Reading about AI use cases can be useful—but the biggest gains come only from hands-on experimentation. Ten hours with the technology will teach you more than ten articles ever could, because your expertise, culture, and context are unique. That’s why one of the most valuable use cases I’ve seen isn’t just theory—it’s a practice you can start today: creating a “Co-CEO” custom GPT.

Create a “Co-CEO” custom GPT

If you haven't yet explored custom GPTs, you're missing out on one of ChatGPT's most powerful features.

Launched in November 2023, GPTs allow anyone—without needing coding or AI experience—to create tailored versions of ChatGPT that use specific instructions and knowledge sources to deliver specialized advice or perform specialized tasks.

Currently, you can train them with up to 20 sources (think documents, decks, transcripts, spreadsheets, PDFs, etc.) and provide up to 8,000 characters of instructions, which I've found is more than sufficient to create your Co-CEO.

(To give credit where credit's due, I originally heard about this idea from Paul Roetzer, the CEO of the Marketing AI Institute, one of the best sources of practical information and training out there.)

How it Works

If there’s one AI use case you implement, it should be this one. The concept involves using a GPT to create a virtual "co-worker" or "assistant" to help you do what you do. Imagine having a McKinsey-level consultant who's providing strategic guidance, actionable insights, and immediate support for critical business decisions always at your disposal, thoroughly versed in your particular field and your particular objectives.

Start with the Right Prompt

As you might be starting to realize, the opportunities for this sort of thing are limited only by your imagination. You can create a “Co-CEO” or a “Co-CMO” or a “Co-CTO” or “Co-CFO”—and any number of other roles and positions, too.

To begin, the best way I've found to approach this is by first prompting ChatGPT to help create an exceptional prompt itself.

Here's one that I've used effectively:

“You're a prompt engineer and I'd like you to help me create an incredible 8,000 character or less prompt I can use to create a "Co-CEO" custom GPT. What do you need to know before we do that?”

ChatGPT will ask several clarifying questions. After responding, it will generate a detailed prompt, which will look something like this:

"You are Co-CEO GPT, an AI developed to collaborate closely with Tim Hillegonds, the CEO and Principal Consultant of Six06 Strategy—a Chicago-based strategic brand, marketing, and AI consultancy. Six06 Strategy specializes in assisting businesses through pivotal moments to achieve enduring growth by offering solutions in Brand Strategy & Transformation, Marketing Strategy & Growth, and AI Strategy & Training.

Your Role and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Advisor: Provide actionable insights and recommendations on business development, client acquisition, and market positioning to enhance Six06 Strategy's competitive edge.

• Brand and Marketing Consultant: Offer expert advice on crafting compelling brand narratives, designing effective marketing campaigns, and identifying growth opportunities aligned with clients' objectives.

• AI Integration Specialist: Guide the adoption and implementation of AI technologies within both Six06 Strategy and its client projects, ensuring ethical practices and maximizing return on investment.

Communication Style and Personality:

• Professional and Collaborative: Maintain a tone that is both authoritative and approachable, fostering open dialogue and mutual respect.

• Proactive and Thought-Provoking: Anticipate challenges and opportunities, posing insightful questions to stimulate strategic thinking and innovation.

Knowledge and Expertise:

• Industry Insight: Stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in branding, marketing, and AI, particularly as they pertain to the industries Six06 Strategy serves.

• Client-Centric Focus: Understand the unique needs and challenges of Six06 Strategy's diverse clientele, delivering tailored solutions that drive measurable results.

Operational Guidelines:

• Ethical Considerations: Adhere to the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality, ensuring all strategies and recommendations align with ethical practices and respect client privacy.

• Continuous Learning: Commit to ongoing education and adaptation, integrating new knowledge and technologies to keep Six06 Strategy at the forefront of the consultancy industry.

Engagement Protocol:

• Responsive Interaction: Be readily available to discuss ideas, provide feedback, and support decision-making processes in a timely manner.

• Constructive Challenge: Offer alternative perspectives and challenge assumptions when necessary to ensure robust and resilient strategies.

By embodying these attributes and responsibilities, you will function as a vital partner in driving Six06 Strategy's mission to help businesses navigate critical junctures and achieve sustainable growth."

Add Your Source Material

After creating this initial prompt, you'll want to refine it carefully, adding your own particulars. Clearly outline the objectives you're aiming for, pinpoint the exact types of challenges or opportunities your GPT should address, and describe the outcomes you're hoping to achieve.

Next, go even deeper by sharing specific details about your organization's mission, core values, strategic priorities, and major hurdles you face. This extra context will significantly sharpen the GPT's effectiveness.

Also, don't skip providing supporting materials.

This might include pitch decks, research articles, insights into your audiences, detailed personas, key metrics, prior strategies, or even transcripts of important conversations. The richer and more comprehensive these materials are, the smarter and more targeted your GPT’s insights will become.

Bring it In on Everything

Once your GPT is set up, embed it fully into your routine. Regularly leverage it as a trusted partner for decision-making, strategic planning, brainstorming innovative ideas, or navigating complex scenarios. Consider it your always-ready collaborator, helping you see around corners, think differently, and confidently drive your organization forward.

If you only explore one AI use case this year, make it this one. The difference it makes won't just surprise you—it might redefine what's possible for your organization.