Our Blog

Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Creating Learning Experiences That Work for Everyone

I’ve been training for a long time (ahem) and tech changes fast. What doesn’t change? The need for a safe, welcoming learning environment that takes the nerves out of learning new tech tools. Microsoft 365 is ready for you, you just need to be ready to learn. Find out my thoughts on inclusive learning, asking questions and collaboration here. And fun. There’s fun involved too.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

The Smartest AI Strategy Is Usually Simpler Than You Think

Agents, right? Everyone wants one, so much so that they are looking for reasons to create one. But before you go from Zero to Agent, let’s take a moment. I’ve created the AI Escalation Ladder, and I’d love to have you check it out, run your task up the ladder and see what is actually the quickest, easiest and least costly solution. Because, these are about to get costly. Read on and see why…….

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Why Copilot Training Belongs in Every MSP Conversation

Hey MSPs, how’s the deployments going? I know you’ve got a ton of Copilot work happening now, in addition to all the other Microsoft features, of course. The Excel, Outlook, Power Point all mean just as much to your clients as AI does. So what happens after your team gets the MS loaded? If you say ‘not much’, I have thoughts. There are opportunities for you to keep serving your clients without taking on more work. How? Read our latest blog to find out.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Why Large Organizations bring in Outside Trainers

Even large organizations (very large) with robust IT departments (very robust) bring in outside specialists for their training needs. The Microsoft Office products are user-friendly, and they are ever-changing and evolving. And as I’ve said, adoption isn’t an event, it is a habit. The largest and most successful orgs, with the introduction of Copilot, have realized that IT and Training go together like peanut butter and jelly. Read on for the full recipe.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Adoption Needs a Home: Using Planner + To Do to Support Training Rollouts

Well, the Microsoft Training is over and now… back to business as usual, right? Not if you find a happy home for your training plans, questions, action items and responsibilities. The best part is, that happy home already lives in your tech stack. Read on to find out our suggestions for a shared space that allows your team to revisit their original training excitement. Adoption needs a home, so use what ya got.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Before You Add Copilot, Strengthen These Excel Habits

Before you invite Copilot to your spreadsheet party, make sure that your Excel habits support the inclusion. What does that mean? Well, read on to see why it’s a big deal to make sure that the fundamentals are there before you add in the Copilot layer. Working faster isn’t working better if you’re simply making mistakes quicker. Check it out.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Why Power Users Should Never Stop Learning

Hey Power Users! Think you’ve got all the training you need? Think again. Microsoft is evolving, and everyone needs repeatable, reinforced learning. Yes, even you, Power User. It’s time to up your game, again. Believe me, we see the benefits when organizations commit to ongoing learning. The proof is there, read on to find out more. And contact us for training plans that fit your needs. We’ve got ‘em.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Using Copilot in Excel Starts with Understanding Excel: No Shortcuts.

No shortcuts. That’s the message you’ll find here. When it comes to Microsoft Excel, you need to know the basics and be equipped with a solid foundation BEFORE you introduce Copilot. Otherwise, you’ll find your way to bad data, faster. Read on to find out how strong Excel users layer in Copilot (hint: there’s intention behind it)….

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

One Size Fits None: Why Copilot Training Must Be Tailored by Team

Too many orgs are taking a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to MS365 and Copilot training. At Excel and Flourish, we call that ‘one-size-fits-none’. Specific training for the job that they do right now is the key to unlock strong, purposeful adoption for your team. Don’t believe me? Read on and see what we could do for your team and why real adoption is right around the corner.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Waiting on AI? Your Competitors Aren't.

