| How to Use Vlookup With an Excel Spreadsheet Posted: 29 Jan 2018 04:00 PM PST This wikiHow teaches you how to find a cell's corresponding information in Microsoft Excel using the VLOOKUP formula. The VLOOKUP formula is useful for finding things like employee salary values or your budget on a given date. You can use VLOOKUP in both Windows and Mac versions of Excel. - Open your Excel document. Double-click the Excel document that contains the data for which you want to use the VLOOKUP function.
- If you haven't yet created your document, open Excel, click Blank workbook (Windows only), and enter your data by column.
- Make sure that your data is properly formatted. VLOOKUP only works with data that's organized in columns (e.g., in vertical sections), meaning that your data most likely has headers in the top row of cells but not in the far-left column of cells.
- If your data is organized by rows instead, you'll won't be able to use VLOOKUP to find a value.
- Understand each aspect of the VLOOKUP formula. The VLOOKUP formula consists of four main parts, each of which refers to a piece of information in your spreadsheet:[1]
 - Lookup Value - The cell across from which the data that you want to look up is in. For example, if you want to look up data in cell F3, your lookup value will be in the third row of the spreadsheet.
- Table Array - Your entire table's span from the top-left cell to the bottom-right cell (not including headers). For example, if your table starts at A2, goes down to A20, and extends over to the F column, your table goes from A2 to F20.
- Column Index Number - The index number of the column in which the value that you want to look up is in. A column's "index number" refers to its order number; for example, in a spreadsheet that has data in columns A, B, and C, the index number of A would be 1, B would be 2, and C would be 3. The index number starts at 1 for the far-left column of data, so if your data starts in column F, its index number is 1.
- Range Lookup - You'll normally want a precise answer for the VLOOKUP result, which can be achieved by typing in for this value. For an estimate, you can type in instead.
- Select an empty cell. Click a cell in which you want to store the result of the VLOOKUP formula.
- Add the VLOOKUP formula tag. Type in to start the VLOOKUP formula. The rest of the formula will go between the open parenthesis and a closed one at the end.
- Enter the lookup value. Find the cell in which the lookup value is written, then enter the cell's name into the VLOOKUP formula followed by a comma.[2]
- For example, if the lookup value is written in cell A12, you'd type into the formula.
- You'll separate each section of the formula with a comma, but you don't need to use spaces.
- Enter the table array value. Find the top-left cell in which data is stored and enter its name into the formula, type a colon (), find the bottom-right cell in the data group and add it to the formula, and then type a comma.
- For example, if your table goes from cell A2 to cell C20, you'd type into the VLOOKUP formula.
- Enter the column index number. Find the index number of the column that contains the value that you want VLOOKUP to display, then type it into the formula with a comma after it.
- For example, if your table uses the A, B, and C columns and the data that you want is in C, you would type in here.
- Type in to close the formula. This will allow VLOOKUP to find the exact value in your specified column for the selected item. Your formula should look something like this:
- Press . Doing so will run your formula and display the result in the formula's cell.
- A common application of VLOOKUP for an inventory sheet entails plugging an item's name into the "lookup value" section and using the item's cost column as the "column index number" value.
- To keep the cell value from changing in your VLOOKUP code when you add or adjust cells in your table, put a '$' before each letter and number of each cell name. For example, A12 would become $A$12, and A2:C20 would become $A$2:$C$20.
- Double-check your column index number before plugging it into the VLOOKUP formula, as the column index number changes depending on which column your data starts in—not the order of the columns themselves.
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| How to Prepare for Track Posted: 29 Jan 2018 08:00 AM PST Whether you're a seasoned runner who's looking for the best way to approach an upcoming track meet, or you're a beginner who just wants to make the team, you may be wondering how to prepare. If track meets or tryouts are coming up and you don't know what to do, don't panic. There are many ways that you can strengthen your body and mind so that you're ready to be the best track athlete you can be. EditIn a Hurry? If you've already gotten a sports physical and athletic clothes, shoes, and equipment, the best way to prepare for track is to condition with ladder workouts 2-3 times per week and strength training workouts 1-2 times per week. Run shorter distances to improve your speed and longer distances to improve your endurance. Eat nutritious, balanced meals that contain protein, leafy greens, and carbohydrates and drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every the day. For help staying focused and positive before a meet, scroll down! EditGetting Ready for Track Season - Try a ladder workout. Ladder workouts, or pyramid workouts, involve starting with a short distance, gradually working up to a longer distance, and then working your way back down to the original shorter distance. For example, run , , , , and then at a medium pace with 2-3 minutes of rest in between.[1]
- This kind of workout can improve your endurance and pacing.
