Prospecting eats more of a rep's week than almost anything else: researching accounts, writing first-touch emails, figuring out what to say on a cold call. ChatGPT (and tools like Claude and Gemini) can take most of the grunt work off your plate, but only if you give it the right instructions. Vague prompts get vague, generic output that buyers delete on sight.
Below are 7 prompts individual reps can copy and use today. Replace anything in [BRACKETS] with your own details. The more specific you are about your product, your buyer and your proof points, the better the result.
1. Research an account in two minutes
You are a sales research assistant. Research [COMPANY NAME] ([WEBSITE]). Give me: what they sell and to whom, their likely top 3 business priorities this year, recent news or changes, and 3 specific reasons they might need [MY PRODUCT/SERVICE]. Bullet points only.
Why it works: it forces the AI to connect what the company cares about to what you sell, which is exactly what your first message needs.
2. Write a cold email that sounds like a human
Write a cold email to [NAME], [TITLE] at [COMPANY]. Context: [ONE FACT ABOUT THEM]. I sell [PRODUCT], which helps [TYPE OF CUSTOMER] [OUTCOME]. Rules: under 90 words, no buzzwords, open with something specific to them, one proof point: [PROOF POINT], end with a low-pressure question.
Why it works: the word limit and "no buzzwords" rule stop the AI from writing the bloated emails buyers have learned to ignore.
3. Turn a trigger event into a reason to reach out
[COMPANY] just [raised funding / hired a new VP / launched a product]. Write a 3-sentence message to [NAME] that connects this event to a problem I solve: [PROBLEM].
4. Write a LinkedIn connection note
Write a LinkedIn connection request to [NAME], [TITLE] at [COMPANY], under 280 characters, referencing [SHARED CONNECTION / POST THEY WROTE / COMPANY NEWS]. No pitch.
5. Prepare a cold call opener
I'm cold calling [TITLE]s at [TYPE OF COMPANY]. Write 3 permission-based openers under 20 seconds, a one-sentence problem statement, and the 2 most likely brush-offs with a calm response to each.
6. Build a follow-up sequence that adds value
Write a 4-touch follow-up sequence over 14 days for a prospect who hasn't replied about [TOPIC]. Each touch adds something new: an insight, a question, a resource, a breakup note. Under 70 words each.
7. Ask for a referral the easy way
Write a short message asking my customer [NAME] for an introduction to [TARGET NAME] at [COMPANY]. Include a 2-sentence blurb they can forward.
Three rules for better AI prospecting
Give it real context. Paste in the prospect's LinkedIn summary, a recent post or a news article. AI can't personalize with information it doesn't have.
Edit before you send. Treat every output as a strong first draft. Check facts, cut anything that sounds generic, and add one detail only you would know.
Protect your data. Don't paste confidential customer information into public AI tools unless your company allows it.
Want more prompts like these?
Get our free list of 10 AI prompts that book more meetings on the home page, or see how AI Sales Strategist members get the full prompt library, CRM prompt packs and live coaching on the Pricing page.
