_edited.png){kind=small}
How to Use ChatGPT Agent - And What Future-Focused Entrepreneurs Are Doing With It
- Ben Angel
- Jul 31
- 9 min read
How to Automate Leads, Outreach, and Admin With This Brand New Powerful Tool
What if you could reply to leads, research competitors, pitch podcasts, and handle admin—without lifting a finger?
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to use ChatGPT agent to streamline your workflow and automate tasks that normally eat up your day. From replying to leads to building decks—it’s all possible with just a few prompts.
That’s not hype. That’s the power of ChatGPT’s new AI Agents. And it’s changing the game for solopreneurs and small business owners. Imagine a tool that thinks, acts, and troubleshoots like a full-time virtual worker. It doesn’t burn out. It doesn’t ask for a raise. And it works 24/7.
I’ve spent the past two years preparing business owners for this shift—inside my new book The Wolf Is at the Door, one of the best AI books for entrepreneurs, and through the free AI Success Kit I give away everyday. Because here’s the truth:
"The Wolf isn’t at the door anymore. He’s already in the room..."
If you’re not using AI agents to automate, scale, and grow—you’re already falling behind. And if you’re unsure where to start or how to apply these tools in your own business, the AI Mastery Plan 28-Day Challenge gives you the clarity, confidence, and ChatGPT agent systems to do exactly that—fast.
So what exactly can ChatGPT agents do—and how are entrepreneurs already using them to create leverage in ways that were impossible just months ago?
In this article:
What Can ChatGPT Agents Do? Real Use Cases from the AI Mastery Plan
What Can ChatGPT Agents Do for Entrepreneurs and Solopreneurs?
An AI agent is more than a virtual assistant—it’s a self-directed AI worker that can carry out complex tasks on your behalf. You assign a goal, and it uses advanced tools like a web browser, file system, and even a code interpreter to figure out the best way to get it done.
This is what powers some of the most cutting-edge AI productivity systems solopreneurs are using today.
Here’s how it plays out in the real world:
Reply to Instagram comments and DMs with human-like responses tailored to your audience
Scrape websites for high-quality leads or competitive data
Write cold emails that reflect your brand voice and the recipient’s mission
Pitch podcasts intelligently by researching themes and aligning your message
Analyze YouTube competitors for content gaps and suggest new video angles
Follow up on leads inside Gmail, drafting and sending messages without your input
Create spreadsheets, slide decks, or proposals as if you had a full team
These aren’t just minor automations—they’re entire workflows being handled start to finish by your ChatGPT agent. Whether you’re building a funnel, launching a course, or reviving your Instagram as a lead engine, this technology can cut hours of work down to seconds.
And it’s not just theory. In The Wolf Is at the Door, I walk you through real-world use cases where AI agents automate outreach, research, and admin—without the complexity that overwhelms most beginners. These are the exact systems I now deploy daily to run my business more efficiently, and they’re transforming how entrepreneurs work. It’s one of the must read AI books if you're serious about building a smarter, leaner business.
But first, let’s explore exactly how these agents perform across different parts of your business...
What Is Agent Mode in ChatGPT?
Agent mode is a groundbreaking feature inside ChatGPT that unlocks true automation. Unlike standard chat prompts, agent mode gives ChatGPT the power to act more like a virtual employee than a chatbot. It uses memory, tools, and logic to run multi-step processes that don’t require your ongoing input.
Here’s what sets it apart:
It can log into apps like Gmail or Instagram to perform actions on your behalf
It browses the internet to find up-to-date data and opportunities
It executes complex workflows like scraping leads, crafting outreach, and compiling reports
It makes intelligent decisions—prioritizing tasks, troubleshooting, and adapting when things go wrong
With this feature, you're not just using AI to assist. You're assigning full workflows that would normally require a VA or an agency. That’s why so many entrepreneurs—especially those diving into the best AI courses or committing to learn AI in 28 days to master the tech—are embracing agent mode as the foundation of their automation stack.
