Can you articulate your business model? Not the idea, or even the market need, but how you make money.

If you're scratching your head, here are 2 sample Excel financial models: a coffee shop and a web design consultancy.

Use these spreadsheets to understand how to figure out what variables you need to fill in core business assumptions, revenue, and expenses, to calculate your operating cash flow. Many businesses need a certain scale to realize profitability.

By creating a spreadsheet like this of your own, you can determine how and when your business will be profitable.

Discuss: What core business assumptions drive your model?