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Beginner10 min6 steps

SET UP YOUR MASTER PROMPT

Configure AI to know who you are

THE TASK

You want to set up custom instructions so your AI tool understands your role, preferences, and output style without you repeating it every time.

1

OPEN YOUR AI TOOL'S SETTINGS

Navigate to the custom instructions area: - Copilot: Settings, Personalization, Custom Instructions - Claude: Settings, Profile, Custom Instructions - Gemini: Settings, Extensions, Custom Instructions
2

WRITE YOUR ROLE AND CONTEXT

Start with who you are and what you do. Example: 'I am a wealth manager at Anchor Capital, a South African asset management firm. I work with high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients. I need outputs that are professional, data-driven, and compliant with South African financial regulations.'
3

DEFINE YOUR PREFERENCES

Tell the AI how you like to receive information: 'I prefer: - Concise, actionable responses - Bullet points for lists, paragraphs for analysis - South African context and ZAR currency by default - Sources cited for any factual claims - Professional but accessible tone'
4

SET OUTPUT CONSTRAINTS

Add boundaries: 'Never: - Make up fund performance data - Provide specific investment advice without disclaimers - Use overly casual language in client-facing content Always: - Flag when you're uncertain about something - Ask clarifying questions rather than assuming - Include relevant disclaimers for financial content'
5

SAVE AND TEST

Save your master prompt, then start a new conversation. Ask something simple like 'Draft a market update for my clients' and check whether the AI applies your preferences automatically.
6

ITERATE AND REFINE

Your master prompt isn't set in stone. As you use the tool, you'll notice gaps. Add to your instructions when the AI consistently gets something wrong or misses your preferences.
DONE — YOU'VE GOT THIS

PRO TIP

Set up master prompts in ALL your AI tools, not just one. Each tool applies them slightly differently, and you'll get the best results when every tool knows your context.

COMMON MISTAKES

  • ✕Making the master prompt too long. Keep it focused on what matters most
  • ✕Forgetting to test it. Always verify with a new conversation
  • ✕Setting it once and never updating. Refine as you learn what works
  • ✕Not including your industry context. The AI needs to know you work in financial services

TOOLS NEEDED

  • Any AI tool (Copilot, Claude, or Gemini)
Source: Session 7 (S2E1)