Most business owners already have enough tools.
What they really need are fewer decisions to make, quicker results, and less mental clutter.
Here’s the reality: if you’re just typing questions into ChatGPT, you’re only scratching the surface of what it can do.
When I heard Dan Martell talk about how he uses ChatGPT in real businesses, it hit me: ChatGPT isn’t just for writing. If you use it right, it works more like an operating system. For instance, Dan shared a story of how he successfully integrated ChatGPT into a small marketing firm. By using ChatGPT to automate customer inquiries, the team saved countless hours, allowing employees to focus on strategic planning and creative projects. This not only streamlined operations but also boosted their productivity and revenue, as they could handle client requests more efficiently. (Small Business AI Adoption Survey, n.d.)
Let’s break down Dan’s advice into practical steps by framing them within real business scenarios, so you can see exactly how to integrate these concepts into your operations to save time and avoid getting overwhelmed by new tech.
“Productivity isn’t about doing more.
It’s about making decisions faster and following through with confidence.”
Andrea-ism
By default, ChatGPT is polite, agreeable, and safe.
That’s fine, but it won’t help you grow.
You can get more out of ChatGPT by telling it about yourself and how you want feedback.
Here’s what I suggest: Ask for feedback that’s direct, strategic, and honest.
Real progress comes from clear feedback, not just hearing what you want.
“If your tools don’t challenge your thinking, they’re just expensive notebooks.“
Andrea-ism
ChatGPT can keep track of your ongoing projects and preferences.
This leads to:
If you’re managing strategy, clients, content, and operations, this makes a big difference.
When you use it well, ChatGPT becomes the place where:
But if you don’t use it intentionally, it’s just another browser tab you forget about. To help foster intentional use, consider setting up daily check-ins where you allocate time to update ChatGPT with your latest tasks or projects. Additionally, schedule weekly project reviews to assess how effectively ChatGPT is being integrated into your workflows. These routines ensure that ChatGPT is not just an occasional tool but a consistent part of your productivity system.
Key takeaway: Using ChatGPT on purpose helps you get the most out of it.
This is where things get both interesting and productive.
With ChatGPT Projects, you can keep everything in one place:
Everything is connected to a single goal.
Instead of:
“Wait, where did I put that?”
You get:
Now you can ask yourself, what’s the smartest next move?
That’s the kind of advantage executives look for.
Takeaway: Centralizing projects with ChatGPT enables smarter, goal-oriented decisions.
This way, everything you need is readily accessible, allowing for quicker, more informed decision-making.
If you write emails, proposals, or frameworks, try Canvas mode.
Why use it?
Because it lets you:
Edit inline
Change tone instantly
Ask it to improve clarity, brevity, or structure.
Reverse-engineer better prompts from good outputs.
This helps you move from just drafting to really shaping your results.
Takeaway: Canvas mode lets you improve and direct everything you create.
AI usually gives quick answers, but they’re not always deep.
Deep Research mode makes ChatGPT:
Search beyond its training.
Verify sources
Cross-reference real data
This really matters when you’re making:
Market decisions
Investment choices
Strategic pivots
If a decision affects your revenue, reputation, or risk, don’t settle for shallow answers. However, be aware that while Deep Research mode enhances decision-making, it has limitations. Always verify critical data through additional research or professional consultation to ensure accuracy. Understanding these limitations helps in making informed, risk-aware choices.
Key takeaway: Deep Research mode ensures critical business decisions are well-informed.
Dan found the best use for ChatGPT was learning, not just automating tasks. (Lunch and Learn: 5 Ways to Use ChatGPT (AI) for small business, 2025)
With Study Mode, ChatGPT acts like a tutor:
Explains concepts at your level
Test your understanding
It makes sure you really understand, instead of just taking shortcuts.
That’s how you avoid relying too much on AI and instead become truly well-informed.
Takeaway: Study Mode develops your skills, reducing over-dependence on AI answers.
Tools alone don’t give you leverage.
It’s systems that do.
ChatGPT only becomes powerful when you make it part of how you:
How you plan
How you decide
How you execute
Most people stop using AI because it’s not part of their daily routine.
Productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about making decisions faster and following through with confidence.
Key takeaway: True productivity comes from clarity and confident action, not just output.