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Brief an assistant to set up a new client without sending anything

  • For Freelancers and creators
  • You practice Setting limits and rules
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

You signed a new client and want an AI assistant to set up the project. Write its brief: create the project folder, fill the contract from the intake form, draft a deposit invoice for 30% of the fee with the math shown, book a kickoff on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, and draft a welcome email. Nothing goes out: no e-signature request, invoice or email is sent, and it asks you to review the contract. Output exactly 7 numbered plain-text lines in that order, then the ASK_HUMAN line, then DONE.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Not showing the log format. Left alone, the AI writes a friendly report with headings instead of a checkable action log. Try: Show it literally: "Format every line like 1. ACTION: tool(args), then ASK_HUMAN: and DONE: lines. Plain text."
  • Hiding the math. The AI picks a deposit amount without showing how, or bills the full fee. Try: Say: "Deposit is 30% of the fee. Show 30% x $6,000 = amount."
  • Not giving your schedule rule. The AI books the kickoff on Monday, which you keep free for deep work. Try: Add: "Kickoff on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon only."
  • Letting things go out. Given send actions, the AI fires off the contract, invoice and email. Try: Add: "Draft only. Never send anything. Ask me to review the contract."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Sets the deposit
  • Asks for the math
  • Gives the kickoff rule
  • Forbids sending
  • Shows the action-log format

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