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March 20, 2013 4 Comments

2.9 Million Views for My YouTube Channel – DannyRocksExcels

2.9 million viewsThis morning, I passed the 2.9 Million views milestone for my DannyRocksExcel’s YouTube Channel!

Thank you to all who have supported my Excel tutorials since I began posting them in August, 2008.

Top 10 Excel YouTube Videos Year-to-Date in 2013

Here are the Top 10 Videos that have been viewed so far (January 1 – March 21) in 2013. Click on the hyperlink to watch the video(s) on YouTube:

  1. How to Create an Interactive Pivot Table Chart – 65,095 Lifetime views
  2. How to Use Advanced Filters in Excel – 84,557 Lifetime views
  3. How to Add a Check Box Control to an Excel Form – 87,327 Lifetime views
  4. Compare 2 Excel Lists to Spot the Differences – 84,325 Lifetime Views
  5. Use Excel’s Built-in Data Form to Edit & Filter Records – 65,325 Lifetime views
  6. Use the Solver Tool in Excel – 46,035 Lifetime views
  7. How to Use an Excel Data Table for “What-if” Analysis – 72,694 Lifetime views
  8. How to Merge Multiple Excel Workbooks to a Master Budget – 104,376 Lifetime views
  9. How to Create a Summary Report from an Excel Table – 38,502 Lifetime views
  10. Import Excel Data into Microsoft Access – 54,601 Lifetime views

Quickly Improve Your Excel Skills

I have created many Video Tutorial Packages that I offer for sale at my secure online shopping website – http://shop.thecompanyrocks.com I invite you to visit and preview my training resources for MS Excel and the other programs in the Microsoft Office Suite.

The “Special Bundles” of videos are very attractively priced!

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Access Tips and Timesavers, Conditional Formatting, Excel Data Tables and Lists, Excel Forms, Excel Training, Most Viewed Excel Videos, Pivot Tables, What-if Analysis, Work with Multiple Worksheets, YouTube Videos by Danny Rocks Tagged: , , , , , , ,
February 6, 2013 Leave a Comment

Excel Macros: When to Use Relative Cell Referencing When Recording

This is Part 2 of my new series of Excel Tutorials: “Recording, Running, and Editing Excel Macros.” In this episode, I demonstrate how and when to use either Relative Cell Referencing or Absolute Cell Referencing.

Best Practice: Chose Relative Cell Referencing

Chose Type of Cell Referencing for Macro

Default Setting for Recording Macros – Absolute Cell Referencing

In my experience, the first major mistake Excel Users make when recording a Macro – they neglect to turn on Relative Cell Referencing. In the majority of Macros, you are better off using Relative Cell Referencing. There are a few – specialized – reasons to use Absolute Cell Referencing. However, they are in the distinct minority.

Select Starting Cell Before Recording a Macro

Once again, in my experience, I find that too many Excel users fail to select their “Starting Cell” before they click on the Record Macro Button. My Best Practice: “Minimize Cell Movements When Recording a Macro!”

Whenever Possible Use Ctrl + Enter When Recording a Macro

My Best Practice: “Minimize Cell Movements When Recording a Macro.” I recommend that your use Ctrl + Enter when entering or editing a value or formula in a cell. This procedure will keep the focus on the active cell. This will also minimize extraneous cell movements while recording your Macro. When you take steps to avoid extraneous cell movements, your Macro will be easier to edit or update.

Demonstration of Absolute vs. Relative Cell Referencing in a Macro

Watch my video tutorial to see the very different results that you get depending upon the type of cell referencing that you use when recording a Macro.

Secure Online Shopping at The Company Rocks

I invite you to visit my secure online shopping site – http://shop.thecompanyrocks.com  Take a few minutes to look at  – and , hopefully, purchase – one of the many video training resources that I offer. I guarantee that you will be 100% satisfied with my training materials. If not, I will refund your purchase with no questions asked!

Watch My Video in High Definition

Follow this link to watch my Excel Tutorial in High Definition on my YouTube Channel – DannyRocksExcels

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Filed Under: Excel Training, Excel VBA Macros Tagged: , , , , , , ,
February 4, 2013 Leave a Comment

The 4 Steps to Take Before Recording an Excel Macro

Prepare to Record a Macro

The 4 Steps to Take Prior to Recording a Macro

With this video tutorial, I begin a new series – “How to Record, Run, and Edit a Macro in Microsoft Excel. I’ve designed this series to introduce Intermediate Level Excel Users to the “ins and out” of working with Macros.

