When I first came across Power BI it was the answer to my reporting needs as I had reached the point of peak “death by PowerPoint” reporting. I was excited about what Power BI offered, a business analytics service providing interactive visualisations and business intelligence capabilities that I could easily share with colleagues and stakeholders across the business.

Throughout the process of learning Power BI there are a number of resources I’ve found very helpful. 

In no particular order:

1. The Microsoft Power BI Community is a great way to find solutions to a particular Power BI problem. Problems are answered quickly whether it’s a problem with your DAX code, using a visual or even data modelling the community is always ready to help. 

2. I’ll happily admit, when I first started writing DAX my DAX formulas were formatted badly. Thankfully the Dax Formatter by the guys at SQLBI is a wonderful free tool that turns your DAX code into beautifully readable, formatted DAX.  It’s been a great resource for me, and I use it daily.

3. Find your local Power BI User Group as they offer an online community as well as in person meet up’s and events. I’ve found the meet up’s invaluable and I feel lucky to be part of the London Power BI User Group. I can only speak of my experience but it’s a great mix of showcasing the best of the Monthly Power BI updates, a monthly Power BI Challenge, and usually a guest speaker. My favourite element of the meet up’s are the people who run and attend it, making it a really friendly and warm community. I’ve met and chatted to so many different people and it’s fascinating to hear how they use Power BI, I’m regularly picking up great tips, new resources to tap into or articles to read.

4. There is so much great content out there on YouTube, websites and blogs like this. Here are a few of my favourites: 

Enterprise DNA have a great website and YouTube channel.

Guy in a Cube website and YouTube channel, they’re quite funny too.

Power BI Tips & Tricks have a website and a YouTube channel.

Power BI Blog is the monthly MS Power BI Blog which provides an update on new features.

5. Lastly, if you’re still having trouble or want to gain more from Power BI, whether this is the basics or more advanced topics, here at Prima Consulting we have a number of training tracks for individual's and large groups. Reach out or visit our Training page for more details.