Build an AI advisory board using the @ trick in ChatGPT

Executive overview

Most people use AI as a single assistant, switching threads manually when they need a different perspective. Custom GPTs with the @ symbol let you summon multiple expert personas into one conversation thread.

The @ trick turns a single chat into a real-time panel of specialists — no copy-pasting, no thread-hopping.

How the @ trick works

• Type @ at the start of a prompt in ChatGPT Plus to get a pop-up of your recent custom GPTs
• Select any GPT to bring that persona into the active thread
• Each GPT carries its own system prompt and expertise — no manual context-switching
• Free-tier workaround: open separate named threads, paste content in, and prompt each with a persona

The first hello rule

• A GPT must have been used recently to appear in the @ pop-up
• After creating a new GPT, send it at least one message before trying to @ it in another thread
• Content of the "hello" doesn't matter — it just needs to register as recently used

Choosing your advisory board personas

• Pick personas based on the gaps in your own thinking, not generic roles
• Useful starting points: analytical, problem-solving, devil's advocate, customer/audience perspective
• Tailor to your context: sales teams might add client-type or industry GPTs; HR teams might add legal or regulation GPTs
• Ask yourself: who would you want sitting beside you, available any time?

When to use multiple GPT personas

• Best fit: deep analysis, structured problem-solving, document review, decision-making
• Less useful: writing tasks like LinkedIn posts (one persona usually sufficient)
• Audience GPT is the exception — useful for checking whether content lands with a specific role (e.g. a COO)