If you’re waiting on AI/Copilot adoption, I’ve got a newsflash for you: Your competitors aren’t. They are moving, shaking and making things happen, while you wait, watch and plan. Very different verbs there, huh? Read our latest blog. We’ve got thoughts.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Beautiful Doesn’t Matter If It Doesn’t Work: Make Excel Effective

How’s your Microsoft Excel game? Check out our latest blog for my insights on what makes a spreadsheet tick. And, if you’re really reading, you’ll see my Spreadsheet Movie Plot baked right in there. Coming soon to a theater near you. But in the meantime, let’s get your team some MS Training and really make those spreadsheets ready for the Big Screen.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Pitch Faster: How MSPs Can Help Sales Teams Actually Use Copilot

Hey! How’s your sales team doing? Efficient, productive, quick? We know one way to give them a competitive edge: MS Copilot and the entire Microsoft suite. Tailored training for their specific needs (think slide decks, deliverables, repeatable templates) will only elevate them and accelerate the sales cycle. The problem? Most orgs haven’t invested in specific training for their needs. Read on to find out why that matters.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Stop Training Solo: How Group Learning Accelerates Adoption

Solo is great for lots of things. I would never suggest you should not enjoy your own company. However, my experience tells me that when it comes to Microsoft 365 training, group is where it’s at. How do I know? Oh, only about 15-ish years of providing high quality MS365 Training for organizations all over the world. How is your organization approaching training? Read on and check out my thoughts, and feel free to reach out and connect to share your training needs.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Before You Scale Copilot, Read This

Before you scale Copilot, read this. Organizations big and small are entering the era of Copilot, and while we are, in fact, HERE for it, we also acknowledge that there is structure to be built. Companies would do well to slow down a bit, build some structure, basic governance and reinforce permissions. Do you have a process for Copilot? Don’t worry, there’s time to get one. Read on…

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Nudge with Intention: The Follow-Up System You Didn’t Know You Needed 

Your brain is amazing. And full. Which is why when it comes time to nudge, maybe you need a….nudge? Check out our latest blog on power automation. Find out how setting this in motion can help increase productivity, send those gentle reminders, and make sure that you aren’t relying on your perfectly imperfect brain to do all the heavy lifting. There’s a better way.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Stop Losing the Outcomes of Your Meetings (Invite Copilot to Attend) 

Meetings, amirite? I mean, WHO has the time for more meetings that go nowhere? You sure don’t. That’s where your friend Copilot comes in. Ask Copilot to join you and watch the meeting outcomes change drastically. Assignments are made, deliverables are tracked, and accountability is through the roof. Your team will take all that good meeting enthusiasm and turn it into productivity. Just give Copilot a seat at the table. Trust me.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Proving the ROI of Microsoft 365 Training (And they aren’t logins or licenses) 

You’ve invested a LOT into your MS365 tools. You may have even gotten some training for your team (you know I’m a big fan of that). But how do you know if it’s WORKING? Read my latest blog today and find out the metrics that matter. You’ll do a little digging, but it’s worth it to find the gaps and opportunities that can take your team from good to great. Good stuff.

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

The Secret to Scaling Copilot Adoption

I’ve got a secret. It’s THE way to impact adoption in your organization. How can I be so sure? Um, over 20 years of making this happen. There is a way to tailor your MS365 Training for success, and it involves planning. Bookend your training session with pre- and post-plans, and you’ll watch your adoption soar. Trust me - I don’t share secrets with just anyone, you know. Read on to find out all the details….

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Copilot Prompts to Maximize Impact (Without Cutting Support) 

What’s prompts got to do with it? Well, a lot - IF you want to high five your IT Team by creating fewer tickets that aren’t really in their world anyway. You know they’ll help you out, but really, they have bigger things cooking (launch week? new OS? update to CRM? I could go on and on). So, here’s a way to self serve with Copilot. This way, when you DO need that ticket (and, you will), your IT team will be fresh and ready to go. Check it out here….

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Jen Anderson Jen Anderson

Loop for Living Adoption Plans: Turning Strategy Into Ongoing Action 

Before you join the clean-desk-club and file away all the things you’re working on, consider this: You will save money, untold riches really, when you stop buying manilla folders and sticky notes. HOW? By using MS Loop in your everyday collaboration. Update plans, share information, ask questions, and NEVER have to dig out the paper files again. Read on to find out more. Then go clean your desk.

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