Blog

My AI DevOps board looked frozen for twelve hours. The fix was not smarter orchestration, but a Ralph loop with real hard stops.

Sandy is a Windows 11 read-aloud app I built for dyslexia support, with Azure AI Speech, sentence-level playback, and click-to-read.

After 23 years working with enterprise CRM platforms, I built a custom AI-native replacement in a single afternoon. Here is why the SaaS model is about to change.

Dynamics 365 and Power Platform consultants need AI skills they can prove, not just tool familiarity. This 365-day plan shows how to build them.

AI agents in multi-agent systems do not know who each other are. Here is how to build an org directory that gives every agent persistent awareness of the full...

Dynamics 365 and Power Platform partner practices seeing slower demand need a reset towards workflow accountability, governed agents, adoption and measurable...

Ten AI agents, each owning a phase of the DevOps infinity loop, coordinated by an engineering-manager agent. How I built a development team that plans, builds...

A live audit of my OpenCLAW Azure VM found two critical gaps: no Azure-native VM backup and no Azure Monitor Agent. Here is what I fixed, what it cost, and what is...

After 836 episodes across seven shows and nearly a decade, I'm wrapping up the Microsoft Innovation Podcast. Here's what the numbers say, what the stats don't...

Six weeks ago a security audit told me I had 268 plaintext secrets scattered across my AI agent platform. This week I closed out the migration that fixed it. Here is...

A Speechify renewal email made me question every subscription my business pays for. Since January 2026, I have eliminated nearly $10,000 in annual SaaS costs by...

cb365 adds 28 new commands across four workloads with a governance framework inspired by real enterprise AI policy. Three workloads went smoothly. Loop exposed a gap...

Microsoft Planner's API enforces optimistic concurrency with ETags, requires Group membership for plan creation, and uses User IDs for assignments. Here's how I...

How I built 23 hardcoded safety rules into cb365, a Microsoft 365 CLI, to prevent data loss and unauthorised actions when AI agents interact with enterprise systems.

Taking cb365 from internal tool to public release meant solving the trust problem: signed binaries, Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), and a certificate...

Microsoft retired their Graph CLI. PowerShell is the official answer. But AI agents don't speak PowerShell. Here's why I built a new CLI from scratch, the trade-offs...

I designed a Microsoft 365 CLI for AI agents. Then I built it. The Graph API had opinions about my architecture. Here's the build log - the gotchas, the fixes, and...

AI agents have no internal clock. When they run on UTC servers but you're hours ahead, they get dates wrong. Here's a 4-layer fix that works end-to-end.

How I replaced static model assignments with an autonomous routing engine, shadow testing pipeline, and live dashboard for a 25-agent orchestration platform.

Build real AI skill with conversation, not one-shot queries. Use five prompts a day, custom instructions, and voice and vision to improve results.

Work is shifting from jobs to projects. Like filmmaking, teams assemble for a clear outcome, deliver, then disband.

Learn why digital fluency means applied skills, not borrowed knowledge. Build resilience with problem solving, security, and safe, ethical use of modern AI tools.

Build real AI skill, not hype. Learn practical habits for using AI as a thought partner, iterating prompts, adapting fast, and growing with the community. A clear...

AI is reshaping our workplaces and our lives at breathtaking speed. Yet, beneath this technological revolution lies a deep, often overlooked truth: while AI has the...

Discover how AI is transforming work and life. Learn practical strategies to master AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude, and explore AI's potential in health...

Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age.

The following is a list of additional resources relating to my presentation “ Supercharge Your Power Platform Career: 10 Game-Changing Strategies ”

1. Getting Started with Freelancing (this post) 2. Rates, costing and allocations 3. Time Management and Project Allocation 4. Contracts, Legal Considerations, and...

A culture of innovation will separate organisations that thrive with AI from those that will struggle to stay relevant and profitable. Innovation challenges can...

Attending a conference can be a significant investment—both financially and in terms of your time. With the costs of tickets, transportation, accommodations, and the...

In the Power Platform and Dynamics 365 world, becoming an expert in requirements gathering is a game-changer. Whether you're a Business Analyst, Systems Architect...

As we stand on the brink of a new era where artificial intelligence reshapes every facet of our lives, the line between personal enhancement and professional growth...

In the fast-changing tech world, organisations need agile solutions to stay competitive. The Center for Enablement (C4E) is a crucial concept gaining prominence...

The journey from xRM to the Power Platform represents a significant transformation in how we build and manage enterprise applications. This evolution has brought...

