In the wide world of software, Microsoft Excel is old news. After all, there are countless specialized databases and analytics systems that can automatically do so much more than Excel, and with far less skill. On the other hand, those programs tend to be expensive and highly specialized, limiting their applicability. For example, non-profits have donor databases like Raisers Edge and other businesses have elaborate enterprise systems like Salesforce, but you wouldn’t use these to run basic calculations or simply set information in order.
The fact is, when it comes to budget-friendly basics, Excel is an indispensable piece of software, and it’s also something almost everyone has access to. Even if you also have access to advanced CRM or ERP platforms, then, it’s time to make mastering Excel a priority. You never know when it will come in handy.
For The Entrepreneur In Training
Excel can handle many different tasks, and what you’ll want to learn about it will depend on your own goals. But one thing this software can definitely help you with is starting a business. If you’ve got an entrepreneurial bent, Excel can help you set up a budget, organize payroll, and even manage your projects, since it’s easily converted into a complex calendar. And don’t forget about inventory and invoicing – Excel can help you with those tasks, too.
Not sure how you’d use Excel for all of these tasks? You’re not alone. Though everyone knows how to use Word and many can even execute fairly advanced Powerpoint tricks, Excel is a bit of a mystery to even tech-savvy individuals. That’s why it’s worth investing in comprehensive Excel training to polish your skills. Excel is full of handy shortcuts and functions, but they’re hard to figure out solo. Once you know all the tricks, though, Excel becomes as convenient to use as it is powerful.
For The Financial Frontlines
Another group of professionals who can benefit significantly from understanding Excel is accountants, who often opt for Excel instead of other programs since Excel is compatible with many cloud-based accounting programs. But if there are separate accounting programs, what do accountants use Excel to do? As industry experts have pointed out, those specialty programs are simply too specialized. As much as they’re capable of doing – and there are many tasks they perform far more expertly than Excel – most people performing day-to-day financial analysis extract data from end-to-end platforms and use Excel to analyze it.
For The Productivity Professional
Finally, and most broadly, today’s professionals need to commit to mastering Excel because there’s no better tool for enhancing productivity. Now, if you don’t know Excel well, this may seem like a ridiculous statement – without the necessary skills, it’s a labor-intensive and confusing program, it’s true. But when you’ve mastered Excel’s internal language, you’ll become unstoppable.
What is it that Excel will allow you to do? First, Excel offers a huge number of shortcuts that allow you to add up columns, automate entries, and create charts. Above and beyond these well-known features, though, Excel’s newer features allow you to quickly convert information copied from the web, illustrate micro-trends within charts, and so much more. Microsoft may well know people struggle with Excel, but they also know that those who understand the program are technical gurus amongst their peers, so they keep rolling out new tools for the masters to use.
Excel may not be on the cutting edge of today’s software market, but as its suitemate Microsoft Word reveals, novelty isn’t the only judge of value. No, as classic as Excel is, it’s kept up with changing technology capabilities and has managed to stay relevant. And just like Excel, you can ensure your skills are always in demand by mastering all the features Excel has to offer.
