You collected data.

You have spreadsheets.

But you need documents.


Maybe you're just trying to save yourself some time (and a lot of busywork!) by standardizing your processes and templates.


Maybe you're using an online form or survey tool like Qualtrics, Google Forms/Sheets, or Microsoft Forms, and it's awesome at collecting that data for you .... but not so awesome at helping you read through it or use it.


Maybe you (and your team) need to look at that data, discuss it, and maybe send out batches and batches of letters and other documents that incorporate that data.


You've tried copy and paste in the past, but that takes HOURS ... and mistakes are made.


You've tried creating a different template document for each scenario you can think of ... but, when you have to update something that's found in all of those files .... sheesh!


There's a better way.

An automatable way.

A reliable way.


Are you ready to

create your own dynamic, data-responsive document templates?


Here's what you'll learn - and do:


  • Design your own data-responsive template and get click-of-a-button updates with future data files.
  • Add and format text, numbers, dates, and as many hyperlinks as you need.
  • Sort your data (automatically, as part of the Mail Merge settings) so the reports are nicely ordered for you.
  • Skip fields and records you don't want to see (today).
  • Conditionally skip over entire sections of a document if they're not needed.
  • Understand how data moves from your spreadsheet or CSV file into your finished report document.



What's not covered?

This course is good, but it's not for everyone who needs to work with spreadsheet or CSV data in every situation.

  • If you need to analyze your data with tallies, analyses, and pretty graphs, this course isn't for you. You might want to look for a course on Excel, Power BI, or Tableau.
  • If you need to make changes to your data and sync those changes back to your form/survey system, this course isn't for you. You might need a customized software solution that involves some coding to fill that gap.


What are the requirements?


  • You need to be able to access your data in spreadsheet or CSV format. Most applications, including Qualtrics, Google Forms/Sheets, and Microsoft Forms, will let you download or export your data in this format.
  • You need your own desktop copy of Microsoft Word 2010 or later to try out the steps from the videos. This course does not provide you with a license to Microsoft Office. If you have an Office 365 subscription, you'll use your desktop application for this course instead of the web browser version.


Enrollment Options



Hi, I'm Barbara!


I've been a business consultant for over 15 years, working with a range of companies from Fortune 500s to solopreneurs.


What I've learned over the years is that everyone who works with data needs a customized solution somewhere along the line.

And it doesn't have to cost a ton of money.

The most impactful solutions I've been a part of have frequently been the ones that were so small that other consultants weren't willing to take on the job, and

that used tools that the businesses already had, like Microsoft Office.

Mail Merges with CSV files are a perfect example.

Barbara Olsafsky smiling

Here's What's Inside



  Welcome
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  Foundations
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  Beginner's Basics
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  Intermediate Topics - Getting Conditional & Fancy
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  Distributing the files
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  What's next?
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(use the arrow button to expand the entire curriculum list)

* This course is always under development in response to student feedback. Sections, content titles, and content order are subject to change.


One document. Multiple scenarios.

Connect your data and go!


Frequently Asked Questions



Q. Are payment plans available?
  • There are no payment plans for this course.
Q. How long do I have access to this course?
  • As long as Blou Designs continues to offer this course on Teachable, and as long as you can log in to the Teachable account with which you enrolled for this course, you'll have unlimited access.
Q. When does the course start?
  • The course is completely self-paced, so it starts whenever you're ready to start!
Q. What software or other equipment do I need to complete this course?
  • You will need your own desktop license for Microsoft Word, version 2010 or newer; Mail Merge is not available for the online or web app versions of Microsoft Word. Blou Designs will not supply you with a license to Microsoft Word as part of your enrollment.
  • Since this is a video-based course, you might want to use speakers and/or headphones. Otherwise, closed captions are provided on all video content and you can follow along that way.
Q. I've done some Mail Merges for work, and I'm not sure if I'm at a beginner or intermediate level. Is this course for me?
  • I bundled the Beginner's Basics and Intermediate Topics exactly for people like you - people who have real world experience that doesn't fit nicely into a "beginner," "intermediate," or "advanced" bucket. Scroll back up to take a look at the Curriculum, and see if there's anything listed there that you'd like to know more about and be able to use. I've kept the price point on this course low so that people just like you can afford to take this course to fill in the gaps without breaking the bank. Still have questions? Email me.
Q. You mention that this will help me make "data-responsive" templates. What does that mean?
  • A lot of people think that "template" means that every single report will look exactly the same way. That might be exactly what you need, but form and survey data isn't usually that clean. Frequently, you'll want to tweak the report template to skip over some things if a response is blank, or change what the report says based on responses. Data-responsive templates incorporate this type of conditional formatting so that they "respond" to the data. As I said in the intro video above: one template, multiple scenarios.
Q. You keep talking about documents and reporting. What if I need a dashboard or other analytics from this data?
  • Analytics and dashboards are not covered here. This course focuses on the formatting and reporting/document-creation aspect only, and does not include any information on how to perform calculations across multiple records.
  • If you love my teaching style and would like me to add a Teachable course on these topics, let me know and I'll see what I can do!
Q. What if I am unhappy with the course?
  • No one benefits from unhappy students! This course is designed to help you learn about the Mail Merge feature and give you the hands-on skills to use it to free yourself from busywork - whether today or in the future. If this course isn't hitting that mark for you and you want "out," contact me within the first 30 days of enrollment and I will provide a full refund.
  • I want your feedback! Every course is always under development. I always appreciate constructive feedback on what you've loved, and what you've loved not so much. There's a survey within the course specifically designed to collect this feedback from you. Use it as many times as you want!
Q. What if I want to do this with a group?
  • Contact me for group pricing options.






Have more questions?

Send an email to [email protected].