How Do You Find the Time?A question that came up last week during my 90 Day Mentoring Challenge was: How do you find the time to upskill? It's vital to stay ahead of...

I spend a lot of time thinking about the careers my kids might have and what I can do to help them prepare for the opportunities that come their way. My eldest...

Feedback like this is so motivating. Thank you so much, Rachel Roberts, for sharing what you got out of the 90 Day Mentoring Challenge 🚀 It's fantastic to hear that...

In school, I was always last. I did not learn to read until I was 12, can not spell to save myself, never won an academic award, and never went to university. I...

I had a busy day researching and did not write my regular post for a Wednesday, so please try this on for size. One of my outputs for today is AI for business...

I will speak in Vegas later this year at the 2024 Power Platform Community Conference, and this is the title of my session.

In the rapidly evolving field of software sales, mainly when proposing Microsoft solutions, it's crucial to anchor our strategies in the solutions we offer and in...

George Doubinski, coined the concept of the Citizen Electrician, and I give him full credit for it.

In the digital age, data is the new currency, and how we manage, protect, and leverage it can determine the success or failure of organisations. But what if I told...

If it had not been for Mira Razman, I would not have come to this epic event from New Zealand.

Would you believe if I told you a single LinkedIn message could impact the lives of thousands of kids? Here’s how it went...

I am close to finishing reading this mind-blowing book, Superintelligence, by Nick Bostrom.

Last week, Alison Mulligan asked me to create a video on Radical Candor for the Power Platform School which meant I needed to revisit one of my favourite Business...

Imagine having all your email responses automatically drafted for you, placed in a DRAFTS folder, and ready for review. Dream or reality?

I am thrilled to share a snippet of a testimonial from our 90-day mentoring challenge, courtesy of Devendra Velegandla!

With cyber threats rising and data volumes exploding, Microsoft Power Platform is a game-changer for organisations everywhere.

The Power Platform is changing the game by making AI tools user-friendly for everyone, from IT pros to those without a tech background. It's not just about using new...

In the evolving landscape of Power Platform governance, two pivotal tools stand out: 👉 Managed Environments 👉 Center of Excellence (CoE) Starter Kit.

It's a continuous effort to protect our digital territories from sophisticated threats.

Rachel's journey with the 90-day mentoring challenge showcases the transformative power of mentorship in the tech space, especially for those navigating the...

Managed Environments for Power Platform streamline system administration, enhancing control, transparency, and governance for organisations using low-code solutions.

We're at a tipping point where artificial intelligence (AI) is a real game-changer across all sectors.

The rise of low-code/no-code platforms has been a game-changer, making app development accessible to everyone, not just the tech-savvy folks. 🧑🏻💻

Imagine managing your Power Platform assets at scale... without getting tangled in the endless manual adjustments. ⚡️That's precisely what Managed Environments...

Let's be honest. It can get complicated with all the data flying around everywhere.

Join our 90-Day Mentoring Challenge and take your career in Microsoft Business Applications to the next level.

This is a common question I get, whether it's associates, graduates coming through my program, or those who are experienced.

When steering your business through a digital transformation, deciding between a Centre for Enablement (C4E) and a Centre of Excellence (CoE) can feel like choosing...

AI can help automate routine tasks and streamline workflows in the legal industry, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.

In our 90-Day Mentoring Program, we love seeing everyone's progress and celebrating success! Martin joined the program with the goal of becoming a solutions...

Have you got admin tasks coming out of your ears? Here’s ideas for AI to do the heavy lifting. 🦾🤖

Why change management can be your competitive advantage. It's about planning, coordinating, and implementing changes to minimise disruption and maximise benefits.

How does a Centre for Enablement (C4E) drive system and technology integration? It’s helpful for several reasons:

It's gratifying to hear from our community about the valuable insights they've gained from the 90-Day Mentoring Challenge. "It's a wonderful opportunity, and I'd...

Ever come across it? 🤔 It's this brilliant framework introduced by the British Design Council in 2005, revolving around four key phases:

The Centre for Enablement (C4E) isn't one size fits all. It's a highly tailored approach designed to meet each organisation's unique needs and objectives.

If your mentor works for your employer, they're not working for you. They're probably helping you set goals and take development opportunities that align with the...

If you've had a look at the 90-Day Mentoring Challenge, maybe you wondered why I use the subdomain "ako.nz365guy" 🤔 My wife, Meg Smith (Ngāpuhi, Tainui), suggested...