- You can also do reverse ladder workouts, where you start at a longer distance, work your way down to a shorter distance, and then finish at the longest original distance.
- Do this type of workout 2-3 times each week when getting into shape for track season.
- Run shorter distances repeatedly to improve your speed. Practice running and/or over and over again to improve your sprinting ability. Focusing on these shorter distances may help you to develop speed, pacing ability, and strength.[2]
- Try doing a workout where you run 4 total laps. Run continuously as you sprint the straightaways and jog the curves of each lap.
- For best results, focus on sprinting shorter distances 2-3 times each week.
- Run longer distances repeatedly to improve your endurance. Focus on running longer distances over and over again to prepare your body for distance events. Run and at a time during your workouts to gain endurance.[3]
- Try doing a workout where you jog 5 times with a 90-second resting break between each one.
- To successfully gain endurance, focus on running longer distances 2 or 3 times every week.
- Do lower body strength training once or twice a week. While running is the more obvious way to condition your body for running track, lifting weights is necessary for strengthening your muscles effectively. Incorporate lower body strength training exercises into your workouts 1-2 times each week to build up your leg muscles for running. Some exercises you can try include:[4]
- Add in weekly upper body strength training. While it may not seem like it, building your upper body is also very important for running track. Your chest, shoulders, and arms should be strong for driving your arms as you run, and a strong back may help you to maintain good posture while running. Try to incorporate some of the following upper body strength training exercises into your workouts about once a week:[5]
- Eat healthy, balanced meals. At track practice each day, you'll be exerting a lot of energy. Because of this, it's important to eat healthy meals that can effectively provide the nutrients that your body needs. Eat an energizing breakfast each day to kickstart your metabolism and a lunch that contains both protein and leafy greens. Eat foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates just after your workouts.[6]
- Try eating oatmeal with berries or a couple of eggs, a piece of toast, and a glass of orange juice for breakfast.
- Consider eating a grilled chicken breast with a big salad that has carrots, cucumbers, and peppers in it for lunch.
- Incorporate spaghetti and marinara sauce, potatoes, lean meats, and/or fava beans into your post-workout meals.
- Ask your coach for advice. It's a good idea to approach the track season with a few goals in mind. Bring up your weaknesses with your coach and ask them if they can help you improve in those areas. This may help you make progress and also get closer to your coach.[7]
- If you're struggling with a certain physical setback, such as pacing or hurdling form, ask your coach for advice on how to get better.
- You can also talk to your coach about how to handle certain mental struggles, such as dealing with a big loss.
EditPreparing for a Meet - Get 9-10 hours of sleep the night before. As an athlete, you'll need to sleep more in order to give your body the proper amount of rest and recovery time. This will allow your body to perform as well as possible. Try to get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep the night before you compete in a meet. Getting 9 or 10 hours is even better.[8]
- Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water throughout the day. Exerting yourself will make you sweat and lose a significant amount of the water in your body. Fill up your water bottle before starting your day and keep it on you all day long so that you can stay hydrated. Once you drink it all, refill your water bottle and continue drinking it throughout the day.[9]
- Eat healthy, light snacks before the meet. If there's a lot of time between the last meal you ate and the event you're competing in, eat a healthy snack or 2 to keep yourself strong, focused, and energized. Go with something small and light, like a piece of fruit and/or a granola bar, to avoid getting lightheaded or upsetting your stomach.[10]
- Try to keep a positive mindset. When you're about to compete, it's important to think optimistically. It can be easy to let the pressure get the best of you, but that will only stress you out and possibly hinder your performance. When negative thoughts of self-doubt pop into your head, give yourself positive reminders, such as:[11]
- You've prepared the best you can, and that's what matters.
- You are capable of doing well.
- Everything happens for a reason.
- Listen to music. Listening to music can help you stay focused before the meet by tuning out the high-pressure environment and eliminating distractions. Listen to rap, rock, or dance music to get yourself positively pumped up for your event. Try listening to slower soothing music if you want to relax your mind.[12]
- Jog 2 laps slowly. Before you start exerting your body, you'll need to get your muscles loose. Start off by jogging around the track 2 times at a very slow, conversational pace.[13]
- 2 laps is the equivalent of .
