- Data Entry Shortcuts
- Autofill, Linking and Paste Options
- Importing Data
- And More…
So, your staff works in Microsoft Excel every day?
They’re not alone. Excel has been around for nearly 40 years and is the foundational application used around the world for data management. More than a billion people use Microsoft Excel today – and for good reason. Its robust and versatile feature sets enable users like your staff to manage, analyze and visualize data efficiently and creatively. And now, Microsoft is integrating AI technologies into the application to make it even more powerful and dominant in our data-driven world.
Excel isn’t going anywhere – it’s just going to become more functional and fun to work in! However, if your staff are just “getting by” putting together basic spreadsheets without using its advanced features today…
Houston, you’ve got a problem!
We are well past the point of drab data in the workplace. The world is now running on data – and your organization is no different. Data is the lifeblood to good decisions and the means to know what’s working – and what isn’t. And your people are probably using Excel to help manage your organization’s data like a billion other people. But here’s the thing… Only 1 in 4 people truly know how to use Excel’s advanced features to produce high quality work. Which isn’t going to cut it now and especially as Excel expands its feature sets with AI integration. Everyone is done with run-of-the-mill spreadsheets. They stick out like a sore thumb honestly. Organizations miss key performance indicators. Employees’ work are slow and meh. The organization feels outdated.
However, knowing how to use Excel’s advanced features can make your staff’s work more impressive and easier at the same time. More rewarding… And a lot more fun as they creatively transform data from a basic state to storytelling with concise summaries and visualizations. There’s never been a better time to up their data game and learn Excel’s advanced skills! And as AI becomes more part of their work-life (and it will)… You will be setting them up for more relevance and success!
What’s the play to help your employees succeed in this data-driven world?
The play is to embrace the advancements (you don’t really have a choice in this) and help your staff master the most popular software in the world to:
- create high quality work today
- stay ahead of the curve as it’s empowered to do more in the future.
And the good news, it’s not a treasure hunt to do this. They just need to take some classes. That’s it, and we make it easy and affordable with our Excel Passport. They will build confidence and expand their abilities to create amazing work. Their work will be noticeably better – today! They will be prepared to adapt to the advancements to come!
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Do your employees know these top Excel features to manage your organization’s data more effectively?
Relative and Absolute referencing
Knowing the differences between the two is key to the fundamental success of creating and linking formulas. Should the reference be static as-is, focused on a single location?
Then it needs to be absolute. Should the reference be dynamic and able to span ranges? Then it needs to be relative.
Take the Excel Level 1 – Introduction class!Protecting ranges, sheets, workbooks, files
Securing your work in Excel is a bit trickier than most of us think. A simple password makes the entire file read only. A password on one sheet still allows the user to delete the sheet itself. Creating a password for the workbook only protects the structure of the workbook and allows for any edits and deletions to the sheets in the workbook.
What if you want to allow users to enter some information but at the same time need some items protected?
Allowing users to edit ranges on a protected sheet with the rest of the sheet and workbook protected becomes necessary.
Take the Excel Level 1 – Introduction class!Creating charts and pivot charts
Creating a chart to visually represent their data is an invaluable tool that makes it easy for everybody to understand what they are viewing. There are many chart types utilizing different axes dependent on each dataset they are displaying.
Pivot Charts are generated from Pivot Tables enabling you to summarize large datasets visually and change the data on the fly. Charts have become increasingly popular by groups that do not necessarily crunch numbers but want to easily understand the end result.
Take the Excel Level 2 – Tables & ChartsTake the Excel Level 5 – Pivot Tables classesTables with quick data analysis
Creating tables in Excel is crucial for both expanding datasets and aesthetics of the dataset. Tables grow with your data keeping a uniformed style for ease of readability. Think of a table as a formatted dynamic range.
Once you select your dataset or range – with a single click – you can perform many analyses including the totals row, conditional formatting, charting, sparklines, tables, and more. This is an excellent tool when you need to convey different data visualizations or outcomes instantly.
Take the Excel Level 2 – Tables & ChartsTake the Excel Level 4 – Advanced Features & Macros classLinking formulas between worksheets and workbooks
Does your staff work with totals that need to be carried over varying worksheets housed in the same workbook?
If so, they will want to have a solid understanding of 3D references. If their formulas are carried over to different workbooks, they will want to have a solid understanding of linking workbooks, along with the importance of file locations.
Take the Excel Level 3 – Formulas & Functions classData consolidation and subtotaling
If number crunching is your thing, data consolidation allows row or columnar data from a single sheet, workbook, or multiple workbooks including as many ranges as possible to display running totals on a new sheet.
These totals can be static, (not updating any further) or linked so they will update whenever the live data changes.
Subtotals allow you to group your data and view it as only the grand total, subtotals with the grand total, or all row data with subtotals at each group and a grand total.
Take the Excel Level 3 – Formulas & Functions classBasic built-in aggregate functions
Excel has hundreds of functions already set up for you making it easier to perform anything from simple summation to complex correlations. Getting to know the Function Library and how to use the functions makes math second nature. There are text functions, statistical functions, logical functions, date functions, database functions, and standard aggregate functions.
That is just listing a few from a vast library available to help derive answers. Learning how to use these functions will take your spreadsheets to a new level while saving hours of work creating formulas.
Take the Excel Level 3 – Formulas & Functions classSUMIFS
The SUMIFS function, found in the math and trig library, adds up values that meet specified criteria. Suppose you have a lengthy list of data in one or more columns, and you only need to total up certain items from each column without disturbing the original order of the list itself. The SUMIFS function allows you to do just that. The function asks you for the range of values to sum, and then each range to test and what criteria to test it for.
