The problem: Your numbers live in spreadsheets: sales, expenses, bookings. Once a month you mean to look at them properly, but turning rows into a clear picture takes hours.
What you end up with: A one-page monthly report from your own spreadsheets: the key numbers, what changed from last month, a simple chart or two, and questions worth asking.
What you'll need
Your monthly numbers in one or two clean spreadsheets, with clear column names, and a short list of the numbers you care about most.
Getting set up
Want a simple monthly picture of how the business is doing? This playbook sticks to what each tool's own docs say. First, pick a tool. Microsoft says Copilot in Excel can analyze data, create charts, and pull out insights. Google says Gemini in Sheets works with your data using plain-English prompts. OpenAI says ChatGPT Work can query your data and build an interactive report that explains what changed. Next, tidy your spreadsheet: one row per day or transaction, and clear column names. Then, list your key numbers, like revenue, expenses, new customers, or bookings. And last, check the math. The agent explains, you verify.
Step by step
- At the start of each month, give the agent last month's spreadsheet.
- Ask it to total your key numbers.
- Have it compare them with the month before and point out big changes.
- Ask for one or two simple charts.
- Have it write three questions worth looking into, like why one week dipped.
- Spot-check two or three numbers against your spreadsheet.
- Save the report and share it with your team or bookkeeper.
A prompt to start with
Try this prompt, and tweak it for your tool. "Using this spreadsheet, make a one-page report for [month]: totals for [key numbers], the change from last month (in numbers and percent), one or two simple charts, and three questions worth looking into. Show how you calculated each total. Don't guess at causes. If something looks off, flag it as a question."
What you'll get
A one-page report with key totals, month-over-month changes, a chart or two, and three questions.
If something goes wrong
If totals don't match, check for blank rows or mixed formats in your spreadsheet. If it guesses at reasons, remind it to ask questions instead. If charts are cluttered, ask for just one number per chart.
Keep in mind
Always spot-check the numbers before you rely on them. This report is for understanding your business, not accounting or tax advice. Keep financial files private.
Sources
- Microsoft Copilot for small business — product page and FAQ
- Google Workspace — AI tools for business
- ChatGPT Business — official page
Where each fact came from
- Recommended tools · checked Oct 28, 2026 · rechecked regularly — Microsoft Copilot for small business — product page and FAQ
- Getting set up · checked Oct 28, 2026 · rechecked regularly — ChatGPT Business — official page
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