How to Build a Custom GPT
Ever watched a magician pull off an impossible trick and thought, "If only I had that kind of magic for my business"? That's what building a custom GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) feels like - conjuring up a magical digital assistant that's bespoke to your business needs.
But first, WTF, is a custom GPT?
Let’s begin by understanding the basics. (And keep the magical theming going!) A Custom GPT is your versatile ‘sorcerer's apprentice’. GPTs are AI models that can generate text, process language, and even code!
As OpenAI explains it, Custom GPTs are a major step in personalizing AI experiences. Imagine having your own version of ChatGPT, fine-tuned for your specific needs - whether it's something to help you with your day-to-day tasks at work, or something that enhances your task at home. Picture a GPT that guides you through the intricacies of a new board game, supports your child's math learning, or helps you craft unique sticker designs.
Building a custom GPT is incredibly simple doesn't require any coding knowledge. You can make one for your or your company’s exclusive internal use, or make it available to the broader public. The process of building your GPT is as intuitive as a chat with ChatGPT to deliver specific instructions that define its capabilities.
So here are the exact steps to build your own magical apprentice - AKA Custom GPT.
Identify your Spellbook (What will your custom GPT do?)
Determine what tasks you want your GPT to master. When you create a GPT you narrow it’s focus; so get specific. It could be anything from drafting emails to analyzing data.
Gather your Magical Ingredients (What information will you feed into your custom GPT?)
Collect the data that will be the knowledge base of your GPT. This can include documents, emails, or any relevant information. Remember that your GPT will draw it’s training from this knowledge. Define your clear workflow and files that will help your custom GPT function like the magical superstar it is.
Begin the Incantation (Build your custom GPT)
Use a platform like OpenAI (or explore open-source alternatives) to start creating your GPT. Customize it by feeding it your unique data. (You will need a paid ChatGPT account, or the ability to access GPT4 through a different tool.)
Train your Wizard (Refine your custom GPT)
Iterate and refine the model you’ve built. The more specific your feedback is, the sharper your wizard’s skills become.
Test your Magic
Deploy your GPT in a controlled environment. Observe its performance, note the outcomes, and tweak accordingly.
Unleash the Sorcery (Share your custom GPT)
Introduce your GPT to the real world. Start with smaller tasks and gradually expand its responsibilities as it proves its reliability. (You can share with only those who have your link, or make it public. You can also choose to make it entirely private, only for your own use.)
Strengthen your Charms (Make updates to your custom GPT)
Stay updated with AI developments to continuously enhance your GPT's capabilities. Generative AI is growing in leaps and bounds and what is possible is changing for the better in days and hours, not years!
The custom GPT (small) business case
Now, let's put this into a small business context. Say you run a social media marketing agency. Your custom GPT could automate client report generation, pulling in data from various platforms and creating a cohesive analysis. It saves hours and provides real-time insights to your clients.
Remember, like any good magic, custom GPTs require a touch of humanity to truly shine. Your GPT can suggest strategies based on data, but the human touch will interpret these within the context of client relationships and industry nuances.
Here’s where strategy intertwines with technology. Your GPT is not just a tool; it's a team member that grows with your business. You might start with automating mundane tasks, but soon you could be developing complex strategies with the help of your digital apprentice.
Think of your business as a ship and your custom GPT as the compass. It won't steer the ship for you, but it will point you in the right direction, allowing you to navigate through the competitive seas with foresight and agility.
Looking for deeper learning on custom GPTs?
I recently had the pleasure of talking to Matt Paige, Vice President of Marketing at HatchWorks, AI Trainer, and Host of the Built Right Podcast, on The 4am Report podcast, about the transformative potential of custom GPTs for small businesses. Find episode 210 here on Spotify.
Custom GPT for podcasting (explore MyShowrunner)
At the start of 2024, I co-created a custom GPT with podcast boss and fellow AI optimist, Dan Sanchez. Myshowrunner.com is a special resource that will save podcasters MASSIVE amounts of time in pre-production planning. It's your map to reducing time spent in pre-production for guest-based podcasts from 90 mins to 5 mins. Legit!
