Jacq Connect - productivity + creativity

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Listed below are descriptions of our training classes, including a link to the topics covered in each. To register for any of our trainings, begin by determining the classes you would like to attend by browsing the class descriptions below. Then click the register link to send an email notifying us of your interest.

Our training classes are taught using Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010 and cover everything from the basics of Microsoft Word to our highly renowned Database Developers Series. They are offered online or in a classroom setting.

All of our classes are $60 per person and are three-hours long (we have found that three hours is the saturation point - anything beyond that is sheer torture!). Our classes are focused on teaching users specific skill sets and we reveal time-saving shortcuts and tips that self-taught users rarely find themselves. Our goal is to teach our students to work faster and smarter in order to accomplish more work in less time.

We specialize in online training. The day before your training, we will email you your class manual and a link that you will use the day of the class to join the training session. On the morning of the training, you will click that link, sign in to the class, and then call the conference phone number to connect with your instructor.

A note about the class conference call: The conference call phone number is not toll-free; therefore, you may want to call from a phone line that will not incur a long-distance charge. You may also join the conference call using your computer's microphone and speakers.

Class Descriptions

Microsoft Excel 1: Spreadsheet & Chart Basics

This course focuses on teaching the basics of Excel, Microsoft's powerful spreadsheet program. Although this is an entry level class, you will learn tips and tricks that will help you complete your spreadsheet tasks faster and easier. Topics covered in this course will include: the basics of spreadsheet data entry, navigating through a spreadsheet, editing data, using the fill tool, using entry level basic formulas, using the AutoSum tool, and creating simple charts. After this course, you will be able to create a basic spreadsheet from scratch, write and use basic sum and average formulas, and create simple charts from your data. Prerequisites: Basic computer skills; comfort with the use of a keyboard and mouse; the Microsoft Excel program installed on your computer.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Excel1Outline.pdf
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Microsoft Excel 2: Formulas

This course is designed for those who want to learn to use more of the time and effort saving features of Microsoft Excel. Topics covered in this course will include: freezing the rows and columns of a spreadsheet; learning how use conditional formulas; using other functions such as displaying the current date, combining cells, calculating an age from a birth date, and entering formulas using the function wizard. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Excel 1.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Excel2Outline.pdf
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Microsoft Excel 3: Advanced Tools

This advanced Excel course will teach you how to use some of the essential Microsoft Excel spreadsheet tools. Topics covered in this course will include: grouping, naming, and hiding parts of a spreadsheet; adding together and separating cell contents; using nested if statements and using names in formulas and using references to other worksheets. Prerequisite: Due to the advanced nature of this class, students MUST be able to comfortably use the skills taught in Microsoft Excel 1 & 2 before taking this class.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Excel3Outline.pdf
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Microsoft Excel 4: Data Analysis Tools

This final advanced Excel course is for those of you who are ready to go the next step: subtotals and pivot tables! These tools consolidate your data and point out critical relationships. This course will also cover advanced charting techniques. Prerequisite: Due to the advanced nature of this class, students MUST be able to comfortably use the skills taught in Microsoft Excel 1, 2, and 3 before taking this class.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Excel4Outline.pdf
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Microsoft Word 1: Document & Formatting Basics

Learn the very basics of Microsoft Word!! Although this is an entry level class, you will still learn tips and tricks that will help make your word processing tasks progress faster and easier. Topics covered will include: Exploring the various ribbons of Word; changing the page setup and layout for documents; entering and formatting your text; document headers and footers; and setting margins, indents, and tabs. After this course, you will be able to create and print letters, reports, proposals, etc. Prerequisites: Basic computer skills; comfort with the use of a keyboard and mouse; the Microsoft Word program installed on your computer.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Word1Outline.pdf
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Microsoft Word 2: Tables and Merges

This course is designed for those who feel they aren't using Microsoft Word to its full potential. Topics covered will include: Inserting, formatting, and manipulating tables; creating a mail merge for letters and labels; and learning to use the templates included with Microsoft Word. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Word 1.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Word2Outline.pdf
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Microsoft Word 3: Forms & Advanced Tools

Learn how to design and create forms which can be sent to your staff, clients, volunteers, etc., to gather information and then returned to you for tabulation. Topics covered in this course will include: Creating a table for electronic forms; creating and interactive electronic form; recording a macro; special pasting; using the autocorrect function; tracking document changes; and using advanced finds & replaces, special characters, and headers & footers. Prerequisite: Due to the advanced nature of this class, students MUST be able to comfortably use the skills taught in Microsoft Word 1 & 2 before taking this class.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Word3Outline.pdf
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Microsoft Word 4: Graphics & Brochures

