Ever googled directions to the airport?

How many routes do you get?

Two?

Three?

Is one the clear choice?

Usually.

But — do they all get you there within 5 minutes?

———

Try to keep this in mind when building models.

It doesn't matter if you use INDEX/MATCH, VLOOKUP, or even just punch in numbers manually.

All that matters is you get the job done.

That you build a tool to help your team make decisions about the business.

No one cares how "Excely" your model is (especially not your boss).

They just care about the result.

Is information presented in a clear (and accurate) way so we know what to do next?

Then it's a good model.

Full stop.

———

If you're stuck on what function to use ask yourself,

"𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆?"

Then do that.

If that means SUM instead of SUMIFS?

𝘋𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.

Direct linking instead of lookups?

𝘋𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵.

Just typing in numbers?

𝘋𝘰. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵.

You can always work on optimization later.

The goal is to arrive at your destination.

Just don't end up at the train station.

—Chris

If and when the time is right, I offer refreshingly straightforward Financial Modeling Courses for FP&A and Private Equity Professionals that have been recognized all over the world.  Check them out if you're interested (if not, that's cool too 👍).  Just click here.