subject: Excel Training - Do Virtual Assistants Need This? [print this page] Excel Training - Do Virtual Assistants Need This?
Virtual Assistants perform a range of tasks for their clients, depending on the nature of the clients' business. As such, Virtual Assistants use a variety of software to help increase their efficiency and productivity. But even with one of the most straightforward applications such as Excel, Virtual Assistants can still benefit from a good training. Here are reasons why:
Excel training increases confidence in the use of the application
Excel may seem like a straightforward application but it actually has many features that users don't often get to use and appreciate. With Excel training, Virtual Assistants will be able to discover all the benefits of the application (along with its limitations) so they know exactly what it can do and what it can't.
Excel training allows VAs to maximize the use of its features
Another benefit is that with the correct understanding of the application, users will be able to optimize the features of Excel, which can effectively eliminate the use of specialized, stand-alone software. This can significantly cut down on the Virtual Assistant's setup expense, since new software can be a bit pricey. He or she can simply manipulate the application so it will be able to perform the functions that may otherwise be offered separately by several different softwares.
Excel training helps Virtual Assistants create and execute formulas
One of the best reasons why every Virtual Assistant should have Excel training is that the application can be used to write formulas. These formulas can be manipulated to expand or limit their influence on certain data available in order to produce the needed results. Since formulas are like commands, users can easily work with data in a variety of ways. This makes it easier to create spreadsheets to handle databases for names and addresses or spreadsheets to handle payroll, income statements and the like.
Because Excel is an electronic spreadsheet, it also makes accounting procedures easier to perform. Since Virtual Assistants will often be asked to perform accounting-related jobs for their clients, having excellent proficiency in Excel through training is very advantageous. With enough knowledge in the application, VAs will have more confidence in accepting jobs that require them to perform accounting tasks and be that much more effective in it. As such, they will be able to perform better and meet the expectations of their clients.
Excel training helps Virtual Assistants increase their creativity
Excel has a variety of tools that promote a results-oriented workplace, which is very helpful for Virtual Assistants who work from home. It can create tables and worksheets, organize and import data, charts and even images, format, filter and expand tables that contain formulas and manipulate data to arrive at answers to multiple questions.