Here are the “4 Steps to Take Before Recording an Excel Macro:”

  1. Add the Developer Tab to the Ribbon. I show you how to do this in both Excel 2010 and Excel 2007.
  2. Set the Proper Level for Macro Security. You do this from the Trust Center. My recommendation is to choose “Disable Macros with Notification.” – While this is a somewhat cryptic description, it is similar to the “Medium Level” Macro Security Settings in Excel 2003.
  3. Establish Trusted Locations. Here, you inform Excel that the Workbooks in this Folder (and Subfolders) contain Macros that are “safe” to open with the Macros Enabled.
  4. Unlike earlier versions of Excel, if a workbook contains a Macro, you MUST save it with the file extension .XLMS (Macro-enabled Workbook.) This applies to Excel Version 2007 and higher.

By taking these 4 steps, you will ensure that the Macros that you create will open safely and that they will run smoother.

Shop at The Company Rocks Online Website

At my secure online shopping website – http://shop.thecompanyrocks.com – I offer a wide range of video training resources. I invite you to click on this link and take a look at my products.

Watch Video in High Definition

Follow this link to view my Excel Tutorial in High Definition on my YouTube Channel – DannyRocksExcels

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Filed Under: Excel Training, Excel VBA Macros Tagged: , , , , , ,
December 13, 2012 1 Comment

Excel Pivot Tables Tutorials: My YouTube Playlist

I have been organizing the video tutorials on my YouTube Channel – DannyRocksExcels – into Playlists.

I quickly realized that I have more videos (70 +) that focus on Excel Pivot Tables than on any other topic. So, having a playlist for all 70 (and growing) Pivot Table Tutorials is a great help when you need to learn about Pivot Tables. Or, simply to refresh your memory about how to use a specific Pivot Table Tool.

Scope of My Pivot Table Tutorials

I posted my first Pivot Table Tutorial on YouTube back on August 1, 2008. So far, that 7 minute Introduction to Pivot Tables in Excel 2003 has received over 90,000 views! Since then, I have created Pivot Table videos for Excel 2007 and Excel 2010.

Front Page of Online Shopping SiteIn-Depth Focused Training for Excel Pivot Tables

I invite you to visit my secure online shopping website – http://shop.thecompanyrocks.com – to learn about the many training resources that I offer you.

 

Link to My Excel Pivot Tables Playlist

Follow this link to go to my Excel Pivot Tables playlist on YouTube. If you like this Playlist, I encourage you to share it with your friends and colleagues.

Excel Pivot Tables Playlist on YouTube

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Filed Under: Excel Training, Pivot Tables, YouTube Videos by Danny Rocks Tagged: , , , , , , ,
November 21, 2012 Leave a Comment

How to Use Multiple Sorting Options in Excel

Sort Using Cell Icons

Sort based on Cell icons in Excel

Beginning with Excel 2007, the Sorting Commands gained several new features and became much more powerful. For example, you are no longer limited to three levels of sorting. You can sort using as many levels as you need. In addition, you can now sort by Cell or Font Colors and also sort using the new Cell Icons.

While I was training one of my clients last week, several questions about sorting came up. So, in this video I will demonstrate several of the new features as well as showing you how to take advantage of many sorting options that have been around for some time. For example, using a Horizontal Sort to quickly rearrange the order of your columns!

Sorting Options on Video Tutorial

Here are the sorting options that I demonstrate on my video:

  • Sort on Values using a Custom List
    • First, I use a built-in custom list (Months of the Year).
    • Next, I demonstrate how to create a custom list that you can use with AutoFill and also with custom sorting.
  •  Sort data based upon Cell Icon
    • Cell Icons were introduced in Excel 2007 as part of the major upgrade to Conditional Formatting.
  • Sort Horizontally to quickly rearrange the order of your columns (fields) in your data set.
    • This feature has been available for many years. However, in my experience, very few people are aware of its existence.
    • Once you  learn this technique, you can stop the tedious task process of Insert Column, Cut Column, Paste Column, Delete Column, etc.

Shop for Excel Training Resources

I invite you to visit my secure online shopping website – http://shop.thecompanyrocks.com –   where I offer a range of video training resources for all of the Microsoft Office Programs.

Watch My Video in High Definition

Follow this link to watch my video in High Definition on my YouTube Channel – DannyRocksExcels

How to Use Multiple Sorting Options in Excel [ 7:14 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (7603)
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Filed Under: Conditional Formatting, Essential Excel Skills, Excel Training Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,
October 14, 2012 1 Comment

Survey Results – Which Version of Excel Are You Using

Survey Results - Which Version of Excel

Which Version of Excel Are You Using?

