Where to start?

[claybwagner]

OK, I bought the bundle that contains pivot tables, charts and graphs, Bill's book, DVDs, etc. As someone who has a basic at best understanding of Excel, what book should I read first? I don't know what a pivot table, or a macro means. For me, my biggest accomplishment has been linking a formula from one worksheet to another. Yes a newbie. I love the podcast btw.
Thanks in advance for helping me take Excel to the next level!

Clay

 

[ShaunD30]

I would start with Bills book. It's a great starting point for beginners. I took his class and have the book and it covers so many hints and tips that make life easier.

After that I would tackle the Pivot tables and macros.

Shaun

 

[Domski]

Leave macros well alone for the time being. Far better to get yourself up to speed with Excel's native functions. Get used to writing more complex formula and also each of the tools available. In the majority of cases you will find there is more than one way to achieve what you want and only with practise will you get your head around these methods. Often the best way to learn is to take a particular task that you've always done the same old way and see if you can figure out how to improve it.

 

[ShaunD30]

Another thing I would do is read as much on this message board as you can. Look at some of the solutions that these folks here come up with. I have learned alot about different formula functions that I didn't know about, just by reading the boards. If you don't quite understand how or why something works, ask. I have done that numerous times even when I felt like the question I was asking was pretty stupid.

Lastly..Like Domski said..It is better to get yourself up to speed with the native functions..Macro's are great and eventually you will want to start using..but I have found that in a lot of cases, my long complex macro could have been solved easier with just a formula, if I just knew more of those native functions

Good luck

Shaun

 

[MrExcel]

If you have Learn Excel from MrExcel, start with the Wrangling Data section.

Bill