The talk-to-SOP prompt
An SOP is a step by step guide for doing one task the same way every time. Instead of writing it, talk through it.
Step 1: Record yourself doing the task
Pick one task you get asked about the most. Do it, and talk out loud like you're showing a new hire:
- What you're doing and why
- What you click or pick up
- What usually goes wrong and how you fix it
A phone voice memo or a screen recording with your voice both work.
Step 2: Get the transcript
Use your phone's transcript button, or upload the recording to ChatGPT.
Step 3: Paste into this prompt
Here is a transcript of me doing a task in my business and explaining it. Turn it into an SOP.
Format:
- Title: the task name
- Who does it and when
- What you need before you start
- Numbered steps, one action per step, in plain words a new hire understands
- Common mistakes and how to fix them
- How to know it's done right
Keep my exact rules and numbers. Don't add steps I didn't say. If something is unclear, list it at the end as a question for me.
Transcript:
[paste here]Step 4: Test it
Give the SOP to someone who has never done the task. Every question they ask you is a step to add.