This week, I surveyed the Excel Users in my mailing list. I wanted to find out:

  1. Which version of Excel they are currently using at work?
  2. Are they using the same verion of Excel at Home as they use at work?
  3. Do thy plan to upgrade to a later version of Excel in the Next 12 Months?

Survey Results

A solid majority of the people who opened my survey, completed the survey.

Which version of Excel are you currently using at work?

54% responded that they are using Excel 2010 at work, while 36% are using Excel 2007. !0% are using either Excel 2003 or another version.

Are you using the same version of Excel at Home as well as at work?

68% responded “Yes,” whil 32% responded “No.”

Do you plan to upgrade to a newer version of Excel during the next 12 months?

23% responded “Yes,” while 23% responded “No.” 9% were not sure.

My Observations

I am pleased that almost all of the Excel users who completed the survey are using Excel 2007 or higher. This was very important information for me to gather. I really needed to determine if there was a market for me to continue to publish my video tutorials for Excel 2003 – the answer is “No!

The results for my second question – “Are you using the same version of Excel at Work and at Home?” – were about what I expected.

As to plans to Upgrade to a later version of Excel – We will have to wait and see what Excel 2013 has to offer and how many users will be purchasing new computers with Excel 2013 already installed.

Take My Survey Online

If you wish, click on the link below to take this survey yourself. No personal information will be collected and you not be added to my mailing list.

Click on this link to take my survey – Which Version of Excel Are You Using?

Thanks to everyone who responded!

What are your opinions and observations? Add your comments below!

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Filed Under: Excel Training, Survey Results Tagged: , , , ,
September 24, 2012 1 Comment

How to Use Lookup Functions in Excel – Take a Free Lesson from My Latest Video Training Resource

Video Lesson - Lookup Functions in Excel 2007

Video Lesson – Lookup Functions in Excel 2007

I have just published the Excel 2007 version of my latest video training resource, “Nine Essential Excel Skills.” And, I want to offer you the opportunity to watch a complete episode. This is one of the 25 video tutorials included on my video training resource. The complete package contains almost four-hours of focused Excel 2007 Training.

Lookup Functions in Excel 2007

Watch this complete 11 minutes and 30 second lesson, as I demonstrate how to use both the VLOOKUP() and HLOOKUP() Functions in Excel. I demonstrate how to return an “exact” match as well as how to return an “approximate” match. I use “plain language” to describe how to use Lookup Functions.

Learn More About My Video Training Resources

Here are the links to the specific product information pages for my latest video training resources:

Download My Step-by-Step Instructional Guide – for Free!

You can download a PDF of my Step-by-Step Instructional Guide for the “9 Essential Excel 2007 Skills” video training resource. I am offering this for free so that you can see the scope and detail of the training that I offer on my 4-hour video. Click on this link to begin the downloading process for my free Instructional Guide.

Watch this Lesson in High Definition

Follow this link to watch my Excel Tutorial in High Definition on my YouTube Channel – DannyRocksExcels

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Filed Under: Excel Basics, Excel Functions, Excel Training, Lookup Functions in Excel, MS Excel 2007 DVD, Names for Cells and Ranges, Training Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,
September 8, 2012 Leave a Comment

Review for my Latest Publication – “9 Essential Skills for Excel 2010”

Main Menu Essential Skills for Excel

Main Menu for “9 Essential Excel Skills”

I just received a fabulous review, from one of my viewers, for my video tutorial, “9 Essential Skills for Excel 2010.”

Read this Review

Product Reviews

It’s really a master piece!!

Posted by Tamoghna on 8th Sep 2012

“I was a beta tester of “9 Essential Excel Skills- Excel 2010” by Danny Rocks. In one word this is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to master those essential skills which are required to use excel professionally. There are total 9 chapters which consist of a series of dense but brief video lessons.

The lessons have been planned in a careful way so that the viewers are introduced from simple to more complex topics.

Surely you are going to be amazed by the incredible picture and sound quality of the videos. I had a feeling as if I was watching an excel movie while putting my head phone. Danny has several qualities as an instructor. His pace of delivery and voice modulation is just fantastic and if you are not an absolute excel-newbie watching a video just one time is enough. Before starting each lesson he gives a brief introduction so that you can connect what you learned in the previous lesson. He also repeats and stresses some part which you will find really helpful.

Another great take away from this video tutorial is a bunch of great keyboard shortcuts and best excel practices which you can expect only from an excel veteran. Among so many other things I was left with surprise why I didn’t use “page layout view” and “vertical alignment formatting” before! Even if you are an advanced excel user surely you are going to learn a lot of useful tricks including some commonly encountered gotchas and how to avoid them.

I won’t be taken aback If this product goes every corner of the excel user community and becomes best seller in this field.”

