I've been going back and forth on this. Some clients want a one-page executive summary, others seem to prefer more detail upfront. For a typical $45K savings finding across multiple Duke Energy accounts, what length do you all find works best? I'm currently doing about 2 pages but wondering if I'm losing their attention.
Executive Summary Length - What's the Sweet Spot?
Patricia, I've found it really depends on the audience. CFOs want bullet points and bottom line numbers. Facility managers want more technical detail. I usually do a one-page summary with the key findings and savings, then a detailed breakdown in the appendix.
Agree with Elmer. One page maximum for the exec summary. I use a simple format: Current situation, What we found, Savings potential, Next steps. Keep the technical stuff for later sections. Decision makers don't have time to wade through details upfront.
Question on the chart idea - do you show gross savings or net after implementation costs? I've had clients get excited about gross numbers then disappointed when they see the net.
This is all really helpful. I think I've been overthinking it. Going to try the one-page format with Eleanor's chart idea on my next ComEd audit. Thanks everyone!
Let us know how it goes Patricia. Always interested to hear what resonates with different client types.
Good point Steven. I show both but lead with net savings. Better to under-promise and over-deliver. I'll put something like "Net Monthly Savings: $3,200" with a footnote about implementation costs already deducted.
I do something similar to Linda but add a simple chart showing monthly savings projections. Visual impact really helps. For your $45K finding, Patricia, I'd show that as $3,750/month going forward. Much more impactful than the annual number buried in text.