- Do static stretching for at least 15 minutes. Static stretching involves holding a position for 10 seconds while staying still.[14] After you've done a little jogging, static stretching will help you continue to loosen up your muscles. Stretch for a total of at least 15 minutes to get your body properly stretched. Some basic static stretches you can do include:[15]
- Standing hamstring stretch
- Standing quadriceps stretch
- Side lunge stretch
- Butterfly stretch
- Prone calf stretch[16]
- Do dynamic warm up exercises for another 15 minutes. After doing some static stretches, move on to dynamic stretches, which involve movement. These have many benefits in addition to activating your muscles, including improving your range of motion and body awareness. Some dynamic stretches include:[17]
- Knee to chest
- A-skips
- B-skips
- High knees
- Butt kicks[18]
EditGiving Track a Try - Get a sports physical. Before you start running track, go to the doctor and get a physical to make sure that it's safe for you to run. During the physical, you'll fill out information about your medical history and be examined physically by the doctor.[19]
- You may have the opportunity to get a physical done at school. If not, make an appointment with your primary care physician.
- Get athletic clothes, shoes, and equipment. You'll need to get a few different things to wear and use at practices and meets. Get some athletic clothes, such as gym shorts, athletic leggings, moisture-wicking shirts, moisture-wicking socks, and sports bras, that make working out comfortable. Also get some running shoes that have proper support to prevent injuries, a water bottle, and a water-resistant duffel bag to keep everything in.[20]
- Also keep a sweatshirt and sweatpants in your duffel bag to wear while you warm up.
- Try sprinting if you can run fast. If you prefer sprinting shorter distances to jogging long ones, then sprinting events might be for you. The sprinting events in track include the dash, the dash, and the , each of which you can run on your own or in a relay with 3 other people.[21]
- In a relay race, the first runner in a team of 4 starts with a baton and passes it to the next person immediately after they've finished running the required distance. Then, the second person runs the same required distance and passes it to the third team member and the cycle continues. The 4th team member crosses the finish line with the baton.
- Go for middle or long distance events if you have endurance. In track, there are several different longer races that your school or running program may or may not offer. Typically there is a race, race, and a , but the options vary by school and track type. Consider doing one or more of these events if you feel stronger and faster as a distance runner.
- Especially at the collegiate level, there are farther distance options, sometimes as long as !
- Try jumping events if you can jump high and/or far. If you consider yourself agile and athletic but not necessarily a runner, then a jumping event might be a good fit for you. While practicing for these events, you'll probably do a mixture of different exercises, including cross training, weight lifting, sprinting, and jumping drills. Consider trying one of the following jumping events:[22]
- Try hurdling events if you love both running and jumping. If you can't decide between running and jumping events, hurdling events incorporate both types of movement. Typically, you can do the hurdles, hurdles, or both. Either way, you'll have 10 evenly-spaced hurdles set up on the track in your lane that you have to jump over on your way to the finish line.[23]
- You can do up to 4 events, so if you love both running and jumping, you could do a running event, a jumping event, a hurdling event, and you'd still be able to do one more.
- Attempt throwing events if you're strong but don't prefer to run. For the most part, throwing practice consists of throwing drills and weight lifting. Consider focusing on throwing events if this kind of workout sounds more appealing to you than running-focused workouts. There are several different throwing events that you can try, including:[24]
- Don't push yourself too hard right away. Getting into shape may take some time, and that's okay. Just do the best you can.
- Watch videos on Youtube of different track meet events to learn more about them.
- As you run, inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
- Shin splints are common for runners and typically cause lower leg pain. If you get shin splints, icing the area and taking a break from running should help. If the pain continues, contact your doctor.
EditThings You'll Need - Quality running shoes
- Athletic clothes
- Water Bottle
- Sports Bag (Optional)
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| How to Open a Car Wash Business Posted: 29 Jan 2018 12:00 AM PST Opening a car wash business can be a fun, interesting, and profitable business for somebody with business smarts and perseverance. With the right location, good marketing, and top-notch service, you can draw in numerous customers who need their cars washed quickly, efficiently, and at a good price. However, opening a car wash business also requires a significant investment, good planning, and attention to detail in order to make your business profitable. EditPlanning Your Car Wash - Research the car wash business. Even if you've worked at a car wash business, you'll need to be up to date on all the latest trends and technologies to have a good understanding of the industry. Visit other car washes and figure out the type of car wash you would like to open (e.g. self-service, automatic, waterless, full detailing, etc.)[1]
 - For example, people use car washes more when the economy is doing well and when motor vehicle sales are up. When people have more money to spend, they are more willing to pay for a car wash. Knowing the car sales statistics in your area could help you predict success for your business.
- Talk to car wash owners, car wash suppliers, and car wash equipment manufacturers. You want to understand the car wash business from all sides so you know what you are getting into.[2]
- The International Carwash Association is a good resource to learn about the industry and the current trends.[3]
- Read Internet trend reports and business periodicals. Find out what the demographics are in your area and read up on how car wash businesses are doing in areas with similar demographics.
