Unlocking Innovation: How to Use AI to Generate Ideas That Actually Work

Written By Lachlan Adair

Great ideas drive great businesses—but what happens when the creative well runs dry?

Whether you're a startup founder, product manager, or a consultant stuck on your next pitch, generative AI tools like ChatGPT can kickstart creativity, offer fresh perspectives, and help you iterate faster. But like any tool, it’s only as good as how you use it.

This guide shows you how to prompt AI effectively to generate ideas that are practical, relevant, and aligned with your goals.

1. Start with a Clear Purpose

Before you type anything into ChatGPT, ask yourself:

  • What do I actually need ideas for?

  • Who is the audience or end user?

  • What constraints or limitations matter (e.g., time, budget, industry)?

  • What does success look like?

AI can give you a thousand ideas—but if you don’t know what you’re looking for, they won’t help.

2. Use Prompts That Give Context and Direction

Instead of saying:

"Give me business ideas."

Say:

"I'm a solo consultant in Australia focused on helping fintech startups grow. What are 10 offer ideas I could launch in 2 weeks with under $100 in startup costs?"

This gives ChatGPT context, industry, location, constraints, and timeframe—making the output more specific and useful.

Prompt Formula:
👉 "I am a [your role] helping [target audience]. Give me [number] ideas for [goal] that I can achieve with [constraints]."

Examples:

  • "I run a SaaS platform targeting HR teams in tech startups. What are 5 content marketing ideas I can execute this quarter?"

  • "I’m developing a mobile app for new parents. What are some features I should consider that align with Australian cultural norms?"

3. Add Clarifying Statements Inside Your Prompt

Treat ChatGPT like a junior team member. More detail = better output.

🔍 Clarifying prompts to include:

  • "Avoid ideas that require a large sales team."

  • "I want ideas that are low-tech and easy to test in real life."

  • "Assume I’m working with a team of 2 and only have weekends free."

These help filter out irrelevant suggestions and make the results easier to act on.

4. Use AI to Iterate on and Improve Raw Ideas

Got a rough idea? Refine it with AI.

Try:

"Here’s an idea I have: A subscription-based newsletter for Australian founders. Can you suggest how I could monetise this in three ways?"

Or:

"I’m thinking about offering a one-hour startup strategy call. What pricing and packaging options would make this more attractive to seed-stage founders?"

AI isn’t just for idea generation—it’s a powerful collaborator for iteration.

5. Test, Then Re-Prompt Based on Results

Once you try an idea in the real world, feed that learning back into AI.

"I ran this ad targeting startup founders and only got one click. Here’s the copy I used. What are three better angles I could test next?"

This creates a feedback loop that compounds your insights over time.

Conclusion

AI won’t replace your creativity—but it will amplify it.

If you learn how to prompt with clarity, context, and curiosity, you can turn ChatGPT from a novelty tool into an always-on idea machine.

At Adair Consulting Group, we help founders and teams use tools like this to launch, grow, and scale smarter. If you’re stuck on what to build, offer, or prioritise next—we’re here to help.

#IdeaGeneration #AIForBusiness #ChatGPTForStartups #StartupTools #AIProductivity #Innovation #ConsultingForStartups #AdairConsultingGroup #GrowthHackingAustralia

Lachlan Adair
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