Ahh, nothing like a good pep talk to make you feel validated. When I can't cheer you on, try data validation tools to add "dropdown menus" inside of your spreadsheets. Google Sheets and Excel users will both find something of value here. Read more for useful tips and tutorial videos.
expand, contract
Spreadsheets or life-in-general bringing you stress? Here's a tutorial about how to wrangle your spreadsheets with the "Group Rows" function. Plus, a mindfulness exercise!
my people
My Rabbi asks for help sorting a spreadsheet, which pairs perfectly with my evolving plans to offer a Spreadsheet Chevruta program. Tune in for banter, reverence, tips, and .gifs!
How to save “versions” in Google Drive
How to save multiple versions of a doc in Google Drive... to the tune of "How to Save a Life" by the Fray. Come for the spoof, stay for the tips!
consistency is everything
What does cookie decorating have to do with spreadsheets? Consistency of course! Come for the Royal Icing recipe and stay for the tips about standardizing your data.
know one nose it all
A treatise on mystery, learning, and shame. A joyous reflection on NPSP Day Philadelphia. And a spreadsheet tip you might not know you needed.
Do you learn from your mistakes?
What is a mistake? Let's use the etymology to learn some lessons about mistakes and spreadsheets. Plus, puns and a recommendation for learning more.
mixed messages
On one hand, data skills are impossible to learn (and we blame the individual). On the other hand, companies tell us that advanced coding skills are easy to develop, 1, 2, 3! How can these be true at the same time? Who benefits from these messages? It's classic capitalism doublespeak: make non-data people feel insignificant and intimidated, then sell us a solution to our problem.
I call BULLSHIT on these dynamics and offer 8 tips for wrangling a sloppy spreadsheet that you can use right away!
online to offline
Online-to-offline digital organizing is all the rage, but what about online to offline spreadsheets (aka printing)? If you've ever struggled to print Google Sheets, this tutorial is for you. Come for the gifs, stay for the tips!
a seat at the table
What should you do if the built in Excel Table Styles don't match your colors or preferences? Create a Custom Table Style, of course! Here's a post that walks you through the "how" and "why" to customize your table designs. Here's a hint- think about who else uses your spreadsheets besides just YOU! Come for the puns and stay for the data 🙂
