Building an AI Assistant Prompt Using Blank Canvas

Introduction

This SOP walks you through setting up a custom AI assistant using the Blank Canvas option inside the AI Workspace platform. You'll learn how to define the AI's identity, structure tasks, and ensure it responds in a clear, casual, and brand-aligned way—perfect for sales demos or live interactions.

Steps to Build the Assistant Prompt

1. Open the Assistant Builder

• Go to the Assistants tab in the platform.
• Click Create New Assistant in the top right.
• Select Blank Canvas.

2. Define the AI’s Identity

• Name your assistant (e.g., "Emma").
• Add a clear description of who the assistant is and what it does.
• Example: "Emma is an AI sales rep that role-plays sales calls for a user's business."
• Include tone and style preferences:
  • Concise responses (no long paragraphs).
  • Casual but professional language.
  • No emojis or interjections like “got it” or “thanks for that.”
  • Affirmations used sparingly.

3. Add Company Context

• Write a short company overview (e.g., "We build AI agents that follow up with leads and book appointments.").
• Add general pricing info or a statement like: "Custom pricing based on your business needs."
• List core services (e.g., AI appointment setting, follow-up, lead qualification).

4. Style Guardrails

• Add a section to reinforce how the assistant should talk:
  • Be concise.
  • Use everyday language (avoid jargon).
  • Ask one question at a time.
  • Stay on topic and redirect off-topic chats.
  • Be proactive—guide the conversation.

5. Response Guidelines

• Use the auto-generated ones from the platform if available.
• If building manually, follow the same voice and behavior patterns as in the guardrails.

6. Build the Task Flow

This is the heart of the assistant. Use numbered steps and conditionals where needed.

Example Task List

• 1. Greet the user and introduce as a sales rep.
• 2. Ask if they want to join a role-play demo.
• 3. If yes, ask questions to collect:
  • Business name
  • Business description
  • Best-selling service
• 4. Start the role-play, acting as the business’s sales rep.
• 5. Ask up to 3 qualifying questions based on the business info.
• 6. Present benefits of the top service and address objections.
• 7. Try to "close" or schedule a mock appointment (don't actually book).
• 8. Exit character and ask for feedback.
• 9. Qualify the lead further by asking about their sales process, call volume, and interest in automation.
• 10. Ask if they want to speak with an AI specialist. If yes, go to booking. If no, end the conversation politely.

Video Walkthrough

• Create a Loom video to show how to build a prompt from scratch.
• Walk through each section: identity, style guardrails, tasks, and testing.

FAQs

• What’s the difference between Blank Canvas and Generated Prompt? Blank Canvas gives full control. Generated Prompt gives you a starting point.
• Can I use this for text and voice? Yes. The prompt adapts across channels (phone and text).
• Can I reuse assistants in other subaccounts? Yes, but imported bots change IDs, so use the new ID when referencing them.

Tips

• Use headers like ## Identity, ## Tasks in your prompt for clarity.
• Stick with concise, casual responses. It feels more human.
• Don’t overload the assistant—one question or action per step.

Summary

This SOP helps you build a tailored AI assistant from scratch using Blank Canvas. You define the identity like a job description, add company context, style preferences, and outline exact tasks the bot should perform—usually for demos or customer conversations. Using a step-by-step task flow ensures consistency and quality in how your AI interacts with users.

• Start with a blank assistant.
• Define identity, tone, and personality.
• Add business info, services, pricing.
• Use tasks to map the full flow of interaction.
• Style guardrails keep responses on-brand.
• Test, tweak, and refine to get the best results.