Agent mode shifts the game from reactive to proactive. You no longer have to ask, wait, and interpret results. Instead, you delegate and get outcomes.
It's not just a feature—it's a business multiplier.
Is the ChatGPT Agent Free to Use?
The short answer: no.
ChatGPT agents are only available to users on the ChatGPT Plus plan (powered by GPT-4o). That means if you're using the free version, you won’t have access to advanced agent features like browser access, file uploads, or real-time automation.
But here’s the key: if you're serious about using AI for marketing and business, this upgrade is a no-brainer. Tools like agent mode turn what used to be a 10-hour task into a 10-minute system. It's the kind of ROI that used to require hiring a team or outsourcing to agencies.
It’s also why many students in the 28-Day AI Challenge start by upgrading their ChatGPT plan—so they can implement what they learn without hitting roadblocks. For solopreneurs building AI productivity systems from scratch, this is the foundational upgrade that makes real automation possible.
What Can ChatGPT Agents Do?
Real Use Cases from the AI Mastery Plan
Now that you understand what agent mode is and why it’s such a powerful upgrade, let’s move from theory to action. Below, you’ll find real-world use cases pulled from my own business and the systems taught inside the AI Mastery Plan. These examples show exactly how to use ChatGPT agents to automate what used to take hours—and free up your time for what really matters.
Automating Instagram: Revenue Recovery in the DMs
Instagram isn’t just for building brand awareness anymore—it’s become one of the most underutilized revenue channels for small business owners and solopreneurs. Yet the majority are leaving money behind.
Why?
Because real engagement takes time—and time is what most entrepreneurs don’t have.
Missed comments. Buried DMs. Tag mentions left unanswered. These small gaps in follow-up create massive holes in your funnel. But with the rise of ChatGPT agents, that’s changing fast.
Using agent mode, ChatGPT can now:
Log into Instagram and scan comments for buying signals or questions
Highlight high-intent interactions (like someone asking about pricing or booking)
Spot DMs with brand deals or podcast invites you missed weeks ago
Troubleshoot login errors and session timeouts
Draft personalized, on-brand replies—or post them for you automatically
But the real breakthrough?
It's not just replying. It's reviving.
An overlooked comment can lead to a consulting client. A warm DM from a journalist can become a media feature. A compliment on a Reel could spark a speaking invite. This is the new model of AI-driven marketing—and it works even if you’re just getting started.
Instead of chasing algorithms, you’re letting AI prioritize human connection at scale.
Watch the video at the top of this article for the demonstration on how to use it to achieve this objective.
Personalized Outreach at Scale
Let’s say you’re a branding consultant looking to expand your client base. With the help of a ChatGPT agent, you assign a task: find women-led wellness brands in Los Angeles that have outdated branding or inactive websites.
Here’s what the AI agent does:
Searches directories like Yelp or Google Maps
Visits each brand’s website and scrapes basic info
Identifies visual or messaging gaps
Drafts a tailored cold email based on their mission and market
Example:
“Hey Sarah—I saw your mission to eliminate endocrine disruptors. Have you tested how your homepage design converts on mobile?”
This is personalized outreach at scale—without generic spam or wasted time.
It’s how many users in the AI Mastery Plan 28-Day Challenge learn to create high-converting campaigns using real-time insights, not just templates. These use cases are more than theory. They’re real workflows covered in some of the best AI courses for beginners—especially for entrepreneurs over 40 who need to move fast and smart.
Pitch Podcasts with Precision
Tired of sending generic podcast pitches that never get a response? Your ChatGPT agent can do the heavy lifting for you—and turn cold outreach into booked interviews that boost your visibility.
Here’s how it works:
It browses Apple Podcasts or Spotify for shows in your niche
Pulls recent episode titles and themes
Analyzes the host’s tone and audience focus
Crafts a personalized pitch that aligns your message with their mission
Example:
“Hey Jamie—Loved your recent episode on burnout recovery. I’ve been helping solopreneurs use AI to reduce admin by 80%, and I think your listeners would find it insanely valuable.”
