By
Everyone wants to scale their business but hardly any make it a success. Only 22% of new businesses launched in the past decade have pulled it off. 70% of startups struggle to scale, and half of small businesses don’t make it past year five. The odds don’t look good.
But here’s the thing. Two-thirds of the value created in new businesses happens during scale-up. Companies that nail their scaling are three times more likely to succeed.
It’s an important phase and the rewards are there if you can crack the code. Join the 22% with 7 ChatGPT prompts to help you scale.
Scale your business with ChatGPT: prompts for ideation, planning and success
Know when to make your move
“Adopt the role of a business analyst. What are the key indicators that suggest my business is ready to scale? Help me assess whether now is the right time to expand in [describe your industry/niche].”
Timing is everything. Don’t jump too soon, but don’t miss your window. Use this prompt to get it right. If you decide it is time to scale, move on to this next prompt.
Map out your scaling strategy
“Guide me through developing a scaling strategy that aligns with my current business model and market conditions. What steps should I take to prepare for growth? Ask 5 questions, one by one, about my business plan before providing a draft strategy [Include your business model and business plan]”
A solid plan is your roadmap to success. Without it, you’re just wandering. ChatGPT can suggest areas to explore that you may have missed.
Spot your scaling opportunities
“Acting as a growth advisor, help me identify potential scaling opportunities, such as new markets, products, or services. How can I evaluate and prioritize these options in line with the scaling strategy outlined. Here’s what we have tried so far: [describe that here]”
The right opportunity can skyrocket your growth. Get a list of ideas, discount those that won’t work, then choose a few and double down.
Prepare for the pitfalls
“What are some common challenges businesses like mine face when scaling, and how can I mitigate them? [Add more specific business details if required] Provide specific strategies for navigating potential pitfalls.”
70% of scale-ups fall short in at least one critical area, identified by McKinsey as being product & strategy, go to market, technology, people, operations, capital and governance. Cover all your bases.
Build your dream team
“Help me create a plan for scaling my team as my business grows, especially as I explore [specify the strategy you want to explore]. What roles should I prioritize hiring for, and how can I maintain a strong company culture? Here’s information about my team right now: [include that here]”
Your team can make or break your scaling efforts. Get a second opinion on the people you have in place, and build up with the best new hires.
Get your finances in order
“What financial considerations should I keep in mind when scaling my business as planned? Guide me through managing cash flow, securing funding, and planning for financial sustainability. First, ask me questions about my current finances so you have a deeper understanding of my situation.”
Successful scale-ups raise 250% more investment than anticipated. If you’re going for funding, be prepared for a windfall when you get this right.
Streamline your operations
“Assist me in refining my operations to support scaling. What changes should I consider in processes, technology, or partnerships to handle increased demand? First, ask me questions about my current operational setup and point out any areas of concern. Then move onto adaptations required for scaling.”
Efficiency is key. Make sure your operations can handle the growth, then throw everything at the top of the funnel. Without this step, your business could buckle under the strain of even your first efforts at scaling.
Scale smart, scale fast: ChatGPT prompts for insane business growth
Use these prompts to start your scaling journey with ChatGPT. Tailor them to your business for personalized advice and keep refining your plan until you’re confident in your scaling strategy. Get better as you get better.
You’ll know you’re ready to scale when the stats motivate you, not scare you off trying. Join the elite set of startups that successfully scale. Your scaling journey starts now. Make it count.
Feature Image Credit: Getty
By
Follow me on LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work here.
Founder of Coachvox AI – create an AI version of you. Forbes 30 under 30 class of 2017. Post-exit entrepreneur and author of Ten Year Career. Competitive powerlifter and digital nomad.