Did you know that there's no need to buy an expensive desktop publishing package if you have Microsoft Word?? This advanced class will show you how to use Microsoft Word to create attractive, professional-looking flyers, pamphlets, and brochures that will help you get results for your non-profit. Topics covered in this course will include: Inserting and manipulating graphics and text boxes, and creating a brochure from design to finish. Prerequisite: Due to the advanced nature of this class, students MUST be able to comfortably use the skills taught in Microsoft Word 1, 2, and 3 before taking this class.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Word4Outline.pdf
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Microsoft Word 5: Newsletters

A nonprofit's communication strategy should always include ongoing correspondence with its clients, client families, volunteers, donors, funders, etc. and one of the most professional ways to accomplish this is through the use of newsletters. This course will focus on information you need to know to develop eye-catching newsletters that will get read and will help get results for your organization. Prerequisite: Due to the advanced nature of this class, students MUST be able to comfortably use the skills taught in Microsoft Word 1, 2, 3, and 4 before taking this class.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Word5Outline.pdf
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Microsoft PowerPoint 1: Slideshow Basics

This fun course will teach you how to create a basic, yet professional PowerPoint presentation, complete with graphics. Topics covered in this course will include: Entering text using different view options, alternate slide layout options, creating your own graphics, using PowerPoint design templates, creating a master slide, and examining and comparing different print options. After this course, you will be able to create a basic yet professional presentation with graphics. Basic computer skills; comfort with the use of a keyboard and mouse; the Microsoft PowerPoint program installed on your computer. Experience and comfort using Microsoft Word is a plus.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Powerpoint - 1Outline.pdf
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Microsoft PowerPoint 2: Animation & Graphics

Learn the more complex tools of PowerPoint, including how to use the impressive animation settings. Topics covered in this course will include: Learning more about creating and using the slide master, adding slides from other presentations, creating slides from a Microsoft Word outline, inserting content from other files, inserting hyperlinks into slides, using slide animations and transitions, rehearsing timings for a slide show, hiding slides during a slide show, adding a soundtrack to your PowerPoint presentation, and how to take your PowerPoint show on the road. Prerequisite: Skills covered in PowerPoint 1.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Powerpoint - 2Outline.pdf
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Microsoft Outlook

Learn how to take full advantage of Outlook's powerful features. Topics covered will include: Exploring the Outlook Inbox; sending, reading, and replying to emails; sending attchments; creating a personal email signature; managing contact lists; using the Outlook calendar to schedule appointments; arranging meetings; reading and replying to invitations; establishing email rules and using Outlook's electronic notes and task manager functions. Emphasis is placed on organizational techniques. Prerequisites: Basic computer skills; comfort with the use of a keyboard and mouse; the Microsoft Outlook program installed on your computer.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/Outlook.pdf
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Intro to Computers 1: The Basics

Learn important details like how to shut your computer off properly, mouse techniques, basic software procedures, and basic troubleshooting. Microsoft Explorer and file management will also be discussed. The skills in this course are critical to the successful completion of other courses. If you are unsure about your skill level, consider this course as a refresher. We promise that you'll learn at least 3 new things!
Hours: 3
Outline:http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/IntroComputers1.pdf
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Intro to Computers 2: Increasing Your Efficiency

If you find yourself lost when looking for files you know are there—or if you need to know how to copy files from your hard drive to a flash or external drive—this course is a must! We will go into more detail about Microsoft Explorer, which manages all your files. We will also discuss how to customize your computer using Windows' control panel settings and ways to increase your efficiency with the computer. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Introduction to Computers 1: The Basics.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/IntroComputers2.pdf
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Intro to Access: Data Entry & Other Basics

Reduce your frustration and increase your efficiency by learning the underlying logic behind this database program. This will also include data entry techniques and writing and using simple queries and reports. Prerequisites: Basic computer skills and comfort with the use of a keyboard and mouse; the Microsoft Access program installed on your computer.
Hours: 3
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/IntroComputers2.pdf
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The Database Developers Series

THIS IS A 5-WEEK COURSE. COMPLETION OF HOMEWORK IS REQUIRED. Non-profits thrive on databases … funding and services depend on the staff's' ability to obtain information about clients, donors, volunteers, etc. Microsoft Access is relatively easy to learn compared to other database applications, but it does take a lot of time and commitment. After this set of courses, you will be able to set up and use practical databases for your organization. Because each course is based upon the information presented in the previous session, we ask that you take all five in the series. Cost is $300 for the entire series.

