Imagine walking into a friend’s house and rattling off a 20-minute monologue with every single detail of a challenge you’re facing.
No pause. No space for questions. Just a nonstop, 20-minute word vomit.
That’s how most of us are using AI. We dump a giant wall of text into a prompt, cross our fingers, and hope for magic. Instead of working with AI, we’re treating it like a command line.
No wonder the results often fall flat!
In this short episode, I share a better way—one that mirrors the way we’d talk with a trusted colleague. When you approach AI as a conversation partner, you open the door to deeper insights, sharper thinking, and far better results.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why “one shot” prompting works against you most of the time.
- How to reframe AI interactions as a natural dialogue.
- The 3R Prompting Framework: Role, Reference, Requirements.
- Practical ways to build your ideas step by step through conversation.
- How this iterative approach keeps your critical thinking skills sharp.
Key Takeaways
- Think conversation, not commands. Don’t unload every detail upfront—start small and build.
- Use the 3Rs. Define the Role you want AI to play, provide the essential Reference, and clearly state your Requirements.
- Stay in the driver’s seat. A healthy back-and-forth keeps you engaged and prevents outsourcing your thinking entirely.
- Break it down. Just like building a house, you lay the foundation first and add each piece thoughtfully.
Try This Exercise
Next time you open up your favorite AI tool, instead of pasting in a giant prompt, try this:
- Start with the core issue.
- Ask AI a probing question like: What key themes do you see here?
- Use its response to refine your thinking.
- Layer in more details only as needed.
You’ll be surprised how much better the output (and your own clarity) becomes.
By the way… whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your freelance business:
1. Claim your free book:
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3. Work with me for 90 days
Need a trusted “sparring” partner to tackle your most pressing business challenges? I occasionally offer an intensive 90-day coaching program for freelancers at all income levels. We work together 1-on-1 to identify your most critical business obstacles, come up with innovative solutions and develop a customized, actionable plan. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com with “90-Day Accelerator” in the subject line to learn more.
4. Banish 6-figure burnout
One of my core specialties is helping 6-figure freelancers earn more in less time with less stress. If you’re at that income level but you’re burning out and want to create a business that actually serves you, let’s connect. Email me at ed@b2blauncher.com and put “Boardroom” in the subject line and I’ll get back to you with more details.