This isn’t just outreach—it’s AI-powered business growth. And it’s one of the fastest ways to generate leads, build trust, and establish authority without paid ads. Whether you’re promoting a new offer, sharing your origin story, or talking through lessons from your AI journey, agents make podcast pitching repeatable and scalable.
Spy on Competitors Without Expensive Tools
Most entrepreneurs treat competitor research as a once-a-quarter ritual. But if you had a full-time analyst monitoring your market 24/7—what could you uncover?
That’s what a ChatGPT agent becomes:
It scrapes competitor YouTube channels and compares title performance
Audits social posts for engagement patterns
Monitors site updates or product launches
Spots gaps in messaging, pricing, and audience positioning
And it does it all without a $300/month SaaS subscription.
In the The Wolf Is at the Door, I explain that:
“When you can interpret your market faster than your competition, you gain the single most valuable edge in a rapidly changing economy: agility.”
This section isn't just about spying—it's about applying core principles of agility and foresight that I cover in one of the must read AI books for solopreneurs.
Using AI to monitor competitors in real time helps you make smarter decisions, avoid blind spots, and capitalize on gaps before anyone else. With just a few prompts, you can map the competitive landscape and know exactly where to position your next campaign.
How to Use ChatGPT Agent to Handle Admin Without Killing Your Flow
Admin work can be the silent killer of creativity. From file management and meeting prep to onboarding emails and weekly reports, these tasks suck up time, focus, and momentum.
But with ChatGPT agents, you can offload repetitive admin without sacrificing quality—or your sanity.
Here’s what an AI agent can do:
Draft SOPs based on your video walkthroughs or notes
Organize your Google Drive by naming, sorting, and categorizing files
Review your inbox and summarize key action items
Auto-generate onboarding emails for clients or students
Build internal dashboards and weekly status reports
In The Wolf Is at the Door, I emphasize the importance of focusing on high-leverage work:
"You can't afford to waste your decision-making energy on admin when AI can handle it for you."
These workflows represent some of the most practical AI productivity tips available today. You're not just saving time—you’re protecting your energy and making space for what actually grows your business.
And best of all? These automations can be customized to reflect your tone, your systems, and your goals. No cookie-cutter bots. Just smart, delegated execution.
Where ChatGPT Agents Still Need You
Even with all their capabilities, ChatGPT agents aren’t truly autonomous CEOs, yet. They still rely on you for:
Strategic decision-making and long-term planning
Emotional intelligence for sensitive conversations and customer nuance
Interpretation of ambiguous data or conflicting information
Logging into social media platforms or business tools that require authentication or two-factor login
Adjustments when workflows break due to UI changes, software updates, or evolving business needs
Think of your AI agent as a high-performing digital employee—but you're still the leader.
They run the play, but you call the shots.
The solopreneurs getting the most value aren’t the ones looking for a hands-off miracle.
They’re the ones learning to leverage AI for productivity—and mastering the balance between automation and human oversight.
From AI Rookie to Future Maker, What's Next?
Every revolution creates a gap: between those who embrace change—and those who resist it. Right now, AI agents are that gap. They’re separating AI rookies from future makers—the solopreneurs who are learning to delegate work, free up time, and focus on high-leverage strategy.
“AI isn’t going to take your job. But a human who knows how to use AI might.” – The Wolf Is at the Door
If you're reading this, you're already ahead. You’re exploring how to leverage AI tools to create systems that scale with or without you. The next step? Implement.
Inside the AI Mastery Plan 28-Day Challenge, you'll get access to plug-and-play ChatGPT workflows, real-world demos, and agent blueprints that help you go from theory to transformation—fast.
And when you join the 28-Day AI Challenge, you’ll also get a free digital copy of The Wolf Is at the Door—so you not only learn how to use AI agents, but deeply understand how to think, adapt, and lead in an AI-first world.