This is for you. Enrolments for the next 90-Day Mentoring Challenge cohort are open now ⏰ Discovering the MSCRM product in 2003 changed the course of my life. My...

It's about a young boy who embarks on a mission to help three individuals in ways they could not help themselves, sparking a chain reaction of goodwill. It's a real...

The second rule of Fight Club is: you DO NOT talk about Fight Club! For years, the MVP program was shrouded in secrecy, much like Fight Club. But now, it's time to...

Implementing a Centre for Enablement (C4E) strategy offers a streamlined path to break down silos and enhance collaboration.

Unlocking the full potential of AI tools can transform how consultants prepare for client engagements across new industries.

“It was an awesome learning experience over 3 months. Wish I had taken this earlier.” - Sriram Balaji

Great consultants can empathise with the people for whom they are building solutions. Empathy is vital to understanding the people we engage with when we build...

1\. IT is complaining about supporting too many undocumented “citizen” apps that have become mainstream. 2\. You are getting feedback that your apps are ugly and not...

Forget crystal balls, I’m talking about real, science-backed predictions for your business.

Challenge was born out of a simple truth: traditional corporate mentoring often prioritises the company's goals over an individual’s growth.......my aim is to change...

Why is Design Thinking important? It's all about taking a human-centred approach, understanding, and empathising with, the people who will use the technology we...

How does the Centre for Enablement (C4E) bring more value to an organisation if we already have a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in place? They each play distinct but...

👉🏽 Understand capabilities of AI in your field Begin by familiarising yourself with thepotential and limitations of AIs specific to your industry. Learn about the...

A Centre for Enablement is an organisation-wide approach for app modernisation, best practice data strategy, and AI readiness.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the consulting industry. In fact, research from The Harvard Business School found that consultants using ChatGPT-4:

"This program has given me the confidence to be the best version of myself. Whether that’s connecting with individuals, presenting to a large audience, refining my...

I love this quote from Dr. Seuss because my wife Meg and I have made this a reality in our lives, and our careers have taken us all over the world. But, when I talk...

In the rapidly evolving world of digital transformation, the concept of a Center for Enablement (C4E) is gaining traction. But what exactly are its benefits, and how...

Teachers are going all in on generative AI. I hated school. I’ve been following the education trends closely to see how AI is being used to enhance the student...

Want to become an opportunity magnet as a consultant? Never being on the ‘bench’ as a consultant comes down to this one main skill. 🔑

Create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, and the pursuit of knowledge is seen as a collective responsibility.

🤖 Morgan Stanley predicts that AI will affect 40% of the workforce in the next 3 years and Amazon says that 75% of employers looking for AI-qualified talent are...

Verbal communication is one of the first topics I teach people. 🗣️ “You can have all the brainpower in the world, but you have to be able to transmit it’ - Warren...

Want more value out of the Power Platform? Move beyond ‘excellence’ 🌟 to focus on ‘enablement’ 🙋🏽♂️ Creating a culture that: → Provides accessible trainings →...

AI is coming for every industry. Here's AI + NZ Tax Law. 🦾😉 Join the cyborgs. I love seeing practical examples of people combining their expertise with AI to...

Act like you’ll never get a payrise. 💰(Because if you’re in tech it’s likely you wont)

The 2 different mindsets 🤔 - Centre of Excellence (CoE) vs a Centre for Enablement (C4E). Centre of Excellence (CoE) Mindset: 👇🏽

This is a primary reason to upskill personally and learn how to do what you do better. Using AI will soon become a key skill every industry.

While CoE’s focus on centralized expertise and controlled governance, Centre for Enablement (C4E’s) create decentralized knowledge sharing, self-service, and...

The Copilot App already has over 1.5 Million Downloads. 😮 A big play for the consumer market.

Imagine if you went into a supermarket and the produce was a mess - none of the rows had signs, and every week it was in a different place.

It’s all happening. Working out what yours will look like is key to becoming efficient, creating better solutions & relevant.

He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata. 2024 is going to be an incredible year with AI + tech but…. as the great Maori saying goes….” what is...

Want to use AI in 2024 in your business? Here are 6 questions that are helpful to ask. 1\. What problems can we solve with AI? Getting clear on the specific benefits...

Soon, Copilot will use OpenAI's GPT-4 Turbo for complex tasks like coding and writing, enhancing its capabilities significantly. This feature is currently being...

The AI Wave is a big one. Being prepared isn't just about being innovative, it's about making sure you don't fall behind, and have competitors leapfrog you. The tech...

