How to Create an Excel Action Plan for Your Project [EASY + EFFECTIVE]

Are you wondering how to create an Excel action plan for your project? In this video, I’m teaching you how to create a project plan in Excel that will help you lead your project to success.
I’ll show you:
- How to create an action plan step-by-step using Excel
- Unique features and benefits of having your project plan in Excel
- How to copy my Excel project plan template
- Tips for creating a project plan in Excel
- What project planning steps you need to follow when you’re doing it in Excel
- An idea of what the project planning process looks like in Excel
So, Project Manager, if you’re trying to make your Excel project management plan but you don’t know where to start, stay tuned for this video where I’ll show you how to make a project management project plan by using one of the best project management tools: Excel!
➡️ F R E E D O W N L O A D :
Download my free “6 Basics to Keep Your Project From Failing” Cheat Sheet:
www.slayprojectmanagement.com...
➡️ F R E E W E B I N A R ! Are you striving for successful projects, but get overwhelmed figuring out what elements of project management to focus on for the best results? You need THE FAB 5 FUNDAMENTALS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT webinar! You’ll learn the 5 things you need to do on EVERY project to bring it to success. So, if you can only focus your time and attention on 5 things when running your project, THESE are the 5 things you need to focus on. Sign up here: www.slayprojectmanagement.com...
➡️ 🌟SLAY Project Management Online Course 🌟: adrianagirdler.thinkific.com/...
➡️ Order your #SLAYprojectmanagment T-shirt here: shop.cornerstonedynamics.com/...
If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up, subscribe, share it with your friends.
➡️S A Y H I O N S O C I A L :
Website: www.CornerStoneDynamics.com/
Instagram: / theadrianagirdler
LinkedIn: / adriana-girdler-cet-pm...
Facebook: / cornerstonedynamics
Thanks for watching my video “How to Create an Excel Action Plan for Your Project”: • How to Create an Excel...
#AdrianaGirdler
#ProjectManagement

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thanks for watching. 🌟 Don't forget to sign up for my Free Online Training and learn THE FAB FIVE FUNDAMENTALS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT. Click here to register: www.slayprojectmanagement.com/webinar

[@karinakeith7799]

What a great step-by-step walkthrough of how to do this.

[@LifeontwowheelsRocks]

Love your channel. I am a semi-retired lawyer, have always been a serious Excel user. I give a course in records management accredited by the Bar (Ontario + Quebec), I wrote the text book. When I was in-house counsel to a very large public company, I used Excel for a number of key processes, including insider reporting and tracking Board of Directors and standing committee action items. I have now adapted that latter Excel process, with help from your excellent videos, to track the establishment of a new project at my alma mater, as well as to manage a $6M fund raising campaign. Turns out that all I needed to do was add more detailed project segment tracking to my action item sheet. All possible thanks to your channel.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

@LifeontwowheelsRocks, I am thrilled that my channel has given you new insight on how to manage your projects. I love excel, it's my go to and is so flexible and buildable. Wishing you all the best and thank you for taking the time to comment. Cheers!

[@callicat7405]

Great video. The explanation is so straight forward and makes it look so easy to do. Love the conditional formatting.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thank you and thanks for watching, cheers!

[@nadinesims1450]

Oh. My. Goodness. I'm fairly advanced in Excel, but this video still taught me some new things AND is helping me to organize a project in a way that is far more efficient than methods I have used in the past. I really like how it uses Excel, because everyone DOES have access to it, and so I don't need to set up a subscription service for my team and purchase different software. Thanks so much for the videos!

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Hi Nadine! I am so pleased that this video taught you some new things and that it’s helping you organize your current project. Just awesome! Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@MarielysPagan]

Hi Adriana! Thank you for sharing these videos. They helped me a land a job from teaching to project manager. I’m really happy and excited to start the journey! ♥️

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You are so very welcome and a huge congratulations on your new journey as a PM! I also have a 45 min webinar that I think will benefit you. In this free training I walk you through the five key items needed on all projects, it's what I call the FAB FIVE FUNDAMENTALS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT. The FAB FIVE are the 5 key items that you must do on every project - if you only do 5 things, these are them! It’s a great way to simplify projects, while still doing the essentials needed to ensure project success. Save your seat here: www.slayprojectmanagement.com/webinar Wishing you great success, cheers!

[@oliviaimel2580]

^working for this same thing! Teacher to PM. Thank you, thank you!

[@kidronreddy1671]

Heaven sent .Thank You so much Adriana .Sincerely Appreciate this.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You are so welcome! Thanks you for watching, cheers!

