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Outside-In Business Case – Power of One Percent

Quick guide to using public data to show 1% improvements that drive big profit—great for exec-level sales conversations.

Tobias Gorsia avatar
Written by Tobias Gorsia
Updated over 2 months ago

What is the Outside-In approach?

It’s a way to highlight value using public data like financial filings, investor expectations, and peer comparisons. You don’t need internal customer information. It helps you speak in the same terms that executives and boards care about.

What’s the Power of One Percent?

It shows how a small 1% improvement in areas like revenue, gross margin, or operating costs can create a meaningful profit impact.
Example: For a $50B company with a 10% EBIT margin, a 1% revenue lift could equal around $500M in added profit.

Where do the numbers come from?

  • Financial reports

  • Peer benchmarks

  • Analyst forecasts

    Databook models the impact over 3–5 years.

How does this help in sales?

  • Gets exec attention fast

  • Ties your solution to real outcomes

  • Speeds up value conversations

  • Builds credibility early

Are these guaranteed results?

No, they’re directional estimates. The goal is to frame the potential, not to promise exact outcomes. You’ll need input from the customer to build a more detailed business case later on.

What if a customer questions it?

That’s actually a good thing. It opens the door to a deeper discussion.
You can:

  • Ask them for their internal goals or benchmarks

  • Adjust the model together

  • Use it to shift the conversation from theory to planning

Why is this credible?

Data comes from trusted sources: SEC filings, earnings calls, peer comps.

How should I present it?

Set the context → show the 1% impact → link to your solution → invite collaboration.

Does this work for all industries?

Yes, especially good for large, margin-sensitive, or public companies.

Where do I build this?

Use Databook’s PoV tools, Account Briefs, or ask your Customer Strategy Manager.

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