Is your data organized to make the best use of AI? The latest AI tools are exciting but can’t be used effectively without quality training data. If your data is...

AI can sift through vast consumer data to identify emerging market trends. A retail company could use it to pinpoint a sudden spike in demand for a specific product...

Did you know Microsoft has training on how to use Copilot effectively? It’s jam packed with helpful info - from preparing your data, through to how to prompt...

AI is bringing productivity to all aspects of our work. Here's some of the most common everyday areas that it's being used for.

‘AI won’t take your job, but it’s likely someone using AI will.’ It’s the same with companies. Those using AI are going to far outperform those who don’t. It’s not...

The Center of Excellence has been criticized or faced resistance for a number of reasons. There’s a growing interest in the Center of Enablement (CoEn). People tend...

The next few years are going to be exciting. Copilot Studio and other big announcements keep changing the game. What do you think this will change the most? Here’s 3...

Microsoft Ignite 2023 had some great announcements. I'm looking forward to seeing how these get used. Check them out and let me know your thoughts below.

I think AI is going to hit the Trough of Disillusionment next year. 😳 It’s part of the Gartner Hype Cycle. You’ll likely find people saying: → It hasn’t solved...

You know about Copilot for GitHub. Ai Copilot for Power Apps / Power Automate and more. But what about for ERP? Ai Copilot is available for ERP through Dyanmics365...

A composable ERP strategy is gaining momentum. 🚀 Uncertainty, tight budgets and innovation make them an attractive option. I’ve compared an integrated ERP with...

12 things that destroy an ERP project's business effectiveness: 1\. Not making the ERP fit how the business actually works 2\. Overlooking the need for clean and...

💰Many millions are wasted on traditional ERP Transformations - promising the moon, and deliver a flashlight. 🌙🔦 The way forward is Composable ERPs. Here’s why...

Why use the Microsoft Power Platform? Unlock business value without needing advanced coding. Here’s 7 things you can make with Power Apps: 👇🏽 Some ideas to get you...

New update from the Power Platform Conference 2023\. 🚀 AI is creating more successful automation flows by being allowed to have more input. Here’s the breakdown...

Want to create websites by describing them? Now you can! Here’s a simple breakdown of 1 of the announcements from Microsoft Power Platform Conference in Vegas. 👇🏽

I’d like your input. The balance with Citizen Developers can be hard. Allowing them to contribute effectively without compromising the quality and functionality of...

Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age.

Ever found yourself facepalming 🤦♂️ at the quality of some apps churned out by Citizen Developers? We've all been there. Here’s a fresh perspective… CITIZEN...

We’re in the middle of the AI revolution. 🤖 A common question is - "Will AI take our jobs?" Change in the LCNC space feels unprecedented, and it is. It’s faster...

Scouting for tech talent is like looking for a needle in a haystack. To unlock digital potential using Low-code/no-code platforms you’ll need to embrace this idea...

The future of customer experience requires personalization at scale. 🚀 Clunky legacy systems for Contact Centers and CRMs can’t provide this. They’re disjointed &...

Involved with Contact Centers? 📲You always want to create a great experience. Here are 5 challenges I see in making them effective. 1\. Going Digital End-to-End A...

A 60 second highlight of some Power Platform updates. Click through to see a short description of each.

I’ve interacted with a lot of technology in Digital Transformations. But, honestly, nothing has excited me quite like Microsoft's Power Platform. 🤯

Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age.

Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age.

Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age.

Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age.

Want to extend SAP capability? Here’s 7 areas to consider when using the Power Platform.

One of the biggest challenges with SAP is the difficulty to use and understand it. 😟 Technical people like you may find it ok, but new users or non-technical...

Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age.

Not getting what you need from SAP as an ERP? Here are 4 enhancements by integrating with the Microsoft Power Platform. 1\. Improved Data Analysis with Power BI -...

Struggling with outdated apps? Use the Microsoft Power Platform for App Modernization. Clients we work with are: 👉🏽 Creating custom solutions with Power Apps 👉🏽...

Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age.

I’m hearing a lot of talk about the Centre of Enablement. The Centre of Excellence needs a companion.

Without a clear vision, technology feels like a cost. With vision, there’s a clear path to ROI. The decision to use premium features like managed environments...

The most agreed-with benefit of Managed Environments & Premium Connectors on the Power Platform?

It’s time to democratize digital transformation. Let’s wake up your organization. Here’s the benefits of empowering Fusion Teams, so that everyone can get involved...