Microsoft Access 1: Database Planning & Set-Up: This first session will focus on identifying what needs to be included in a nonprofit-related database and how to structure it so that the database will be easy to use and easy to retrieve useful information. Attendees will plan the database they need for their own organization. Prerequisite: Skills covered in Microsoft Excel 2.

Microsoft Access 2: Database Tables & Relationships: In the second session, we will actually set up the database planned in the previous session. Tables will be closely examined, especially field properties. We will also do quick searches, filters, and sorts. Relationships between tables will be a major focus.

Microsoft Access 3: Database Queries & Basic Forms: Queries are used to analyze data, combine data from different tables, and retrieve data from one or more tables using criteria you specify. Forms can be created to "pretty up" your data, make data entry easier, and combine data from different tables and queries. We will also integrate the data into Microsoft Word and Excel for file exchange and publication.

Microsoft Access 4: Database Forms & Reports: More extensive work on the forms will be covered. We will also cover creating and editing reports, which present your data in meaningful ways. Sub-forms and sub-reports will be discussed.

Microsoft Access 5: Troubleshooting the Database: This class will focus on troubleshooting the database and other useful tools. Also covers the important compact-and-repair tool.

Number of hours: 15
Outline: http://www.jacqconnect.us/classes/accesstopics.pdf
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Other Classes Available

Adobe InDesign: The Basics
Adobe Illustrator: The Basics
Adobe PhotoShop: Graphics for the Web
QuickBooks 1: Setting Up Your System
QuickBooks 2: Statements & Reports
Converting to Office 2007 & 2010
Online Tools to Manage Your Technology
Top Ten Tools to Improve Productivity

Schedule a class or an individual session

Personalized job coaching is the ideal training setting. You set the agenda and we work with your files so you can learn how to do your specific job responsibilities more efficiently. Individual sessions for Microsoft Office products are $50 per hour, with a 2 hour minimum. Individual sessions for databases and Adobe Creative Suite products are $80 per hour, with a 2 hour minimum. You set the agenda and we work with your files so you can learn how to do your specific job responsibilities more efficiently.

Classes can be conducted online or in a classroom setting. To optimize the learning environment, there is a minimum of 6 persons and a maximum of 12. Online and classroom classes are $60 per person per class with a 6-person minimum (or $500 per class with a 12-person maximum). The Database Developers Series, which is 5 classes total, is $300 per person.

We also offer LIVE HELP.

Are you are experiencing a specific problem in a certain application, such as an issue in an Excel spreadsheet or your mail merge won't format correctly although you've tried 100 times to fix it on your own?? Then stop losing valuable time and contact Candy Petticord, Vice-President of Productivity Services, at C@JacqConnect.us to schedule an appointment to address your needs.

From our Learners ...

Candy is fun, energetic, extremely knowledgeable and has the ability to get you excited about learning this program and that you can learn it.

Good teaching ability, checked on participants often and very helpful. Patience and sense of humor was great.

Love the presenter - always great to work with.

Great, very encouraging. She was clear, comfortable to ask questions and interactive with the group.

Awesome - very patient - captures attention and keeps us focused.

I like that she takes it one step at a time and makes sure we are understanding.

Candy knows her stuff and she is respectful of all and their needs.

She broke it down in a very comprehensible format.

She gears this to everyone's level. She was awesome!

The manual was great! Very good presentation.

I found this class very helpful with the basics of Excel. If there is a 2nd class about equations and other in-depth tools I would like to attend.

The presenter was patient with everyone and made learning excel exciting.

Wonderful! Focused, good teacher. Very pleasant and professional.

Candy was outstanding. Would recommend her classes to others. She's fun and informative.

Candy was very pleasant to listen to and was very comfortable with the program. I liked the fact that she took the time to make sure we all understood the information.

Liked the business practices advice.

Good instructor. Helpful - even after the seminar.

Candy was a wonderful presenter. Enjoyed her "style" and she made me feel very comfortable. She knew her information and made sure we understood before moving forward.

Awesome! Would make a great facilitator to teach other facilitators how not to be boring!