitches and justify the selection of the most compelling one.

8. Few-Shot Prompting

What It Is

Few-Shot Prompting involves providing the AI with a small number of examples of the desired output to guide its response. This technique is particularly effective for tasks where you want the AI to mimic a specific style, format, or tone.

What Makes It Unique

This strategy is highly effective for tasks where you want the AI to mimic a specific style or format.

Example: Sales Pitch Optimization

Initial Prompt:

You are a sales expert. Here are two examples of sales pitches: 'Our CRM software helps you close deals faster with automated follow-ups.' 'Our marketing tool boosts engagement with AI-driven content recommendations.' Now, create a sales pitch for a new project management software.

Output:

“Our project management software helps you stay organized and productive with intuitive task automation and real-time collaboration.”

Follow-Up Prompt 1:

Now, create a version of the pitch that includes a customer testimonial.

Follow-Up Output 1:

“Our project management software helps you stay organized and productive with intuitive task automation and real-time collaboration. As one happy customer said, ‘This software has transformed the way our team works—we’ve never been more efficient!’ Try it today and see the difference.”

Follow-Up Prompt 2:

Provide the AI with examples of effective and ineffective customer testimonials. Then, ask it to generate three new customer testimonials for the project management software, highlighting different aspects of its value proposition. The AI should explain why each testimonial is likely to be effective.

Conclusion

Prompt engineering is a powerful tool for unlocking the full potential of AI in business, particularly within the B2B sector. By understanding and experimenting with strategies like Chain of Thought, Logic of Thought, Tree of Thought, and others, you can craft prompts that deliver precise, actionable, and creative results. The examples provided demonstrate how to iterate on prompts, building more effective sales pitches.

Start with simpler strategies like Chain of Thought and Few-Shot Prompting, then gradually explore more advanced techniques like Tree of Thought and Atom of Thought. As you become more proficient, experiment with combining different strategies to achieve even better results. Remember, the key to success is continuous learn