Lack of Practical Training and Support
Users report insufficient or ineffective training programs for software and technical skills, including Excel and programming. Many feel unprepared for real-world applications due to poor or incomplete training, lack of hands-on experience, and inadequate onboarding support. This leads to frustration, skill gaps, and difficulty in job performance or career advancement. (9 mentions)
Job Market Challenges and Hiring Bias
Many users express frustration with the job market, especially for software and B2B roles. Complaints include high rejection rates, preference for currently employed candidates, bias against career changers or those with non-traditional backgrounds, and unfair or illegal interview questions. This creates barriers to entry and career growth despite users' skills or training. (8 mentions)
Tool and Software Limitations
Users face issues with software tools including Excel, Power BI, and other B2B SaaS platforms. Common complaints include slow performance with large datasets, lack of advanced features like Power Pivot, poor integration, buggy updates, and limited mobile app functionality. These limitations hinder productivity and frustrate users. (7 mentions)
Simplified, Practical B2B Excel Training
There is a clear market gap for B2B-focused Excel training programs that emphasize practical, hands-on skills with real-world applications. Many users seek straightforward, easy-to-understand training that avoids jargon and focuses on actionable knowledge, including advanced Excel features like pivot tables, Power Query, and automation without overwhelming complexity.
Integrated B2B SaaS Tools with Better Performance
Users need B2B SaaS tools, including Excel add-ons and Power BI integrations, that can handle large datasets efficiently, offer advanced features like Power Pivot, and provide seamless mobile and desktop experiences. There is an opportunity for software that reduces manual data entry, automates workflows, and improves reporting capabilities tailored for B2B users.
| Theme | Mentions | Subreddits | Signal Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| B2B SaaS Tools | 219 | 168 | Very High |
| Excel Training | 167 | 137 | Very High |
| Startup & Entrepreneurship | 120 | 89 | High |
| Job Market Challenges | 16 | 13 | Low |
Many users express deep frustration with the hiring process, citing unfair biases against career changers, non-traditional backgrounds, and women. They feel rejected despite their skills and experience, and encounter illegal or inappropriate interview questions. This theme highlights the emotional toll and systemic barriers in the job market.
"I had a final interview with a mid-sized software company yesterday for a senior developer position... As we were wrapping up, the HR director said, "Could you tell me if you're planning to have children in the next few years?"... I politely told her that I wasn't comfortable answering that question as it's not legally appropriate for hiring decisions."
Users want Excel training that is practical, hands-on, and easy to understand. They seek resources that teach real-world applications like pivot tables, Power Query, and automation. Many feel current training is too theoretical or incomplete, and desire straightforward, jargon-free learning.
"Hi everyone, I'm learning Microsoft Excel and I’m confused about the best way to study it... What kind of notes should I make? Should I write formulas and functions, or make examples? Do I need to use active recall and spaced repetition for Excel? If yes, how can I apply these techniques to Excel practice?"
Users report issues with software tools like Excel and Power BI, including slow performance with large datasets, lack of advanced features, buggy updates, and poor mobile app functionality. These limitations reduce productivity and cause user frustration, especially in B2B contexts where data volume is large.
"I have to create pivot tables with 5+ sheets containing 15+ columns and 200,000+ rows... Excel crashes or takes 5 minutes to add a new field... I can't use Power Pivot or other advanced tools due to company restrictions."
"I’m applying for product leadership roles. 1. I attended an interview where the hiring manager didn’t turn up 2. I was told at the first stage interview that they had already given the job to an internal hire. 3. I was asked by a FAANG company to provide my availability for an interview. When I gave it to them, they apologised and said they asked me by accident and rescinded the interview offer."
"As we were wrapping up, the HR director said, "Could you tell me if you're planning to have children in the next few years?"... I politely told her that I wasn't comfortable answering that question as it's not legally appropriate for hiring decisions."
"How should I study Excel effectively? Just watch videos, or do more hands-on practice? What kind of notes should I make? Should I write formulas and functions, or make examples? Do I need to use active recall and spaced repetition for Excel?"
"I have to create pivot tables with 5+ sheets containing 15+ columns and 200,000+ rows... Excel crashes or takes 5 minutes to add a new field... I can't use Power Pivot or other advanced tools due to company restrictions."
| Tool | Frustrations Mentioned | Reddit Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| Power BI | slow performance with large datasets, lack of advanced features, buggy updates | Mixed reviews with appreciation for features but frustration over performance and bugs |
| Excel | slow with large data, crashes, limited advanced features in corporate environments | Widely used but users frustrated by limitations and performance issues |
| WhatsApp Business | account blocking without clear explanation, poor support | Negative sentiment due to account management and support issues |
Existing B2B tools and training programs related to Excel and software development often fall short in providing practical, hands-on, and scalable solutions for users. Many users face performance issues with large datasets, lack of advanced features, and poor integration in corporate environments. Training programs are frequently inadequate, leaving users unprepared for real-world applications. Additionally, the job market presents barriers for non-traditional candidates despite their skills. Users seek simplified, practical training and more efficient, integrated software tools that can handle complex B2B data needs while supporting career growth.
Increasing interest in leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to assist with coding, Excel formulas, and data analysis, enabling users to learn and perform tasks faster despite limited formal training.
Solo and small teams building niche B2B SaaS products with lean operations, focusing on customer feedback and sustainable growth rather than large-scale venture funding.
Growing need for accessible, practical training programs that teach real-world skills in Excel, data analysis, and software development, especially for career changers and entry-level professionals.
A cloud-based tool that integrates with Excel and Power BI to optimize handling of large datasets, automate data imports, and improve reporting speed for B2B users with limited IT support.
A practical, hands-on Excel training platform tailored for B2B professionals, focusing on real-world applications like pivot tables, Power Query, and automation to boost workplace productivity.
A mentorship and job matching platform designed to help non-traditional candidates and career changers break into B2B and software roles by providing interview prep, skill validation, and networking.
Emphasize training and tools that teach actionable Excel and software skills that users can immediately apply to their B2B roles, avoiding overwhelming theory or jargon.
Position software solutions as performance enhancers that handle large B2B datasets efficiently, reduce manual work, and integrate seamlessly with existing workflows.
Highlight mentorship and career support services that help non-traditional candidates overcome hiring biases and land meaningful B2B and software jobs.