Who This Helps
This is for Junior Analysts using the Finance Basics for Operators course. You've crunched the numbers, but now you need to get people to listen and say 'yes.' This is about making your analysis stick.
Mini Case
You find that switching to a new software vendor could save your team 15% on annual operational costs. That's $45,000 back in the budget. You present the raw data, but the conversation gets stuck on the current contract's early termination fee. Your clear recommendation gets lost in the details.
Do This Now (5 Steps)
- Start with the 'So What?' Before any chart, state the one big insight. 'We can save $45k next year.'
- Use their language. If your stakeholder cares about cash flow, frame the savings as 'improving quarterly cash flow by $11,250.'
- Show the path. Present your recommendation as a simple story: Problem, Your Finding, The Recommendation, The Next Step.
- Anticipate the 'Yeah, but...' Have a one-sentence answer for obvious pushbacks, like the termination fee. 'The fee is 3 months of savings, so we break even in Q1.'
- Ask for a specific action. End with, 'To move forward, I need your approval to start negotiations by Friday.'
Avoid These Traps
- The Data Dump: Don't show every spreadsheet. Pick the three numbers that matter most.
- Jargon Jungle: Avoid terms like 'EBITDA' unless you're sure everyone defines it the same way. Use 'profit before interest and taxes' instead.
- The Ambiguous Ask: Never end with 'Let me know what you think.' It's a black hole for decisions.
- Defensive Mode: If questioned, don't re-explain all your work. Just restate the core logic. 'We're confident in the 15% savings because it's based on the vendor's published rates and our exact usage.'
Your Win by Friday
Your win isn't a perfect report. It's a cleared path. This week, take one analysis and strip it down to one slide or a 5-minute talk using the steps above. Present it to your manager and ask for one clear next step. You got this—time to turn those numbers into action.