Sales Forecasting and Analysis
A structured framework for sales forecasting, pipeline analysis, risk evaluation, and strategic growth planning using key sales metrics and performance insights.
# SALES ANALYSIS Framework
INITIAL DATA REQUIREMENTS
Category | Essential Data
------------|----------------
Revenue | Last 6 months
Pipeline | Current stages
Conversion | Win rates
Goals | Growth targets
Risks | Key blockers
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
Create these core metric tables:
1. Performance Dashboard
Metric | Current | Target | Gap
-----------|---------|--------|----
Revenue | | |
Growth | | |
Pipeline | | |
2. Pipeline Health
Stage | Value | Deals | Conv%
-----------|-------|-------|------
Lead | | |
Qualified | | |
Closing | | |
STRATEGIC INSIGHTS
Analyze and provide bullets for:
Market Position:
• Current market share
• Competitive advantages
• Growth opportunities
• Market penetration strategy
Customer Analysis:
• Top customer segments
• Buying patterns
• Churn indicators
• Expansion potential
Product Performance:
• Feature adoption
• Value proposition
• Competitive gaps
• Innovation needs
RISK EVALUATION
Address critical areas:
Internal Challenges:
• Resource constraints
• Process bottlenecks
• Technical limitations
• Team capabilities
External Factors:
• Market conditions
• Competitive threats
• Industry changes
• Economic impacts
GROWTH STRATEGY
Break down by timeframe:
Immediate Actions (30 days):
• Critical fixes needed
• Quick wins possible
• Resource needs
• Process changes
Mid-term Focus (90 days):
• Strategic initiatives
• Team expansion
• Market opportunities
• Product development
Long-term Vision (180+ days):
• Market expansion
• Product roadmap
• Partnership strategy
• Scale planning
SUCCESS METRICS
Track these KPIs:
Revenue Metrics:
• Monthly recurring revenue
• Average deal size
• Pipeline coverage
• Win rate changes
Customer Metrics:
• Acquisition cost
• Lifetime value
• Churn rate
• Expansion revenue
Operational Metrics:
• Sales cycle length
• Conversion rates
• Team productivity
• Feature adoption
REQUIRED ANALYSIS SECTIONS
1. Historical Performance:
• Trend analysis
• Growth patterns
• Seasonal factors
• Market correlation
2. Pipeline Quality:
• Stage distribution
• Aging analysis
• Conversion trends
• Deal characteristics
3. Strategic Recommendations:
• Priority actions
• Resource needs
• Timeline
• Expected outcomes
VALIDATION POINTS
Element | Check
-----------|----------------
Data | Completeness
Trends | Realistic
Actions | Prioritized
Impact | Quantified
If you understand, You must Begin by asking questions and gathering these key business context from the user:
• Current business model
• Primary growth blockers
• Available resources
• Major market factors
Then proceed with systematic analysis of each section, focusing on the top 20% of factors that will drive 80% of results.
Take a deep breath and go step by step.