[go2134]

I’m work at a small firm, so there are a lot of areas that could be improved upon. I’d appreciate some suggestions on how I can implement some new practices.

[Anonymous]

Learn Excel keyboard shortcuts. The more you can do on the keyboard without having to use a mouse, the more efficient you'll become.

[Anonymous]

What do you do that takes forever but isn't super-complicated? That's the best place to start looking for ways to improve it. If it's digging for files, try to get more paperless; if it's adding up figures from a client's records, try to get the figures in Excel and use a “SUMIF” to add them up; etc. Think of the time-consuming, monotonous things you do, and find a way to not have to do them manually. That's how I've improved efficiencies the most.

[Skynet]

Stop watching LOL! Cats Videos will help with productivity.

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[Kettlepot]

There are a ton of tricks to do in Excel that will save you tons of time. I recommend picking up this book:

https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Excel-2007-through-MrExcel/dp/1932802444/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1430141262&sr=8-1&keywords=Mr+Excel

It's really good despite the goofy cover!

Your firm may be too small to have much SQL Databasing going on, but knowing how to write your own queries and processes can set you up for some serious wins. We use to use Excel for a real monster process over here and it was just way WAY too big for Excel, but now that it's in a SQL table we can manage it no prob.

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[Kettlepot]

My first big “easy” win was writing a script in Excel. They aren't too hard as long as you have a basic understanding of visual basic (or have the time to learn).

Also, did you know that VLOOKUPS and other formulas can access other workbooks, including workbooks that aren't even open! Wow!

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[Anonymous]

Yup, mastering excel shortcuts is King.

My favorite shortcut(s):

ALT and E, S and then pretty much any and all options on that menu.

Formulas, Values, Formats, Comments, Transpose..

Control and ; = Today's date

F11 on a set of data = Creates chart – I work with charts a lot in Finance. You can even set up your own Default chart!

Control and [ = Follows link

Control and ` = Show formulas

Also F4 is amazing and I've abused the hell out of that key. It basically copies your last action. More versatile than Control and V for formatting purposes.

It's funny, my parents always scolded me for playing computer games. But after playing Starcraft and other “micro” intensive games for numerous years, I'm able to cruise around the keyboard at lightning speed.

[jbarwick]

I always liked this shortcut cheat sheet you can print out: https://www.wallstreetprep.com/excelshortcuts/

Also while you can reference other workbooks with lookups and such, it can really bog down a workbook if there are too many formulas. Again this is just a chance to improve a process.

Getting to know excel without a mouse is a good idea as it helps you navigate a lot. CRTL + arrow keys for when you have to navigate rows/columns of data. The list goes on but getting to know even a few shortcuts is worth it. Think, “I do this a lot, is there a shortcut?” then Google it. Does wonders!

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[Tuffy11111]

Anyone else at the point where they get agitated about having to touch their mouse?

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[golfball7773]

I hate having to move my hand to move my mouse – I have so many keyboard shortcuts that my coworkers watching me have no idea what is going on

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[Author]

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