I have a cell which has 2 names in it. I need a way to keep both names in the same cell but for excel to recognize it as separate names. I can't manipulate the cells or the sheet in any way. I just need some sort of comma separation or something so it recognizes both names as individuals instead of 1.

Example:

A3 contains 2 names Mike Smith, John Doe

Excel is recognizing the name as Mike Smith, John Doe

I need it to recognize it as Mike Smith and John Doe.

This data is exported to a separate sheet within the workbook. The names have to match exactly for the countif formula to work.

Thanks for the help