--- title: Excel - The Foundations for Great Analysis description: CMKG's Excel virtual training is a 2- to 3-hour session with focus on YOUR priorities and needs. We can customize the session using your data / examples. image: https://blog.cmkg.org/hubfs/Excel%20skills.jpg --- [![CMKG Train Ahead Logo](https://blog.cmkg.org/hs-fs/hubfs/CMKG%20Train%20Ahead%20Logo.png?width=260&name=CMKG%20Train%20Ahead%20Logo.png "CMKG Train Ahead Logo")](https://www.cmkg.org) # Excel - The Foundations for Great Analysis Posted by [Sue Nicholls, Founder & President CMKG](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/author/sue-nicholls-cpsa-founder-president-cmkg) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![](https://blog.cmkg.org/hubfs/Excel%20skills.jpg) ## Do your team members possess the essential Excel skills for basic tasks? Excel stands as a crucial tool for analysts, sales professionals, category managers, and business individuals at large. While it might seem that everyone is familiar with Excel, the reality is different. Without foundational Excel skills, sales teams and category managers struggle to analyze their business effectively, administrators face challenges in creating comprehensive worksheets, and analysts may find fundamental concepts difficult to grasp. Additionally, there's the risk of errors and incorrect conclusions stemming from poorly constructed formulas and PivotTables. You might wonder, with automated reports available, why is Excel training necessary for organizations? The answer lies in the limitations of automated reports—they can't meet all needs. Meaningful analysis often requires data manipulation, cutting, formatting, and customization, necessitating strong foundational Excel skills. Consider a recent scenario where a client approached me about providing Excel skills training for their sales team. A sales manager had expressed concern about the team's inability to perform essential Excel tasks like formula writing, building PivotTables, and creating charts. Despite the assumption that everyone knows Excel, this proficiency was lacking. In response, I crafted a virtual training session covering Excel basics, including spreadsheet navigation, data sorting, formula writing (SUM, COUNT, RANK, UNIQUE), and creating charts and PivotTables. The session was optional, allowing those with existing proficiency to choose whether to attend. # RESULTS? Due to high interest, I conducted two 3-hour sessions. The hands-on exercises focused on relevant scenarios for the sales team, incorporating data and item rank reports. Participants not only learned to create formulas but also gained insights into interpreting different KPIs. We used one of their extensive automated reports to build a practical PivotTable, bridging the gap between learning and application. Feedback from the sessions speaks volumes: > - *"Best 3-hour lecture/class I’ve attended."* > - *"Time went by way too quickly!"* > - *"I learned many new things, i.e., formula building, shortcuts, and the importance of being clear on what I’m trying to say."* > - *"Handouts were helpful, and I will go back to reference them."*   ## **Ask your team if they need Excel basics training! ** **The response might surprise you.**   [ Learn more about Excel Virtual Team Training ](https://blog.cmkg.org/essential-retail-cpg-skills-and-topics/buy-excel-virtual-training-from-cmkg) --- Learn more about [CMKG's Virtual Training Solutions](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/new-virtual-training-solutions-from-cmkg.org) --- ### **BENEFITS OF VIRTUAL EXCEL SKILLS TRAINING** Virtual training seamlessly integrates the advantages of online learning (accessible from anywhere, cost-effective with no travel expenses, and minimizes business disruptions) with the personalized approach of instructor-led education (customized content, relevance, and the ability to address students' questions). Explore additional benefits specific to CMKG virtual training for Excel: 1. **Utilizes the Latest Excel Software:** - In contrast to online alternatives with outdated options, our virtual training uses the most recent version of Excel software. 2. **Comprehensive Learning Materials:** - Access student notes, Excel workshops, and customizable XLS files tailored to your data and examples. 3. **Engaging Pre-Work:** - Prepare participants mentally for the course with carefully curated pre-work assignments. 4. **Optional Online Assessment:** - Take an (optional) online test before the course to assess current understanding, allowing us to prioritize and tailor the virtual session based on individual needs. [![Download CMKG's Virtual Training Brochure](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/269713/6db8b669-0d17-4967-9d4b-c6270773701a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/269713/6db8b669-0d17-4967-9d4b-c6270773701a) ---   ### Looking for a quick online accredited course? Check out our online accredited course on “[Building Excel Skills](https://www.cmkg.org/u/Excel-Skills.aspx)” or watch a video preview of the course by clicking the graphic below.    | |     | **[![Link to Purchase “Building Excel Skills” Category Management Training Course](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/269713/ba23c11f-1d0a-482d-a70f-5114e2323a78.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/269713/ba23c11f-1d0a-482d-a70f-5114e2323a78) ** **$125 USD INCLUDES:** 30-day Access Hands-On Workshops Downloadable Notes Reference Guide Knowledge Checks Course Test | | --- | --- | --- |   Topics: [Excel](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/topic/excel), [Analytics Work](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/topic/analytics-work), [Category Management](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/topic/category-management) #### Written by [Sue Nicholls, Founder & President CMKG](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/author/sue-nicholls-cpsa-founder-president-cmkg) **Sue Nicholls** is President & Founder of CMKG and has spent more than 20 years helping retail and CPG organizations build stronger capability through practical, business-focused learning. Her experience spans category management, analytics, storytelling, and blended learning designed to help teams apply learning more effectively on the job. [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/hiCmkg) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/suenicholls) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/catmanknowledge) #### Subscribe ### Posts by Audience - [Analytics Work (15)](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/topic/analytics-work) - [Business Acumen Development (2)](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/topic/business-acumen-development) - [Business Reviews / Category Reviews (1)](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/topic/business-reviews-category-reviews) - [Career Advancement (1)](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/topic/career-advancement) - [Category Analytics (7)](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/topic/category-analytics) - [Category Definition Work (5)](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog/topic/category-definition-work) ### Latest Posts ### Practical learning solutions for retail, category management, and sales teams # CMKG Practical training and assessment solutions for retailers, suppliers, and commercial teams. We help organizations build capability through blended learning, live training, and assessments designed for real-world application.   - [**](http://bit.ly/cmkgfacebook) - [**](http://bit.ly/cmkgtwitter) - [**](http://bit.ly/cmkglinkedin) - [**](http://bit.ly/cmkgyoutbe) # SOLUTIONS [Corporate Training Solutions](https://www.cmkg.org/corporate-training-solutions) [Team Assessments](https://www.cmkg.org/training-and-assessment-solutions/team-assessment) [Individual eLearning](https://www.cmkg.org/on-demand-training/all) [Book a Consult](https://www.cmkg.org/meetings/ty10)   #### RESOURCES [Complimentary Assessments](https://www.cmkg.org/training-and-assessment-solutions/team-assessment) [Complimentary Learning Tools](https://www.cmkg.org/resource/all) [Thought Leadership Blog](https://blog.cmkg.org/blog) [Resource Hub](https://www.cmkg.org/resource/all) # CONTACT US [info@cmkg.org](mailto:info@cmkg.org) +1 403.660.6620 Calgary, Canada [Book a Consult](https://www.cmkg.org/meetings/suenicholls/teams-meeting) ### Practical learning solutions for retail, category management, and sales teams  #### CMKG Practical training and assessment solutions for retailers, suppliers, and commercial teams. 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