Building tools

I've finally found a satisfying project in the otherwise boring health insurance industry. 

I created my SQL School course and have delivered it multiple times, but I know only a handful of previous participants who still use SQL regularly. I don't know the status of the others, but I bet they gave up because it was "too technical." I've been thinking about a different approach to help people reach the end goal with tools that don't require SQL chops. This isn't a novel idea; I borrowed it from the tech wiz mentor who actually taught me SQL. 

The basic idea is a macro-enabled Excel file with embedded SQL queries that accept user-supplied parameters. The user specifies criteria, which magically get added to the query's WHERE clause; they click a button, and within a few seconds the query results return. Even if you know SQL, this tool gets you to the results faster. 

I enjoyed creating and delivering the SQL course, but a tangible tool like this is more satisfying, especially when I know users will use it and get hooked right away. And as a consultant, it's always nice to "put points on the board" to justify all those billable hours on the invoices.