=SUMIFS(sum range, criteria range 1, criteria 1, …) Excel also has a function named SUMIF which does the same task except it can only test one condition, while SUMIFS can test many.
Take the Excel Level 3 – Formulas & Functions classCreating and editing macros
Excel often involves redundant tasks on datasets. Macros enable you to record a set of events or a process and save those steps. You can then use the macro you have recorded to repeat the steps for you in about a nanosecond.
It is a brilliant tool that saves you from doing the same thing repeatedly, as well as allowing you to record complex steps that you otherwise might not remember at a later time. Automating any repeating process saves both brainpower and time. Editing macros is done with Visual Basic. Once you are editing your code the options for automation are practically endless.
Take the Excel Level 4 – Advanced Features & Macros classPivot Tables
Generating a Pivot Table from a small or massive dataset is a savvy way to both display and summarize the information you need to focus on. The data can then be “Pivoted” to re-arrange the same data and allow for focusing on different segments of the dataset.
You can decide which field will be used for the aggregate, what you want to display as row data, column data, and what you would like to filter. Each pivot can then be displayed as a Pivot Chart for maximum comprehensive output to various audiences.
Take the Excel Level 5 – Pivot Tables classGet Your Passport Quickly
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If your employees continue to “get by” without these skills, their struggles will only become more visible.
Don’t let your employees struggle in their day-to-day work and deal with these issues:
Inefficiency
Without proficiency in Excel, your employees may struggle to perform tasks efficiently.
Basic operations such as data entry, formatting, and formula writing may take longer than necessary, leading to wasted time and reduced productivity.
Limited Analysis Capabilities
Excel’s analytical features, such as pivot tables, charts, and advanced functions, enable your staff to analyze data and derive insights.
Employees with low Excel skills may lack the ability to perform complex data analysis, hindering their decision-making capabilities.
Error-Prone Work
Inexperienced Excel users are more prone to making errors, such as incorrect formulas, misplaced data, or formatting mistakes.
These errors can have significant consequences, leading to inaccurate reports, financial discrepancies, or flawed analyses.
Difficulty Collaborating
Excel is often used for collaborative projects where multiple users contribute to a shared workbook.
Employees with low Excel skills may struggle to collaborate effectively, leading to version control issues, conflicting changes, and communication breakdowns.
Limited Reporting Abilities
Excel is commonly used for creating reports and dashboards to communicate findings and insights.
Employees with low Excel skills may produce reports that are poorly formatted, lack visual appeal, or fail to effectively convey information to stakeholders.
Inability to Automate Tasks
Excel offers powerful automation capabilities through features such as macros and VBA (Visual Basic for Applications).
Employees with low Excel skills may be unable to automate repetitive tasks, leading to manual workarounds and missed opportunities for efficiency gains.
Difficulty in Data Cleaning and Management
Excel is often used for cleaning and organizing data before analysis.
Employees with low Excel skills may struggle with tasks such as data cleansing, data validation, and data manipulation, leading to inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the data.
Limited Career Opportunities
Proficiency in Excel is a highly sought-after skill in many industries and roles.
Employees with low Excel skills may find themselves at a disadvantage when applying for jobs or seeking advancement opportunities within their organization.
Frustration and Stress
Employees who lack Excel skills may experience frustration and stress when faced with tasks that require Excel proficiency.
This can lead to job dissatisfaction, decreased morale, and lower overall job performance.
Dependency on Others
Employees with low Excel skills may need to rely on colleagues or external resources for assistance with Excel-related tasks.
This dependency can create bottlenecks, delays, and inefficiencies in the workflow.
An Excel Passport will help your employees overcome these challenges and become more proficient in using Excel effectively in your role.
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Artificial intelligence isn’t coming – it is here – and Microsoft has begun integrating it into Excel
The data game is changing once again with the adoption of AI technologies.
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential for success.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the way we work with data, it’s more important than ever for Microsoft Excel users to be equipped with advanced skills to prepare for the advancements on the horizon.
Here’s why knowing the advanced feature sets in Microsoft Excel is crucial as we embrace the future with AI:
Maximize Efficiency
Advanced Excel features allow you to streamline your workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and work more efficiently.
By mastering advanced functions, formulas, and techniques, employees be better equipped to handle complex data analysis tasks with speed and precision, laying a solid foundation for embracing AI-driven automation.
Unlock Insights
Advanced Excel users can uncover deeper insights and trends hidden within their data.
By leveraging features such as pivot tables, data modeling, and conditional formatting, your staff can extract meaningful insights that lay the groundwork for more sophisticated AI-driven analysis and predictive modeling in the future.
Adaptability
As AI continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and learn new skills will be paramount.
By mastering advanced Excel features now, employees will develop a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation that will serve you well as AI technologies become increasingly integrated into the workplace.
Competitive Advantage
In today’s competitive job market, employers need employees with advanced Excel skills who can leverage data effectively to drive business outcomes.
Employees proving they are an Excel expert will position themselves as a valuable asset to your organization and assist in embracing the opportunities that AI brings.
Future-Proof Your Career
As AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace, the demand for individuals with strong analytical skills will only continue to grow.
By investing in your staff’s Excel skills now and preparing for the advancements coming with AI, you will future-proof their career and ensure they remain relevant and in-demand in the years to come.
By equipping your employees with the tools and knowledge needed to “excel” in Excel, they will be ready to embrace the opportunities that AI brings and thrive in the digital age.