- Read business publications to find out what the newest materials and equipment are. The car wash industry is developing more energy efficient and environmentally friendly materials, so it's important to stay abreast of new developments.
- Investigate the competition in your area. In order for your business to be competitive, you need to thoroughly research the other car washes in your area. If you have already chosen a location for your car wash, scope out all the competition within a 5 mile radius.[4] What services do they offer? What are their prices? How do they market their business? How often are customers using the services?
- Take notes as you investigate the car washes. You can go back and review them as you make plans for your car wash.
- Also pay attention to the other businesses around the car washes. If a car wash has a high volume of customers, what are some of the factors that are contributing to this? Is it located in a busy shopping center or right off the highway?
- Draw up a detailed business plan. A business plan will help you get financing to start your car wash and think through the details of your business. Make your plan as detailed as possible. The business plan should include an introduction (3-5 pages), market analysis (9-22 pages), company description (1-2 pages), organization and management (3-5 pages), marketing and sales strategies (4-6 pages), product/service (4-10 pages), equity investment and funding request (2-4 pages), financial information (12-25 pages).[5]
 - The introduction should include your Executive Summary, table of contents, and a cover page.
- Your market analysis demonstrates your knowledge of the car wash industry and the results of any market research and analysis that you have done. Who are your customers and what are their purchasing habits? What are the risks, strengths, and weaknesses involved with opening a car wash? What is your projected revenue based on the current market and future market trends?
- Your company description should include information about your car wash business and why you think it will be successful.
- The organization and management section should detail the structure of your company, the board of directors, and the qualifications of your management team.
- The marketing and sales portion should clearly outline your marketing strategy. How will you get customers? What avenues will you use to reach them? What is your overall sales strategy?
- The product or service section outlines exactly what you will be selling. How does your car wash business fill a void in the market? Why would people want to use your car wash as opposed to other car washes?
- The equity and funding section details exactly how much money you will need to start your business and what financial resources you already have to invest in the business.
- The financial information is the most important part of your business plan and should be reviewed by an accountant or financial planner. Include your personal financial information, any existing businesses you have, a list of debts, projected income for 5 years, and certification that your information was reviewed by a 3rd party financial adviser.
- Find the investment capital to open a car wash. You can finance your new car wash through bank financing, a Small Business Association (SBA) loan, or through private investors. You will also need to have some cash of your own saved up to secure financing from others.[6]The best way to do this is by presenting your business plan to your potential investor and show how your idea can be a viable business.
- A bank loan requires a loan-to-value ratio of 75%. You will need to come up with 25% of the fair market value and the bank will fund the other 75%. It will be harder for you to secure bank financing if you have never owned a business before.
- An SBA loan will either be a 7a or a 504. If you get a 7a loan, the SBA will partner with a local investor. Your actual loan will be financed by the local lender. A 504 loan is actually financed by the SBA and has job creation criteria.[7]
- The start up costs for a car wash range from $100,000 - $400,000.[8]
- Choose the location for your car wash business. Having the right location can make or break your business. A successful location should be near a shopping center, in a high traffic, residential area, be easily and visible accessible from the road, allow for expansions and business growth, and have enough space for cars to line up.[9]
- Your sign is visible to drivers for at least 40 seconds. Ideally, traffic should travel past at no more than 40 miles per hour (64 km/hr) so drivers have time to see your signage and make that split-second decision to have their cars washed.
- Choose a venue large enough to accommodate the bays, pump rooms, vacuum and drying areas, and the office.
- Check your city's zoning regulations to be sure you are allowed to open a car wash at your chosen location. If you need a special permit, obtain it before you buy or lease your venue.
- It is helpful to work with a real estate agent, city planner, lawyer, and/or an accountant to get the best deal on a location.[10]
EditOpening Your Car Wash - Get the necessary permits and licenses. You will definitely need a permit or a license to open your business. However, the requirements will differ depending on what state you live in. The SBA website maintains a list of business license offices to help you find the information.[11] In addition to a business license, you will need a federal tax identification number and possibly a sales tax license, income tax withholding, and unemployment insurance tax.[12]
- Ask your state business office about the insurance requirements for your car wash business.
- Once you get all of the necessary permits and licenses, keep track of your renewal dates and make a copy for your business records. You will also need to display your license in your car wash so that customers can see it.
- Buy equipment. The equipment you buy will depend on the type of car wash you have decided to open and the services you offer. Full service car wash, self-service car wash, and an automated car wash will all have different needs. You will typically need to buy a washing system (e.g. pressure washer, conveyor, self-service equipment, mobile wash systems), chemicals (e.g. cleaning solutions, wax, spot free rinses, protectants, presoaks, etc.), dryers, blowers, vacuums, brushes, towels, compressors, pumps, and a water system (e.g. boilers, water heater, water filtration, extractor, etc.), and billing system.
