Most business owners waste their holidays checking emails and putting out fires. They say they’ll switch off but never do. The laptop stays open, the phone keeps pinging, and true rest remains out of reach. But what if you could build a business that runs without you? What if the Christmas just gone could be the last one you worked?
This year, my business grew while I rested. My content was scheduled and I’d been prolifically producing right up to that point. My lead magnet worked on my behalf, as did automations, lengthy podcasts and YouTube videos that built familiarity while I switched off. AI made it possible. And it’s possible for you.
Here are the 5 things that make the difference between a true vacation and a pretend one, with ChatGPT prompts to make your plan.
Stop working through the holidays: 5 ChatGPT prompts for a business that runs while you rest
Having a content production system
Being scheduled up in advance means maximum switchoff potential. No one wants to be writing content on Christmas Eve. This year I got serious about content systems and ditched the scrappy word documents and last-minute writing. Get intentional about showing up and watch what happens.
“Create a content production system that works while I’m on vacation. First ask about my current process for creating [specify content types you produce]. When you have the details, suggest a 14-day content calendar outline with specific dates and topics aligned with my business goals of [describe goals]. Do not write the posts, just give the schedule. Include how to batch create content efficiently and metrics to track performance while I’m gone.”
Sharing your work every day
When you’re publishing every day for the entire year, you don’t mind switching off for holidays. Your audience stays strong regardless of what week it is. No, you don’t need to “earn” rest, but it feels better when you’re showing up consistently. Do what they won’t so you can live like they can’t.
“Now go into more detail on the content calendar, by suggesting posts that maintain engagement while I’m away. Based on my target audience of [describe them] and my core topics of [list them], create 30 pieces of content I can schedule according to the plan. Include hooks, key points and calls to action that match my voice and style. Here are examples of my best performing posts: [paste examples].”
A great lead magnet
99% of people who visit your website take zero action, but a lead magnet collects email addresses from people who otherwise would have bounced. Your opt-in needs to work during holidays. Giving them value means they’ll be ready to buy when you’re back at your desk. Jodie AI, my lead magnet, helped me out by chatting to people on my website while I was resting.
“Help me create an irresistible lead magnet that works 24/7. Ask me about my audience’s biggest problems and what transformation they want. Then outline a resource (which might be a guide, video or template) that solves one specific challenge. Include a compelling title, description, and outline what the lead magnet should have, so I can start to create it”
The rabbit hole of you
If they can watch long videos, listen to long podcasts and read your work, you can build familiarity when you’re not there. The more content you create, the deeper your audience can go. Make it easy for someone to spend hours consuming your stuff, getting to know your voice and style. Your holiday becomes their binge session.
“Create a delivery sequence of emails that nurtures new subscribers to my lead magnet automatically, to keep people engaged with my work while I’m away. First, review my existing emails and social media content across [platforms where you show up] to find information of value. Then bullet point what each value-adding email should include, so readers can easily find more. The emails should guide people through my best material. [Share links to platforms, using internet-enabled ChatGPT]”
Automations for everything
Your business should run like clockwork without you there. When people download my content prompts they get emailed more valuable stuff over the next few weeks. When they chat to Jodie AI, I create new content that directly addresses their challenges. They get automatically followed up, and every interaction builds the relationship stronger. Automate and delegate everything except your superpowers.
“Now tell me how I can automate every part of the work just described: content production, lead magnet creation, email sequences, and what tools I should use (e.g. Make and Zapier) to do so. List the automations that are possible and ask which one I’d like to explore, then create a set of step-by-step instructions for the task. My goal is to have a fully automated business that works while I’m on vacation.”
Use AI to buy back your time: ChatGPT prompts to make your switching off plan
These prompts will transform how you run your business. Create systems that work while you rest, schedule content that keeps your audience engaged, and build assets that bring in new subscribers on autopilot. Make your content discoverable forever and automate everything that doesn’t need your personal touch.
Your chance to truly switch off starts now. Pick a prompt and transform your business into one that runs without you. Your next vacation could be totally different if you start taking action today.
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