Smarter Business Models in Minutes: 2 Techniques You Need to Know

These two business modeling techniques are so easy that it amazes me that most people don't know them. To save yourself time and mistakes, watch the following explainer videos.

1?? Single Accounting Underlines

Several years back, I worked with the FP&A team at a large international bank. Like many models, theirs used borders. Then, they used subtotals and totals. There's nothing wrong with that.

The problem? They also used alternating columns to create visual gaps between the borders to give the model a financial statement feel. Visually it looked nice, but it's a terrible practice as I explain.

Instead of using borders for underlines, consider using single accounting and double accounting underlines to create the same look while not creating unnecessarily structural complexity.

Watch the explainer video here.

2?? Expanded Range Anchoring

If you follow what I share here, you know I strive to make business models flexible and dynamic. We should be able to add data and sync it to the model quickly and easily without fearing busts. This is the single easiest business modeling technique you can use to eliminate mistakes and save time.

Some financial modelers combine cell references or create sum ranges from the top to the bottom. Adding new lines presents challenges.

Expanded range anchoring uses the last line item on single accounting underline. What this allows the modeler to do is add in new line items without requiring updates to the formulas.

Watch the explainer video here.

Mastering business modeling doesn’t have to be complicated. By swapping out borders for single accounting underlines and using expanded range anchoring, you can create cleaner, more efficient models that save time and reduce errors. These simple tweaks might seem small, but they make a big difference in flexibility and accuracy.

What questions do you have? Send me a message, and I'll happily answer them.

What you'll learn:

?? Build Investor Trust: Learn proven financial modeling techniques that showcase growth potential.

?? Gather Buy-in with Cash Flow Forecasting: Calculate your burn rate and runway to determine optimal funding needs.

?? Tell Your Growth Story: Transform financial data into compelling investment narratives.

Why this topic matters:

Financials tell a story, one that must inspire confidence as to where a business is headed. Investors don’t fund ideas, they fund numbers and profitability alone won’t save you if cash runs out. Without solid forecasts, even the best business concept will struggle to secure capital. Mastering these tools is about getting funded and proving that your business is built to last.

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How can I help you?

• FP&A Learning: Professional Development Engagements and Individual Online Learning
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Building better business models doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few smart tweaks—like using single accounting underlines and expanded range anchoring—you can save time, reduce errors, and make your models more dynamic. These simple techniques can make a big impact! For more FP&A insights, follow me on LinkedIn.

Until next time,

Carl