You keep hearing about ChatGPT and you’re finally ready to get started. It might feel like an overwhelming and unfamiliar task but don’t worry: you don’t need to master every nuance of AI to start benefiting from it. One of the most user-friendly tools out there is ChatGPT, a conversational AI developed by OpenAI. ChatGPT is a LLM: Language Learning Model. Below, we’ll explore how to quickly get started using ChatGPT, plus real-world examples of how it can transform your work—whether you’re a nonprofit writing a grant or a local electrical company looking to create educational video scripts for your YouTube channel.
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How to Quickly Get Started Using ChatGPT
Create an Account
Head over to chat.openai.com and follow the instructions to create a free OpenAI account. Once logged in, you’ll be able to start using ChatGPT almost immediately.
Craft Your Prompt
Think of ChatGPT as a knowledgeable teammate. The clearer your instructions (or “prompt”), the better the output. For example, if you need a blog outline, specify the style, length, and tone you’re looking for. Use more than one prompt. I like to call this: priming the pump. Metaphor: Before you can get the good water from a pump, you have to move the handle up and down until the good water comes flowing out. Sort of the same thing when using prompts with ChatGPT. Don’t just give it one prompt: give it two or three before you let it give you the content you’re after.
My Hot Tip for a More Successful Outcome with ChatGPT:
Set it up for success.
A foolproof way for beginners to craft more excellent outcomes is this: after you’ve provided your prompt, ask it: Is there anything else you need to know from me in order to do an excellent job on the content you are about to provide?
In the example below, you’ll see my prompt and below that, you’ll see ChatGPT’s response
Framework to get a list of blog post ideas for Women’s History Month:
Prompt 1:
ChatGPT’s Response:
Here’s the answer I gave it:
Here’s the information it gave me (below). Be sure you check out the information yourself. ChatGPT can make mistakes, as of early 2025. (Note: I only pasted the first 2 examples).
Good information, right? It would have taken me a few hours to research and find all that information prior to 2022, before ChatGPT launched.
Review and Refine
ChatGPT might not get everything perfect on the first try. Read through the AI-generated content, make edits, and re-prompt ChatGPT with additional details or corrections. It seems to like the word “tailored” and tends to overuse it. In fact, there are many default words ChatGPT relies on. Here’s a list of commonly used words and phrases that ChatGPT tends to use a lot. Be sure to tell it not to use any of those words.
Stay Informed
As with all technology, ChatGPT keeps evolving. Keep an eye on new features, integrations, and best practices shared by OpenAI and the broader user community.
Why Use ChatGPT at All?
Here’s one reason that’s pretty important: A report by IBM found that businesses using “AI infused virtual agents” can reduce customer service costs by up to 30% while improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Also, by using ChatGPT, you’re using some of the most advanced language capabilities AI has to offer, enabling you to work smarter, not harder.
Example Use Case #1: Nonprofit Grant Writing
Nonprofits often operate with limited staff and resources, making grant writing a time-consuming challenge. Here’s how ChatGPT can streamline the process:
Outline the Grant Proposal
Prompt ChatGPT to generate a structured outline that includes sections like “Executive Summary,” “Project Description,” “Budget,” and “Measurable Outcomes.” Be sure to “prime the pump” so it ends up knowing who the target audience is; what the goal is; what is your expected outcome. You know: set it up for success.
Draft Paragraphs
Ask ChatGPT to expand each section into a first draft. Specify details about your organization’s mission, the community you serve, and any key data points you want highlighted.
Review and Personalize
Edit the AI-generated text to ensure it aligns with your nonprofit’s voice and goals. Add real-life examples and statistics to strengthen credibility.
Proof and Polish
Use ChatGPT again to proofread, check grammar, or suggest clearer phrasing. You could choose to use another AI agent: Grammarly or Jasper.ai.
The result? A solid grant proposal in a fraction of the time it usually takes.
Outcome: By mastering ChatGPT, a nonprofit can save hours—if not days—of writing and rewriting, freeing staff to focus on relationship-building with donors and the communities they serve. Finally, your staff will have more time to concentrate on other important tasks now that they know how to save time with AI. I encourage you to experiment with Claude; Jasper.ai and/or Brandwell (formerly: Content At Scale). I’ve experimented with all of these, plus, ChatGPT since 2022. They continually get better and better! If you consider yourself a novice with AI writing solutions, I recommend you start with ChatGPT or Claude.
Example Use Case #2: Local Electrical Company Video Scripts
Even a small local business like an electrical company can benefit greatly from ChatGPT. Imagine you want to create a series of educational videos for your customers on home safety, EV charging, and more. ChatGPT can help:
Generate Topics and Titles
Prompt ChatGPT for video topic ideas that resonate with homeowners, such as “Top Five Ways to Prevent Electrical Hazards in Your Home” or “EV Charging Basics for Beginners.” (Remember my advice elsewhere in this blog post.)
Create a Script Outline
Ask ChatGPT to produce a script outline including an introduction, key talking points, safety warnings, and a clear call-to-action at the end. Do not let it be your final draft. You’re the expert. Edit the script to your liking.
Draft the Full Script
Once you approve the outline, let ChatGPT flesh out each point. It can add friendly language, technical details, or anecdotes to keep viewers engaged. It’s actually got a good sense of humor.
Let Your Brand Voice Shine Through
Review and revise. Make sure the tone aligns with how you want to present your company—whether that’s friendly, approachable and warm, or highly technical and expert.
Film and Share
With a polished script in hand, you’re ready to film. Upload the videos to your website, YouTube channel, and social media. You’ll not only educate your customers but also showcase your expertise and build trust. Chances are high that no competitors are doing this yet in your area on a consistent basis. Be sure you’re consistently publishing helpful videos. They can be quite short and use the first take. No editing necessary. People are hungry for the real you.
By allowing ChatGPT to handle the heavy lifting in doing the first drafts during scriptwriting phase, you can focus on production quality and customer engagement—ultimately saving significant time and resources.
That’s a Wrap!
ChatGPT is more than just a digital assistant—it’s a gateway to the extraordinary and fascinating capabilities of AI. Whether you’re writing grants for a nonprofit or drafting video scripts for your local business, tools like ChatGPT can help you work faster and more creatively, while staying true to your unique voice and mission.
Caution: ChatGPT and Other LLMs (like Claude) Are a Foundation or First Draft
Remember: be sure you edit the content; review it for accuracy; and run it through an AI Detector, such as BrandWell.ai. (formerly ContentAtScale.ai). Then make the adjustments it recommends or can do for you.
So go ahead: take that first step. Start today. Explore, and experiment with ChatGPT. You might just find that what once felt impossible—like holding an entire ocean in a seashell—suddenly feels a whole lot more achievable.
If you’re ready to leverage AI in your business or nonprofit, please contact us.
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