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Write a short opex forecast flash note for the COO
- For FP&A and financial analysts
- You practice Saying who it's for
- Time about 5 minutes
- Level Beginner
About this exercise
You're sending a quick forecast update to Ines, the COO. Write a prompt for a plain-text note that starts with "Hi Ines," and has three lines starting "Where we are:", "Why:" and "Watch:", then ends with a last line "Rae". Under 85 words. Mark anything not confirmed as unconfirmed. No recommendations. No bullets or numbering.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Missing the sum. The AI lists the drivers without showing they add to $300K. Try: Add: "Show $240K + $60K = $300K."
- Stating the hiring risk as fact. The AI says offers will be made in December. Try: Add: 'Label the hiring risk "unconfirmed".'
- Greeting and sign-off wrong. The AI starts with 'Dear COO' or signs 'Finance'. Try: Say: 'Start with "Hi Ines," and end with the line "Rae".'
- Markdown extras. The AI adds bold labels, headings and a closing note. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold. Output only the lines asked for."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs past word limits. Try: Ask for fewer words than the real cap and keep each line short.
What a strong prompt includes
- Names the greeting and lines
- Asks for the change math
- Asks for the driver sum
- Labels the risk
- Caps length
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