[@thealperyigit]

Great explanation. Love it ❤

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thank you! 😃

[@pitadriti9767]

Amazing clarity and brevity. Thanks Adriana.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@mspayitforward5295]

I love these videos, Adriana!! Filing excel conditional formatting under ‘Slayed’. Thanks for the new tricks.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You’re most welcome! Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@swanky82]

lovely. Keep things simple 🎉🎉😊

[@JorgeZiyad]

I am finding this video extremely helpful. Thank you so much I love the enthusiasm. ☕

[@AdrianaGirdler]

I'm so glad! Thank you for watching, cheers!

[@nitinjaiswal7224]

Superb 👏 I loved this. Thank you so much Adriana. You know what I always use the blue in the header :) like you and also I follow the Color coding Red Yellow Green :)

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Fantastic Nitin 🙌🙌 and you are most welcome! Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@dingogaming8485]

Thanks alot for all you do to empower pple with your knowledge, this is so helpful

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You are so very welcome! Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@thecoolnat]

Thumb up Adriana. Your sharing plus the tutorial really help me a lot.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Hi Natalie! I am so please to here that this tutorial helped you. Thanks for watching and wishing you all the best. Cheers!

[@ElijahKilis]

THANK YOU LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, IT REALLY HELPS ME ALOT

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@electricalindustry]

Very well explained and helpful.Thank you!

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@chanditome]

Hi Adriana - I am thankful to you for working on this amazing video. You have re-ignited my interest in Excel and project management. Regards, Chandi

[@AdrianaGirdler]

@chanditome6826 I am thrilled that this video has re-ignited your interest! Thanks so much for watching and wish you all the best, cheers!

[@Avata-Studio]

love it.. u didnt seem like a robot.. u allowed the fun human factor take front seat.. (first timer)

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thank you @Symmetry-Studios. I feel like when you are passionate about something it's easy to be yourself. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Cheers!

[@haftomkahsay7076]

Very helpful

[@9-HAPPYTHOUGHTS]

Madam pls zoom u r screen when you share your learnings . Thankyou

[@stephaniemcmanus915]

Adriana these videos are great - i am transferring from nursing to project management and these videos are great at supporting me in my transition

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Hi Stephanie, I am happy to hear these videos are helping you with your career transition! I do have a 45 min webinar that I think will benefit you as well. In this free training I walk you through the five key items needed on all projects, it's what I call the FAB FIVE FUNDAMENTALS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT. The FAB FIVE are the 5 key items that you must do on every project - if you only do 5 things, these are them! It’s a great way to simplify projects, while still doing the essentials needed to ensure project success. Save your seat here: www.slayprojectmanagement.com/webinar Wishing you all the best and great success! Cheers.

[@stephaniemcmanus915]

@@AdrianaGirdler Thanks - i am defo jumping in the deep end. Yet to find a job

[@ilovebio05]

Love this Adriana!❤

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thank you so much!

[@candiceknowles9155]

This is Awesome… I had to subscribe ❤️💪🏽

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thank you for watching and subscribing! Cheers!

[@sujatakumar61]

Excellent instructions!!!

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@cleverdisplayname]

Awesome

[@gkpr]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! This is SO helpful! On to the GNATT chart tutorial!

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You are so welcome! Hope you find the GANTT chart tutorial helpful too! Thanks for watching, cheers.

[@Kate120796]

very useful, thank you :)

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You’re welcome! I hope this makes creating an action plan easier for you. Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@laurendempsey7032]

Conditional formatting has always confused me. But this is a great tutorial on making a simple excel action plan!

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Happy to hear this tutorial has helped! Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@EkeminiJacobs]

Just discovered a great channel. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Fantastic! Welcome and thanks for watching, cheers!

[@HCoons1975]

I have never had a class in Excel. This is fascinating. I need to learn more about Excel. As someone with ADHD, I sometimes have problems with time management and knowing when to prioritize. If I can replicate something like this for my needs, it could be very helpful. Not just in my current work/life balance, but in also looking for a new job. Classwork and coursework can drop all the terms you need for learning, but they don't teach you application or importance. Foundational knowledge is not there for me. I need to get a book on Excel and go through it to teach myself how to use it. Coursework discussed six sigma, but I still have no idea what it is or where to apply it. I don't have a high enough income to pursue certification to learn more.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thank you for sharing. I have a video that may be helpful kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmLEin-npraUZ6c Wishing you all the best and thanks for watching, cheers!

[@Vibewid_M]

8:28 ❤Ty !

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@francescajohnson6868]

Great Job

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thank you and thanks for watching, cheers!

[@evelyngrammar]

This is great! I find Excel so much easier for the team than Microsoft Project.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@9-HAPPYTHOUGHTS]

Love it mam

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thank you for watching, cheers!

[@sheilaramirez-ur4ce]

I am loving all your videos - Sheila Ramirez

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thank you so much, Sheila! I am so glad to hear you are loving my videos. I do have a 45 min webinar that I think will benefit you as well. In this free training I walk you through the five key items needed on all projects, it's what I call the FAB FIVE FUNDAMENTALS OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT. The FAB FIVE are the 5 key items that you must do on every project - if you only do 5 things, these are them! It’s a great way to simplify projects, while still doing the essentials needed to ensure project success. Save your seat here: www.slayprojectmanagement.com/webinar Wishing you all the best, cheers!