Learn More About My Video Tutorial

I have produced the “9 Essential Skills for Excel 2010” in two formats:

Both versions include 4 hours of video instruction. 25 individual video tutorials. The Excel Practice files that I used while filming the video tutorials. A PDF of the Step-by-step Instructional Guide that I created for these video lessons.

Version for Excel 2007 Now Available!

DVD-ROM, "9 Essential Excel 2007 Skills"

DVD-ROM, “9 Essential Excel 2007 Skills”

I have just published “9 Essential Excel 2007 Skills” for DVD-ROM. Click to to get more information about my latest publication.

Secure Shopping at The Company Rocks

You can use a secure shopping cart to purchase my products at my online shopping website – http://shop.thecompanyrocks.com

 

 

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Filed Under: Excel Training, Online Store for The Company Rocks, Reviews, Video Training Courses Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
March 6, 2012 1 Comment

How to Analyze Point-of-Sale Data with an Excel Pivot Table

Advantages of Pivot Tables

Advantages of Pivot Tables

This is the first in a series of tutorials that I am creating in partnership with Tri-Technical Systems – a leading provider of Point-of-sale (POS) Systems. In this video lesson, I use an Excel Pivot Table to present the information that I require from a standard “Inventory by Location” report.

Point-of-Sale Reports

Most POS Systems allow you to print out standard reports – compact, professionally formatted “snapshots” of your inventory status, sales data and customer information. Likewise, most POS Systems will allow you to easily export the data behind these reports to Excel – where you can analyze or “number crunch” the data.

Advantages of Pivot Tables

  • Pivot Tables combine the best elements of Subtotals, Outlines and Filtered Reports.
  • With a Pivot Table, you select only the Fields that you wish to focus on.
  • You can quickly reposition any field on your Pivot Table – e.g. change it from a Vertical to a Horizontal position.
  • Pivot Tables allow you to easily add multiple summaries – e.g. Sum, Average, Percentage of Total, etc. without writing a Formula!
  • It is impossible to harm your underlying data when you work with a Pivot Table because you are working with a “virtual snapshot” of your data. You cannot directly change any value in a Pivot Table Report!

Learn More About Pivot Tables

Pivot Tables are easy to learn. However, it does take practice if you want to really tap into the analytical power of  a Pivot Table Report. Fortunately, I have a great resource for you – a 90 minute focused video tutorial on Pivot Tables. Follow this link to go to the information page for my Excel 2010 Pivot Table DVD-ROM. I have also created Pivot Table videos for Excel 2007 and Excel 2003.

Watch Tutorial in High Definition

You can watch this Excel Tutorial in High Definition on my YouTube Channel – DannyRocksExcels

View My Video Now

 

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Filed Under: Excel Training, MS Excel Training, Pivot Tables Tagged: , , , , ,
March 1, 2012 Leave a Comment

How to Protect Cells that Hold Formulas in Excel

Protect Cells w Formulas

Protect Excel Formula Cells

Learning how to Protect the Excel Worksheet Cells that contain Formulas is a three-step process. This process tends to confuse and frustrate many Excel users. Some of the steps seem counter-intuitive when you first begin the process. That is why I created this video tutorial – To demonstrate each of the steps; to remove the confusion.

First, I show you how this is done in Excel 2010 / Excel 2007. Next, I show you how to protect the Formula Cells in Excel 2003.

Key Concept for Protecting Formula Cells

By default, all cells in an Excel Workbook are “Locked!”

So, if you are going to allow a user to input current values in the worksheet, you must first “select” the input cells and then, “Unlock” them.

Protecting Excel Worksheet

The final step in the process is to Protect the Worksheet. I rarely use a password for the worksheet because I tend to forget it and then I cannot even access the protected worksheet!

Take care in the Protect Sheet Dialog Box to select only the options that best suit your purpose. For example, in this video tutorial, I choose to limit users to select only the cells that I unlocked in steps 1 and 2.

Go To Special Dialog Box

The quickest way to select the cells that you wish to “unlock” is to open the Go To Special Dialog Box. There, choose “Constants.” You can limit the constants to “Numbers” as I do in this tutorial.

Danny Rocks Tips and Timesavers Podcast on iTunes

I invite you to subscribe to my “free” video podcast on iTunes. Click on this link to access all of my Podcast Videos.

Watch Tutorial in High Definition

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How to Protect Cells with Formulas in Excel [ 7:32 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2394)
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Filed Under: Excel Formulas, Excel Training, Format Cells in Excel, Podcast Tips & Timesavers, Workbooks and Worksheets in Excel Tagged: , , , , , , , ,
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