Bill Jelen is one of my most favorite people on earth. That is why I wanted to have him as my first guest when I restarted the podcast. Even though I recorded this few weeks ago, only now I got around to publishing it. Please enjoy the conversation with Bill.

Listen to this episode

Resources for this podcast episode

More about Bill:

• MrExcel.com (Bill’s website)
• Bill Jelen on YouTube
• Excel eSports

The post CP05: Interview with MrExcel – Bill Jelen (on his incredible work ethic) appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.

On the left side, we have a veteran warrior with 37 years of data battle scars and  redundant six pack.  They call him SQL.

On the right side, there is a young challenger with transformative powers and “never say undo” attitude. He goes by the moniker Power Query.

Who is going to win this battle?!?

I have been using SQL for 25 years and Power Query since it came out in early 2012. And in this article, let me share my views on how SQL compares with Power Query. If you prefer to listen, check out the podcast episode – SQL vs. Power Query. 

Listen: SQL vs. Power Query Podcast Episode

SQL vs. Power Query - The Comparison

SQL

Power Query

What can you do? 

All CRUD operations (Create, Read, Update, Delete)

Only Read the data

What kind of data?

Usually single source from a database or warehouse
(ex: SQL Server)

Can access data from anywhere and combine data from multiple sources too.

How do you use it?

You need to “WRITE” queries to use SQL. 

You “BUILD” Power Queries using the UI buttons and menu options.

Where can you use it?

Works almost universally. You can use SQL with most database systems and programming languages. 

Only with Microsoft stack of products, primarily with Power BI, Excel and Fabric.

Who can use it?

By default, you need permissions / special software to use SQL.

Almost anyone can use Power Query as it comes packaged with Excel and Power BI.

How fast is it?

Built for performance and scalability. You can use SQL to access data quite efficiently.

Can become slow and tedious as your data grows. 

Resources for Learning SQL

• SQL Basics
• 50 SQL examples for Excel folks

Resources for Learning Power Query

• What is Power Query and how to use it?
• Learn Power Query in 15 minutes
• My Power Query Essentials Course

What do you think?

Have you used both or either of these technologies? What do you think? Leave a comment with your thoughts.

The post SQL vs. Power Query – The Ultimate Comparison appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.

Power BI is one of the most prominent data analytics technology out there.

Power BI is also one of the most marketed and hyped technology out there.

Unfortunately, both of these statements are true.

In a world where data is the buzz word, Power BI (or other similar platforms like Tableau) appeal to CXOs as panacea for all their data troubles.

But, just as any technology, Power BI too has it’s own shortcomings. So in this episode of my podcast, let’s uncover 4 ugly truths of Power BI.

I want to preface this discussion with a huge note of thanks & gratitude for what Power BI offers. It is a beautiful technology with a few patches of ugliness.

Episode outline:

• ONE: Power BI is not one technology, even though it is marketed as one.
• TWO: Power BI changes frustratingly often. This makes it a hard technology to learn and use.
• THREE: Power BI can get prohibitively expensive as your organization & data needs evolve.
• FOUR: Power BI visuals / outputs are unimpressive.

Listen to this episode

Subscribe to the Show

Resources for this podcast episode

Learn more about Power BI:

• The truth about Power BI and how to learn it properly (video)
• Free vs. Pro vs. Premium Power BI – which one you should choose? (video)
• Introduction to Power BI and full tutorial (article)
• When & How to use various Power BI charts (guide)
• Power BI Beginner to PRO – Full Course (paid class)

The post CP03: The Ugly Truth About Power BI (actually, 4 of them) appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.

So you want a 6 figure data job? In this podcast episode, I am going to share 6 strategies and tactics to land a $100k+ data job.

Episode outline:

• My experience of working in a a 6 figure ($100k+) data job
• 6 strategies
  • Build wide data skill base
  • Cultivate deep technical skills in 1-2 areas
  • Develop business & functional knowledge
  • Cultivate interpersonal skills & present yourself better
  • Strong Interviewing skills
  • Focus on L

Listen to this episode

Subscribe to the Show

Resources for this podcast episode

In the podcast, I talked about creating a digital wardrobe. My recommended webcam, mic & lights are below:

Recommended Webcams:

• Premium webcam: Elgato Facecam. I have been using Elgato Facecam for the last few months and just love it. It produces crisp, HD quality images & videos with almost no effort. Get it from Amazon.
• Budget webcam: If you want a good quality webcam that produces decent video and good light capture, try Logitech c920. This was my primary webcam for more than 4 years and never disappointed me. Get it from Amazon.

Recommended Mics:

• Premium mic: If your job involves a lot of talking, I suggest getting a good mic to enhance your voice quality. I use Blue Yeti Mics for my videos and livestreams and just LOVE them. Get it from Amazon.
• Budget mic: I use the Plantronics Blackwire USB headset on the go and love the voice clarity it produces. Get it from Amazon.

