Expert: Joseph Harris - 11/7/2008

Question
Hello, I was wondering if there's a way to use excel as a follow up function. In my job whenever I'm waiting for a response from someone via email, can I use excel as a reminder tool to follow up with that individual at a later date.

Answer
Hi Debbie,

There are several ways to do this in Excel. The most slick way to do it would be using VBA and userforms. But, that can get complicated. So, a simpler method would be to do as follows...

In A1, put the header (something to describe what you are following up on)

In B1, enter "Follow Up Date"

In C1, enter "Todays Date"

In D1, enter "Follow up due?"


In A2 put your first follow up task, in b2 enter the date you want to follow up. In c2 enter the formula =now(). In d2 enter the formula =if(b2=c2,"Follow Up Due","").

You can drag down all the formulas each time you enter a task. When todays date equals the follow up date, you will see the words Follow Up Due in column 4.

You may want to consider using the task and calendar functionality of MS outlook to handle your follow ups rather than Excel.


Joe