Dean

Dean Graham is the founder and editor of 9to5flow.com, a website focused on productivity and work-life balance. Dean's career is in commercial banking where he has held various roles where he has encountered the everyday challenges faced by professionals. In 2022, Dean created 9to5flow.com to share practical advice and resources aimed at helping people achieve their goals while maintaining well-being. He hopes the site can provide readers with relatable insights and straightforward tips, as researching these topics has been a valuable exercise for his own career. Outside of the digital space, Dean enjoys the outdoors, college football, live music and being with his family. He finds happiness in continuous learning and helping others find a balanced approach to work and life.

Excel VBA Message Box Essentials: How to Display Notifications and Gather Input

Excel VBA, or Visual Basic for Applications, is a powerful programming language that enhances the functionality of Excel. With VBA, users can automate repetitive tasks, manipulate data in complex ways, and create rich, interactive tools within Excel spreadsheets. One of the indispensable tools provided by VBA is the Message Box function, which is utilized for

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Storytelling in Presentations: A Powerful Hidden Skill

Storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool in enhancing presentations. When a speaker weaves a narrative into the delivery of their message, it can transform the presentation from mere data dissemination to a compelling interaction with the audience. By structuring the information as a story, presenters create an emotional connection with their listeners, allowing them

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Business Excellence: Secrets to Win at Work

Business excellence refers to the systematic use of quality management principles and tools in business management. It involves focusing on delivering quality products or services to customers, managing processes efficiently and effectively, and striving for continuous improvement. The concept integrates the pursuit of quality across all aspects of a company’s operations, establishing a framework for

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Writing Style Guide for Business: Mastering the Forgotten Skill

A writing style guide serves as an anchor for communication within a business, ensuring that all written content is coherent, consistent, and reflects the company’s brand voice. As business writing varies from reports and proposals to emails and social media posts, a versatile guide addresses the distinct needs of each format while maintaining a unified

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Excel Delete Column VBA: Don’t Forget this Skill

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is a powerful programming language integrated into Microsoft Excel that enables users to enhance their experience by automating repetitive tasks. One common task is the deletion of columns from a workbook. This can be cumbersome and time-consuming when performed manually, especially in complex spreadsheets that require frequent updates. However, by

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Edit Using the FAST Strategy: An Easy Framework

Editing is a critical step in crafting effective written communication. The ability to edit well can distinguish a mediocre piece from an outstanding one. One systematic approach gaining traction among editors is the FAST strategy, an acronym standing for Focus, Appeal, Streamline, and Trim. This methodology provides a structured way to analyze and improve written

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Abundance Mentality vs Scarcity Mentality: Think Full

In the landscape of personal and professional development, the concepts of abundance mentality and scarcity mentality present two divergent worldviews with profound implications on one’s life. An abundance mentality, rooted in the belief that there is plenty out there for everybody, cultivates a sense of generosity and confidence. Individuals with this mindset approach life’s opportunities

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Managing Up: Don’t be Shy to Direct Your Director

Managing up refers to the practice of effectively working with one’s superiors to achieve the best possible outcomes for both the employee and the organization. It involves understanding leaders’ goals and actively helping them to fulfill their vision, while also asserting one’s own needs and contributions. This dynamic process requires communication skills, political savvy, and

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