Recommended Lighting:

• The best lighting is natural light. So position your seat opposite to a window so that your face is getting natural light at angle. Try using sheer curtains to diffuse the strong direct sunlight.
• Alternatively get a ring light if you work from a dark room or away from windows. I suggest this one on Amazon.

The post CP02: Six Tips to get a Six Figure ($100,000+) Data Job appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.

Ladies & gentlemen… I have an exciting announcement. I am relaunching my podcast!!!

It only took me 7 years, but Chandoo.org podcast is now BACK! I am planning to make regular episodes on Excel, Power BI, SQL & Data Analytics.

Why I am starting it again?

Over the last year, I have been thinking about about restarting the podcast. I listen to a lot of podcasts (Tim Ferris show, All-in, Tropical MBA, Office Ladies, YouTube Creators Hub to name a few). They educate, entertain and inspire me. I want to pass along some of those benefits to you. So here we go (again).

In this episode…

In the 1st episode of Season 2 of Chandoo.org podcast I talk about, Top 5 Excel Skills you need to be a Successful Data Analyst in 2023

What is in this session?

In this podcast,

• Welcome message
• Top 5 (Advanced) Excel Skills
  • Tables
  • Power Query
  • Dynamic Arrays & Spill Ranges
  • Pivot Tables & Data Model
  • Charting & Story-telling

Listen to this session

Subscribe to the Show

Resources for this podcast

Comprehensive guides on,

• Excel Tables
• Power Query – Deep introduction
• Power Query – Mini Course
• Dynamic Arrays & Spill Ranges
• Pivot Tables
• Data Model & Relationships
• Charting & Story-telling Examples
• Advanced Excel Skills
• Top 5 Excel Skills – Video
• Top 5 Data Skills – Video

The post Top 5 Excel Skills you need to be a Successful Data Analyst in 2023 (podcast) appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.

In the 56th episode of Chandoo.org podcast, let me answer the chicken and egg question of Excel users. How many formulas should you care to learn?

What is in this session?

In this podcast,

• Two personal updates
• 3 legs of formula writing
  • Function knowledge
  • Operators
  • Referencing
• 6 categories of must-know functions
  • Basic math
  • Conditions
  • Lookups
  • Text
  • Date & time
  • Work specific
• Closing remarks & resources for you

Listen to this session

Click here to download the MP3 file.

Resources for learning Formulas

Podcast episodes on formulas

• All about Excel $@#%%#^^
• Mastering aweSUM() formulas of Excel
• Writing business logic in Excel formulas
• VTALKUP – learn all about VLOOKUP function
• VLOOKUP FAQs

Articles to learn important formulas

• Top 10 formulas for aspiring analysts
• Beyond IF & SUM, 15 formulas for everyone

Support Chandoo.org podcast – Give a little thru Patreon

I am happy to announce that I have a Patreon page now. If you love my podcast, head to my Patreon page to pledge a little to Chandoo.org. Thanks for your generosity and love.

The post CP056: So which formulas you should care to learn? appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.

Ladies & gentlemen, its time we revived the much loved Chandoo.org podcast. In the 55th episode, I do a lousy imitation of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous “I will be back” and tell you why there was such a long gap between episodes, my plans for reviving our podcast and more.

What is in this session?

In this podcast,

• Why there was such a long gap between last and this episode
• What next?
• How to extract every 6th item from a list?

Listen to this session

Click here to download the MP3 file.

Resources for this podcast

• Introduction to OFFSET function
• Introduction to INDEX function
• Staying away volatile functions
• Average of every nth value
• Filter odd or even rows only

Love my podcast? What topics you want to hear in it?

Thanks for all your generous support and love so far. I will be broadcasting new episodes twice a month from now. If you want to hear about a particular topic, share your suggestions in the comments area or email me at [email protected]

Press the magic link and get podcasts right in to your earbuds

Our podcast is a great place to learn Excel on the go. There are tons of topics and back episodes to keep you busy for next marathon or month of commute. Check out our back catalog or subscribe today.

• iTunes / iPhone
• Android
• Computer / Browser

The post CP055: “Yes, I am back” edition (and a bonus Excel tip) appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.

In the 54th session of Chandoo.org podcast, let’s make you awesome in Pivot Tables.

What is in this session?

In this podcast,

• Quick updates
• Top 10 pivot table tricks
  • Adding same value field twice
  • Tabular layouts
  • GETPIVOTDATA & 2 bonus tricks
  • Relationships & data model
  • One slicer to rule them all
  • Show only top x values
  • Relative performance
  • Show unique count
  • Spruce up with conditional formats
  • Not so ugly pivot charts
• Resources & Show notes for you

Listen to this session

Click here to download the MP3 file.

