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Write a 5-line decision memo with the numbers first
- For Small business owners
- You practice Keeping the AI to your sources
- Time about 5 minutes
About this exercise
You own a bakery and must decide how to grow next year. Write a decision memo of exactly 5 numbered lines labeled Decision, Options, Numbers, Recommendation, Next step. The Numbers line shows monthly profit for each option with the math. Plain text, under 120 words. Your landlord raised the quoted rent after the first estimate, so use the new rent.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Using the first rent quote. The table says $4,200 and the AI doesn't notice the landlord's text. Try: Add: "Use the new $4,800 rent from the landlord's text."
- No math shown. The AI says one option is 'more profitable' without numbers you can check. Try: Add: "Show each option's math, like $14,000 - $4,800 - $8,000 = $1,200."
- Letting the AI pick the shape. The AI writes a long markdown memo with headers and a pros and cons table. Try: Say: "Exactly 5 numbered lines labeled Decision, Options, Numbers, Recommendation, Next step."
- Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting words, so a total word cap usually lands over. Try: Cap each line: "each line under 20 words."
What a strong prompt includes
- Names the labels
- Uses the new rent
- Asks to show the math
- Sets the line count
- Caps the length
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