- The International Carwash Association has a supplier guide to help you find reputable manufacturers.[13]
- Look in trade magazines like Auto Laundry News and Modern Car Care to buy your chemicals. It is best to buy from big manufacturers.[14]
- Popular equipment manufactures include Ryko, Hannah Industries, Belanger, Karcher, and WashTec.
- Make sure the distributor of your equipment is available to service your equipment when needed. Find out how they handle equipment servicing before you buy from them.
- Equipment typically lasts for 10 years.
- Market your business. Use a multifaceted approach to advertise your business that includes flyers, posters, and an online presence. The signage for your car wash should be colorful with clear messaging. Make sure that people can easily see it from the road. A popular way to get new customers is by distributing coupons or discounts for car washes. Also, develop relationships with other small businesses located near your car wash.
- Social media is an important aspect of marketing these days. Set up a website and establish a presence on Twitter and Facebook. Make sure any of the paper items that you have include links to your website and social media accounts.
- Use your website to share information about taking care of your car and other relevant tips.
- Schedule a visit to your local radio station to discuss your new business.
- Consider starting a loyalty program. This will encourage repeat customers instead of people who use the coupon one time and never return.
- Hire employees. A car wash business is very customer-focused. Your employees should be punctual, efficient, skilled, and have excellent communication skills. As you conduct interviews, pay attention to body language and communication skills to get an idea of how the person will interact with customers and coworkers.[15] Always check the references of potential employees as well.[16]
- Open your car wash. Have a soft opening of your car wash before you have a big grand opening. Wait at least 30 days before you have the big event.[17] You want to work out some of the kinks and feel comfortable with the car wash before you make a big deal. Think of a grand opening as a party and social event to generate publicity.[18]
- Invite friends, neighboring businesses, your supplies, and the media
- Give away free car washes and promotional items.
EditRunning A Profitable Business - Add services. Many car washes have combined other services and businesses with their car wash to increase revenue. Additional services will make your car wash more attractive to customers and help your car wash stand out from the crowd. A convenience store restaurant, barber shop, or even an enhanced waiting area (e.g. television, free coffee, comfortable place to sit, etc.) are possible additions. Ask yourself some questions before you invest in an add on service[19]
- Do I have enough space or will I need additional space?
- How much will it cost?
- What will be the return on my investment?
- Will people buy this service?
- Offer express detailing services. Express detailing services are services (e.g. wax, sealant, carpet shampoo) that can be done in 30 minutes or less and are done to maintain the appearance of your customer's vehicle. Because you already have the space and equipment, you can offer these services at a lower price than a free-standing detail shop. It is also more convenient for your customers to have their car washed and detailed at one location.[20]
- It is important that you complete the detailing portion of your services is completed quickly. The speed and low cost of the service make it attractive to your customers.
- Make sure that you advertise your detailing services to your customers.
- Check the prices of similar services at a free-standing detail shop to help you determine your prices. Also, check the prices of other car washes in your area that offer these services so that you can be competitive.
- Use text messages to contact customers. Text marketing is a low cost, effective way to market your business to your customers. Your customers will redeem mobile coupons at a much higher rate than printed coupons. Even if a customer does not use a coupon, you are still building your brand and making your business known.[21]
- Choose a keyword (e.g. water, wash, clean) and advertise by saying, "Text water to 12345 to get special discounts, specials, or coupons." You could also say "Text 12345 to get $3 off your next car wash."
- It only costs one or two pennies to send a text message.
- Text your customers once a month with a special.
- Offer monthly or unlimited passes. Monthly and unlimited passes offer steady revenue even when customers are not actually coming in for a car wash. This is also a method you can use to build a steady customer base.[22] Carefully price these passes. The price should be low enough so customers feel they are getting a good deal, and high enough for you to make a profit.[23]
- Consider pricing your passes to cost of 2 or 3 times the price of a single wash. If you find that customers are not interested, you may need to adjust your price.
- You can offer different price points based on the type of car washes you offer. For example, a monthly pass for basic car washes would be less expensive than a monthly pass for premium car washes.
- Plan regular specials during off-peak hours to keep customers coming back.
- Many of your customers will be local, so be sure to focus your marketing campaigns on your immediate area.
- Be kind to others.
- Keep all the equipment in your car wash well maintained, including any on-site laundry facilities used for towels in hand dry services.
- Check out car wash business associations like International Detailing Association and State Car Wash Associations for information on this industry.
- Be very friendly to customers.
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