Resources for this podcast

Comprehensive guides on,

• Excel Pivot Tables intro – Podcast
• Excel Pivot Tables an introduction
• Excel Slicers what are they, how to use and advanced tips
• GETPIVOTDATA examples & usage
• Relationships & Data model example & downloadable workbook
• Power Pivot introduction and overview

Pivot Table Tips & Tricks

• Use report filters with VBA
• Structured references for Pivot Tables
• Group data in Pivot Tables
• Matching transactions using Pivot Tables
• Highlight quarters / weekends using styles in Pivot Reports

What are your favorite Pivot Table tricks?

Now its your turn. Go ahead and share your favorite pivot table tricks in the comments box.

The post CP054: Top 10 Pivot Table Tricks for YOU appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.

In the 53rd session of Chandoo.org podcast, let’s talk about data validation.

What is in this session?

In this podcast,

• What is data validation
• How Excel DV compares with database & software DV?
• Types of data validation rules
• List & custom rules explained
• Input & error messages
• Alternatives to data validation
• Enhancing data validation
• Removing data validation rules
• Homework problem for you
• Resources & show notes

Listen to this session

Click here to download the MP3 file.

Resources for this podcast

Data validation introduction & examples:

• Excel basics: How to add drop down box data validation rules?
• Either-or condition as validation rule
• Making data validations dynamic
• VLOOKUP + Data validation = magic
• Copy data validations using Paste Special, Remove them with Paste Special

Advanced validation examples:

• Advanced data validation techniques (custom rules)
• Unsorted, duplicate column as source
• Mix conditional formatting with DV for awesome results

Data validation in play – case studies:

• Invoice template using data validation
• To do list with data validation

Additional resources:

• Using form controls in Excel
• Introduction to slicers

Data validation home work – your answer

Did you get the answer for homework? Please post your answers / explanations in the comments section.

The post CP053: Excel Data Validation for Dummies appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.

In the 52nd session of Chandoo.org podcast, let’s discuss monkeys, Ok, I am kidding. We are going to talk about M is for Data Monkey book.

What is in this session?

In this podcast,

• Updates: Why so much gap between episodes?
• Quick introduction to Power Query
• Why you should get this book?
• What is in this book?
• A very cool example of the techniques you will learn
• Conclusions

Listen to this session

Click here to download the MP3 file.

Transcript of this session:

Download this podcast transcript [PDF]

Resources for this podcast

M is for Data Monkey book

More information &  tutorials on Power Query

• Introduction to Power Query – podcast
• Unpivot data with Power Query [tutorial]
• Import web data using Power Query

More resources on Power Query

• PowerQuery.Training
• Power Query posts from Chris Webb blog

Courses to help you tackle data problems

• Power Query Online Training from Ken & Miguel
• Big Data & Power Pivot training from Chandoo

What is your favorite Power Query book?

Have you read M is for data monkey? How do you like it? What other books on PQ do you read? Please share your opinions and suggestions in the comment box.

The post CP052: Book Review – M is for Data Monkey by Ken & Miguel appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.

In the 51st session of Chandoo.org podcast, let’s discuss most frequently asked questions about VLOOKUP.

What is in this session?

In this podcast,

• What is VLOOKUP?
• What happens when VLOOKUP can’t find the value?
• Should my list be sorted?
• Is VLOOKUP slower than INDEX + MATCH?
• What if my list has multiple matches?
• How to fetch 2nd / 3rd matching item?
• How to fetch all matching items?
• How to fetch items matching multiple conditions?
• How to speed up VLOOKUP?
• Why doesn’t my VLOOKUP work?
• What to do in case of errors?
• Resources for you

Listen to this session

Click here to download the MP3 file.

Resources for this podcast

4 Resources to learn lookup functions:

1. Comprehensive guide to Excel lookup functions
2. VLOOKUP Cheatsheet
3. The VLOOKUP Quiz – test your knowledge
4. Recommended book: The VLOOKUP Book

Other formulas and links mentioned in this podcast:

• INDEX formula – introduction, how to use it and why you should use it?
• INDEX + MATCH formula combination
• IFERROR Formula What is it, syntax, examples and uses
• Looking up 2nd or 3rd matching value
• Looking up based on multiple conditions
• Ultimate VLOOKUP trick – Multi-condition lookup

Speeding up VLOOKUPs:

• Using relationships feature in Excel 2013
• Faster VLOOKUPs with sorting

Transcript of this session:

Download this podcast transcript [PDF]

Want to know more about VLOOKUP? Please ask…

Still have questions about VLOOKUP? Please post them in the comments section. I will try to help you.

The post CP051: VLOOKUP FAQs – Most frequently asked questions about VLOOKUP – Answered appeared first on Chandoo.org - Learn Excel, Power BI & Charting Online.