Tell Claude what matters to you

Start with a simple work guide

Claude can help more when it knows what you are trying to do. Tell it what your business does, who you help, and what matters most right now. Add any limits, such as your budget or the time you have.

For example: “I run a small consulting business. This month, I want to finish two client reports. I have three hours a day for focused work.” That gives Claude a better starting point than “Help me be more productive.”

Keep this guide short. Include the people you work with and how you like to speak to clients. Tell Claude which choices must stay with you.

Keep the guide up to date

If your Claude account has Projects, you can use one to keep related chats and files together. Project instructions tell Claude how you want it to help in that project. Do not assume each chat knows every detail from the others. Bring key facts into the chat.

Some facts stay the same. Others change each week. Put a date on short-term goals so an old plan does not look current. Ask Claude to repeat your goal and limits back to you. Correct anything it gets wrong.

Only share what the task needs. Do not add passwords or private client details that are not needed. Follow your workplace rules for using AI.

Put it into practice