Don’t Let Your Investment Gather Dust

I’m sure we've all done that right? Buy something that seems like a slam dunk, a 10 out of 10, a true time saver/efficiency boost/make-life-better purchase.  

Here’s one that I may or may not have actually purchased, a real life scenario if you will. 

A very fancy, very expensive juicer. The infomercial showed me ALL the benefits of getting it. Saving money, time, and feeling better. It has about 57 parts and pieces, attachments and enhancements. But really, nothing I can’t handle, right? 

And then..... crickets. That purchase hits your hot little hands and you set it aside, telling yourself that you’ll be devoting time to learning the best way to use this. Soon. Like, SO soon. Because it’s worth it! And, you spent your hard earned money on it! Enough to make it matter, right? 

Then, it starts to get overwhelming. You think about ALL that you don’t know about it. The thick user manual that you really don’t have time or energy for. And frankly, some of the language in it might even mean that you have to research the instructions.  

I’m starting to sweat. You? 

Now, that investment you’ve made is gathering dust. Real or figurative. But dust nonetheless.  

You haven’t made the time, you’re overwhelmed by the possibility of it, so you are frozen in inaction, with the investment that you made going down the tubes. 

Let’s abandon the juicer for a minute and talk Microsoft.  

We see this all the time at Excel and Flourish.  

You invest in MS365, which is a smart move. The possibility of collaboration, streamlined workflows and productivity tools made for your business? Brilliant. Pat yourself on the back for making that solid investment in you and your team. 

But, there’s a catch (isn’t there always??): If you aren’t using these tools to their full potential, your investment is gathering dust. 

The Hidden Cost of “Making Do” 

Most of us can figure out email and calendars. At least enough to get by, right? We save our docs in One Drive (finding and sharing them? Another story), and we use Team Meetings. 

Great! You've nailed the basics! 

But what’s next? You’re going back to old habits, aren’t you? 

Manual processes. Clunky communication. Outdated workflows. Spreadsheets that make you wince. Collaboration? Just walk over to my desk and look at my screen because I can’t figure out the best way to share. 

Even without using the cool features like Teams, Loop, all the functionality of Excel, Copilot – you’re still paying for them. Your team is frustrated, slowing down processes and reverting to the-way-we've-always-done-it. 

Which didn’t work. Which is why you made this investment in the first place. 

Microsoft 365 is more than just Outlook emails and Word docs. It’s a suite designed to transform how you work: 

• Teams for real-time collaboration and communication. 

• SharePoint for secure document management. 

• Planner and To Do for task organization. 

• Power Automate for workflow automation. 

• Copilot for AI-powered productivity. 

If your team doesn’t know these tools exist—or how to use them—you’re operating at a fraction of your potential. 

The solution? Training.  

Finding the best use of MS365 for your team is the key. Custom training that will hit all the features needed to transform your workday is the solution.  

Sticking to what you know and what you’ve already mastered won’t get you to the next level. Technology evolves fast. Microsoft 365 updates roll out constantly, introducing new features that can save time and reduce frustration.  

Buying MS365 without considering the usage and training is like that juicer, sitting in the box gathering dust and you haven’t even cracked the spine on that instruction manual (instruction novel? How many pages again??). 

Without proper training, your organization misses out on automation, collaboration, and security benefits. 

Consider this: a single hour of focused training can unlock features that save dozens of hours over the year. From streamlining inbox management to automating repetitive tasks, the ROI is immediate. 

Practical Steps to Maximize Your Investment 

• Audit Current Usage 
  Identify which tools your team uses—and which they ignore. This helps you target training where it matters most. 

• Invest in Role-Based Training 
  Different roles need different tools. Tailor sessions for managers, project leads, and frontline staff so everyone learns what’s relevant to their work. 

• Promote Continuous Learning 
  Microsoft 365 isn’t static. Encourage ongoing education through webinars, quick tips, and internal champions who share updates. 

• Leverage AI Features 
  Tools like Copilot can transform workflows, but only if people know how to use them. Make AI adoption part of your strategy. I cannot stress this enough. Don’t get left behind. Playing catch up on AI will cost you money. 

Train with intention and be future-ready NOW 

Intentional training brings you the ROI that you’re aiming for. Why stress about trying to ‘figure it all out’ when you have a chance to learn, create an environment of innovation and watch your team’s productivity skyrocket! 

If you have any questions about training options offered by Excel and Flourish, send us a note at support@excelandflourish.com. Happy to talk about your challenges and the potential you have to be ready for the future. 

Now. Where did I stash that juicer?