When we talk about learning Excel for analysis, most of us will reflect on learning functions and features.

No surprise there. Starting from lookup and logic functions, summarizing your data with a PivotTable, creating a chart – that's it.

That's why many people struggle with Excel for analysis. When it comes to business analysis, you should first focus on the purpose, not Excel functions and features.

Ask yourself an important question: What are you going to achieve?

Based on my observation, people may subconsciously think they know the purpose, but actually not. Or you can say, it's not clear enough.

You should know the purpose is where everything begins. When the direction is wrong, everything is wrong, no matter how good your Excel skills are.

So, if you are going to boost your analytics ability, these are the actions you can follow to avoid missing the purpose:

1. Define Clear Objectives Before Diving into Excel:

Before you start working in Excel, take a moment to clearly define your objectives. Ask yourself: What do you want to achieve with this analysis? Whether it's identifying trends, making informed decisions, or solving a specific business problem, having a clear goal will guide your entire analysis.

2. Create a Detailed Project Brief or Analysis Plan:

Develop a project brief or analysis plan that outlines the purpose, goals, and desired outcomes of your Excel analysis. Break down the steps you need to take and specify the key insights you aim to gain. Having a documented plan will serve as a roadmap, ensuring that your Excel efforts are aligned with the broader purpose of your analysis.

3. Regularly Review and Refine Your Objectives:

As you progress through your Excel analysis, regularly review and refine your objectives. Business dynamics can change, and it's crucial to ensure that your analysis stays aligned with the evolving goals of the project. Regular checkpoints will help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments to your Excel work as needed.

By implementing these actionable steps, you can enhance the purpose-driven approach to your Excel analytics tasks, ensuring that your skills are effectively directed toward achieving meaningful business outcomes. 

If you are struggling to master Excel for business analysis 👇 

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Here's how I can help you:

1. Excel Analytics OS for business professionals

• Signature course: Excel Analytics OS (121 short lessons, 8 modules)