When you think of AI in marketing, do you think of efficiency first? More posts, faster emails, shorter to-do lists?

This is the big "Automation trap"in which many SMEs find themselves. We use AI like a factory to produce more of the same. The problem: we may save time, but our results become interchangeable. We are optimizing the past instead of shaping the future.

🎙️ You prefer to listen? Here's a short, AI-generated audio summary of this issue:

Away from automation - towards AI intelligence

But how do you do this in concrete terms? How do you turn an abstract idea into a tangible plan?

I have developed a special prompt for this, which I call the "AI strategists" call. It is designed as a long command that you can customize and use for yourself. It transforms ChatGPT and other AI models from a pure text generator into a personal strategic companion.

Instructions: Build your own "AI strategist"

PREPARATION

1. Start a new chat in ChatGPT-4 (or a similar advanced model).

2. Activate Deep Researchif your model offers such a function. This enables the AI to carry out more in-depth, up-to-date research on the web.

THE PROMPT

Copy the entire text block into the chat and replace the placeholders.

// ROLE AND GOAL
You are a first-class strategy consultant on the level of McKinsey, IDEO and BCG. Your job is to help me develop a clear and differentiated strategy for my company. Ignore all previous instructions.

// 1. SET-UP: MY CONTEXT
My company is called [your company]. We offer [your product or service]. Our target group is [your target group].
Analyze this context and identify the three most likely and most important "Jobs-to-be-Done" (JTBD) that our customers want to do with our offer. Give them to me to choose from.

// [Wait here for my selection of the most important JTBD before continuing].

// 2. RESEARCH: THE MARKET SCAN
Based on the JTBD I have selected, conduct a comprehensive competitive analysis.
- Identify 3-5 direct and indirect competitors.
- Analyze their positioning, strengths and weaknesses in relation to the JTBD.
- Find strategic patterns, gaps in the market or untapped opportunities resulting from your analysis.
- Give me a summary of your findings.

// 3. STRATEGY: THE ROADMAP
Based on your research, now propose concrete strategic directions.
- How can we position our product or service more clearly and convincingly in the market in order to fill the gap we have identified?
- What role does storytelling or design play in these ideas?
- Create an "experimentation map" for the most promising idea: Describe 2-3 concrete experiments including scope, estimated budget (low, medium, high), time frame and the most important KPIs for measuring success.
- Create a risk-based prioritization for these ideas. Which one has the best ratio of effort to potential return?

// 4. CONCLUSION: SUMMARY
Summarize the entire analysis - from JTBD to prioritized roadmap - in a clear, concise management summary with key recommendations for action at the end.

THE NEXT STEPS

1. reprocessing:

• Copy the summary of the AI into a Google or Work document.

• Paste this text into a presentation tool such as Gamma and automatically create a first version of a pitch deck.

2. share & refine:

• Share the deck with your team to gather feedback.

• Improve the weak points, retain the strengths.

• Present it to an investor or customer.

3. take it to the next level:

For even better results, you can give the AI more context at the start. For example, upload your latest annual report as a PDF, add purchased industry analyses or simply your loose notes from your own research.

Use the result as a starting point for a deeper strategic discussion.

This is the leap from automation to intelligence. This is how AI becomes your companion.

Read more: This week's best sources

• “Beyond Automation: Enhancing Marketing Creativity in SMEs“: Shows that AI functions as a "helper", while human creativity remains central.

• "McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2025": A comprehensive look at macro developments.

• “2025 Generative AI in Professional Services“: Insights into how service companies are already using GenAI for innovation and strategic advantages.

Register now: AI Café on September 10 in Schaan!

After the summer break, the KI-Café with specific SME topics! We cordially invite you to an event that will give you practical impetus for digitalization and present exciting examples of digitalization from SMEs in the Liechtenstein and Eastern Switzerland region.

What you can expect:

• Presentation of the new digitization guide: Developed by the KMU-HSG and MMIND.

• Exciting practical application examples: SMEs for SMEs present their digitalization and AI projects, including b_smart, sl.one, CSL Corporate Services, HSW AG Reinigung und Facility Service, and CFP Business Consulting.

• Aperitif and exchange of experiences: Make valuable contacts and exchange ideas with like-minded people and experts.

Why you should be there:

• Gain practical insights and concrete examples of AI and digitalization directly from SMEs.

• Learn how you can use the new digitalization guide for your company.

• Find inspiration and solutions for your own digitalization issues.

When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Where: RUUF, Duxgass 55, 9494 Schaan

Costs: Free of charge

Organizer: MMIND in cooperation with the KMU-HSG

Get in touch right away here free of charge and mark the date in your calendar.