How to Use GEAR with the Action, Context, Response Prompting

G – Guide (Chain of Thought)

Business Planning

Action: Guide me through Context: Creating a basic business plan for a home-based consulting service Response: Provide a step-by-step outline with key sections to include

Example prompt: “Guide me through [Action] creating a basic business plan for my home-based IT consulting service [Context]. Provide a step-by-step outline with key sections to include and brief explanations for each [Response].”

E – Explore (Conversational)

Market Research

Action: Let’s explore Context: Methods for conducting market research on a budget Response: List of cost-effective research methods with pros and cons

Example prompt: “Let’s explore [Action] methods for conducting market research on a limited budget for my new organic skincare line [Context]. Provide a list of 5 cost-effective research methods, each with pros, cons, and a brief implementation guide [Response].”

A – Assume (Role-Based)

Financial Management

Action: Assume the role Context: Financial advisor reviewing a new business’s budget Response: Analysis and recommendations for financial health

Example prompt: “Assume the role [Action] of a financial advisor reviewing the first-year budget for my new online tutoring business [Context]. Provide an analysis of potential financial risks and opportunities, along with specific recommendations for maintaining financial health [Response].”

R – Review Comprehensively (Mega)

Marketing Strategy

Action: Develop a comprehensive Context: Marketing strategy for a local bakery Response: Detailed marketing plan with multiple components

Example prompt: “Develop a comprehensive [Action] marketing strategy for my new local bakery specializing in gluten-free products [Context]. Include sections on target audience definition, unique selling proposition, online and offline marketing channels, budget allocation, and a 6-month implementation timeline [Response].”

Additional Examples

1. Legal Compliance

(Guide) “Guide me through [Action] the process of ensuring legal compliance for my new home-based bookkeeping service [Context]. Provide a checklist of necessary licenses, permits, and regulations to consider, along with steps to obtain or comply with each [Response].”

2. Product Pricing

(Explore) “Let’s explore [Action] different pricing strategies for my handmade jewelry business [Context]. Present 3-4 pricing models, explaining how each works, its benefits, potential drawbacks, and how it might impact my target market [Response].”

3. Customer Service Policy

(Assume) “Assume the role [Action] of a customer service expert developing a policy for my new online vintage clothing store [Context]. Draft a customer service policy that covers returns, exchanges, shipping issues, and communication standards, explaining the rationale behind each policy point [Response].”

4. Business Scaling

(Review) “Develop a comprehensive [Action] plan for scaling my successful local gardening service into neighboring cities [Context]. Include sections on operational expansion, hiring and training new staff, marketing in new areas, financial projections, and potential challenges with solutions [Response].”

Remember: The key to effective prompting is being specific about the Action you want taken, providing relevant Context, and clearly stating the desired Response format. This structure helps ensure you receive the most useful and applicable information for your entrepreneurial journey.