[@botchyman]

Great video thank you, Question my wife really likes you book case in the back where can I get one or is it custom?

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thanks for watching! I got the shelving unit at structube but not sure if it's still available. Cheers!

[@user-tq5vz3fo7c]

Hi Adriana, Hope your well. Thanks for the clip. For large projects with multiple 3rd parties is it worth having multiple plans or a master plan?

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Master plan. Otherwise the amount of work you will be doing reviewing separate plans will be painful. Also, a master plan allows others to see what’s really involved in getting the project done and not just their activities.

[@juanmmaldonado]

Thanks for this tutorial, very helpful. Not quite clear on the "end Date" column on the table. Is that the due date for the task or does the individual write in the date once it is completed?

[@AdrianaGirdler]

End date is due date. Cheers.

[@AdamBoettiger]

Wonderful explanation! Everyone has access to Excel. I'm curious - you didn't discuss whether this was the master copy that somehow all ten teams updated; or whether each team is siloed working on their own tab in their own file? I was not aware that Excel could sync a file across multiple computers. Is that now a feature?

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Hey Adam - great question! Definitely only use one master copy, but save it to a shared drive - it's the task owners responsibility to update their tasks, so everyone needs access. Sometimes I organize the tabs by person, sometimes I organize the tabs by department - it depends on the project. Cheers!

[@donaldfreeland2429]

How would you mark the task as completed? With the conditional formatting described the cell is the marked as past due.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Hi Donald. In the conditional formatting you can add a rule "text that contains" In that rule I use completed and choose grey for the cell colour. Hope this helps and thanks for watching, cheers!

[@philippaclarke2844]

Followed step by step now im all set. Another thing i struggle with is finding the perfect tool for capturing meeting notes and actions so everyone has access and they don't get lost. Any suggestions or what works well for you?

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Wonderful to hear Philippa! I use a Sharepoint site with my team where all critical documents can be found and updated along with all meeting notes. Check out my video on creating a Sharepoint for projects kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmObo4iVaMd8r6M Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@devinilae3424]

Do you have any videos of project plans made in excel that can be transferred in to a Timeline Pro format?

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Hi Devin, I don't have a video on that but will look into adding as one of our KZbin topic suggestions. Thanks for watching, cheers!

[@itworld6420]

How to calculate activity duration without including the weekends?

[@user-nx8ob5ox7i]

You didn't show how to create the percentage. Good video

[@muskanmarwha320]

I have question!!! I tried the conditional formatting but as soon the planned due date task is completed, it still shows in red because the conditional formatting not taking progress % into account. So past due actually didn't worked for me

[@muskanmarwha320]

Is there any way out?

[@AdrianaGirdler]

The conditional format is only linked to the dates and not the progress %. As I say at the 5:00 minute mark I allow for individual to fill that out themselves. This I important because if they only have 50% done and it’s due at the end of the week they I will be speaking to them to find out what is their plan to complete the task by the due date. It acts as a quality check.

[@muskanmarwha320]

Thanks Adriana, it helped.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

You’re welcome

[@alemayehuhaile5600]

Better you to use subtitles

[@AdrianaGirdler]

@alemayehuhaile5600 you can turn on the closed caption in YT and that will give you subtitles across the bottom of the video. Hope that helps and thanks for watching, cheers!

[@tutsecret499]

I don't understand how the project can be past due in September 1, 2022 and the due soon is September 30, 2022. Isn't the other way around. Past due October 1st, 2022; due soon September 30, 2022. The confusion is because the past due cell has the date September 1, 2022, forgetting that this cell has =Today().

[@AdrianaGirdler]

It referencing a task….not the overall project due date. As well, the past due and due soon are for conditional format rules.

[@darinlewisii4024]

Can you do one without conditional formatting?

[@vancejochim8537]

This is a good topic, but it would help if you showed the end product FIRST, and then wade through all the details. Why would viewers watch this without knowing the benefit first.?

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Thanks for your feedback. Cheers.

[@kyleloks80]

Very well done for a beginner like me to learn. Can you please do more and train us how to make more easy formulation for cleaning or projects? Thank you.

[@AdrianaGirdler]

Hi @kyleloks80 I do have a course that I think would be of benefit to you. It's called SLAY Project Management. In this course I walk you through the entire project process from start to finish to make sure you know exactly how to manage your project. It also includes all the templates you will need to keep you on track with your projects! You will also have access to the SLAY Project Management Facebook group where you can ask questions and share your wins with other Slayers! Here is the link to check it out adrianagirdler.thinkific.com/courses/slaypm Thanks for watching, cheers!