Resource Library Preview

Excel University Resource Library – Free Preview

Take a peek at the PivotTable Basics chapter from the upcoming Excel University Resource Library

Hi,

Before you get started on the preview, I want to share the feedback received from the survey.

The survey had 3 questions, and here is what I learned after reading and summarizing the 500+ responses submitted:

  • Question 1: What content MUST be included and available? Far and away, the Lecture videos, Excel Files, Book chapters, and Solutions videos were the top requested items, and these are going to be included in the new Resource Library. Since there wasn’t much interest in the other items (such as exams and quizzes) we’ll leave them out at this point and keep the library clean and easy to navigate.
  • Question 2: How do we price access for this ongoing resource? The number one vote was an annual subscription (44%), followed by a one-time fee (38%), and last was monthly subscription (18%). Many comments provided further feedback about the pricing model as well. I’m very grateful for this feedback because it changed things from my original idea. Based on your feedback, it will be sold on an annual basis along with a slightly more expensive monthly option. The subscription won’t automatically renew at the end of the term, but rather, we’ll send out a renewal email that allows you to buy an additional year if desired. I also received advice that providing access for a one-time fee isn’t practical because the agreement would mean forever and you just can’t commit to something like that. I think that is good advice, so, we’ll leave out the one-time fee option.
  • Question 3: Price point? Well, not surprisingly, the most popular answer here was free. But, I was surprised by the number of people who said the content should absolutely not be free. The remaining responses reflected the expected distribution that decreases as price increases. I think we’ll probably find middle ground and price it in the $25-$50 per year range, with a monthly option of between $3 and $5 or so.

Many of the additional comments were encouraging and expressed enthusiasm about the resource library. There was also a comment theme expressing a desire for free access, so, here is what I’m thinking at this point:

  • Provide free access to the resource library during the enrollment period for students buying a training bundle (either full or lite).
  • Provide ongoing free access to some content, namely, the Excel files, Solutions videos, Blog posts, and Articles, after the enrollment period ends.
  • Providing free access, or any access, to folks who have not enrolled into an Excel University training bundle won’t work because the resource library was designed to provide students with ongoing digital access to the training materials. It’s not intended to replace the training course, rather, it accompanies the training course.

Now, I’ll answer a question about the development of Excel University. To answer the question, I’ll share am embarrassing personal story that reminds me of a painful time in my life.

Awesome Start!

Not too many years ago, I was an accountant in private industry. I was offered this incredible opportunity as an accounting manager at a great public company. The people were super nice, the office was amazing, and the company truly helped people in medical need. I was so happy!

Uh oh 🙁

Life at the new company started off great. But, I quickly got overwhelmed.
I was responsible for closing the books (2 weeks of my month) and supervising the AP and AR functions…plus I needed to work on budgets. I soon had more work than I could handle and I was stressed out.

Mr. Grouch

Too much to do, not enough time to do it. This work stress moved to my home life. Unfortunately for my new wife, I came home from work grouchy. Grumpy. I was short tempered, and lost my patience quickly. I had to work late nights and weekends. And I still couldn’t keep up with everything. I was drowning. It felt like I couldn’t breathe.

CFO Showdown

Ultimately, this stress and frustration resulted in a showdown with the CFO. He gave me some task or project, I forget exactly what it was, but at the time, it pushed me over the edge. I just didn’t have time for another project. So, right then and there, in the public cubicle area, within earshot of the accounting staff, I told him that I didn’t have time for this, and that he needs to find someone else to do it. Ouch. I mean, he was the CFO! I will tell you that my response did NOT go over well at all and HR got involved. I felt really bad and went into his office and apologized. It was then that I realized something had to change. And that is the day I turned to Excel for my solution.

To be continued…

I’ve taken up enough time with this story, so, I’ll continue it in my next email.

Now, if you’d like to check out the free preview of the Excel University Resource Library, use the link below.

http://store.excel-university.com/product?catalog=EURL-Preview

Thanks,

jl_sig2

PS – If you do check it out, please let me know what you think by taking the short survey inside the resource library…your feedback will help me get it just right…thanks!