My career wouldn’t be what it is without my strength in Excel.  I had the good fortune to work for a company that required strong Excel (originally Lotus 1-2-3) skills.  You had to become very proficient in spreadsheets and analysis or fall behind.

The increasing use of digital channels means that marketers and communicators can–and should–be held accountable for marketing results.  That means analysis and, in most organizations, that means Excel.  It’s by far the most useful tool for analysis ever invented.

If you’re in marketing and aren’t at an intermediate or better level of Excel proficiency, you’re doing yourself an injustice.

I don’t normally plug things here, but thought I’d provide a resource for Excel training. I bumped into Chandoo’s blog when looking for some Excel tips and have been hooked ever since.  Purna Duggirala is an absolute Excel genius who provides tons of free tips.  If you want to take some courses–which I recommend–try his Excel School. For as little as $97, you can dramatically increase your Excel skills on your own time. (I have no relationship with Purna, other than admiring his devotion to his craft from afar.)

Start 2012 strong.  Pick something to be better at and just do it!