Phenomenal to see this. 🎉 Microsoft rated 1 out of 28 as the Lowcode Platform for Developers - according to the recent Forrester report.

✅ Break down silos ✅ Unlock more business value ✅ Do more with limited developers

Nintex helped with process management and workflow automation using no code, mostly helping clients build workarounds on SharePoint. It has been great.

It's often well-intentioned. The sentiment is: "Hey, let's invest in the latest technology to improve our business. It's the ultimate solution."

He’s been looking into this for a long time and has seen this coming. He’s passionate about it and asks great questions.

AI is not just another fad; it's the next big thing. It’s as big as cloud or the internet.

1\. Seek AI and automation features. Most CIOs and IT professionals (87%) believe these capabilities maximise low-code benefits. Embedded AI and automation can...

Low-code tools give you more accurate data insights. You can say goodbye to these: 1\. Complicated coding skills 2\. Multiple data silos 3\. Tedious manual processes...

Low code platforms are the future. Global growth was expected to drop from 6% in 2021 to 2.9% in 2023 (International Monetary Fund).

The CoE typically focuses on establishing best practices, governance, and standardisation for the Power Platform. It’s about using the platform effectively and...

IBM simplifies running SAP applications on Azure. IBM has 40 years of experience in more than 5,000 SAP migrations, and more than 4,600 Microsoft professional...

The Microsoft Power Platform is a suite of tools to build custom applications, automate processes, and analyze data.

Shadow IT thrives in orgs where collaboration is scarce. 😱 Want a collaborative environment with no room for shadow IT? Low code solutions offer the answer. 🤝...

Are you a technology decision-maker struggling to ignite innovation in your organization?

By implementing low code solutions like the Microsoft Power Platform, organizations can optimize IT operations, mitigating the risks associated with shadow IT.

Want to avoid Power Apps Chaos? 🙅🏽♂️ Guardrails make all the difference. Here are 3 steps to use for more trust & better governance. 👇🏽 Building trust within...

Your first Power Apps project should: 👉🏼 Create a quick win for the organisation 👉🏼 Allow the team to experiment & learn 👉🏼 Be delivered in a short amount of...

Whether you are just starting on your first few apps using Power Apps, or fully integrated the Power Platform you’ll want to include these 4 stages.

When creating your first app using Microsoft Power Apps, it's important to assemble the right team.

There is an IT staffing shortage. Low code enables solutions to be made by people who aren’t coding experts. They can be trained in a short amount of time and then...

1\. Data Entry Forms: Create custom forms for data entry. Users can input data and store it in a database.

It combines imaginative storytelling with scientific forecasting. The two writers are experts in their field, making it both insightful and engaging. Not into boring...

Before starting, get clear on why you’re setting up a CoE, your aims and business outcomes.

👉🏼 By focusing on full answers, searchers won’t need to work through pages of information.

These structures can work as mental models that help implement the Power Platform & decide how to structure your team. Most organizations will be along the continuum...

The global shortage of software engineers may reach 85.2 million by 2030\. - US DOL ⚠️

Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age.

Are you a CxO responsible for Digital Transformation? Infraserv built over 70 low code/no code apps for Enterprise Acceleration. Here are their key learnings...

🤖“Innovation Contests” are how you turbocharge your digital transformation and ready your organization for AI.

👉🏼 Formal training program at IBM on AI 👉🏼 Experimenting with the Pro Version of ChatGPT (with API access) 👉🏼 Listening to podcasts on AI 👉🏼 Reading books on...

They apply to when you’re setting up a Center of Excellence with the Power Platform. The goal is the right mix of oversight and freedom. This allows you to get...

It’s about investing in and nurture organic growth while maintaining governance and control. The right balance is key.

What are your thoughts on this? 👇🏽 Microsoft just announced the third phase of their OpenAI partnership.

A business developer culture empowers non-technical employees, or "citizen developers," to create and develop software solutions using low-code or no-code platforms...

👉 The journey starts with taking stock of shadow applications and then selecting LC/NC platforms that fit the needs the shadow apps fill.

Many organizations today are grappling with the issue of shadow IT – those applications that different departments within your organization create and maintain...

I feel I am smack dab in the most exciting time of my life with the launch of SalesSpark. Each day I learn more about Sales Engagement and how the technology...

As per my previous blog post on Microsoft Virtual Agents, this is Microsoft’s fourth tool designed for the Power Platform to empower Citizen Developers to build...

What I wanted to do in this post is give you some food for thought, some things to consider to boost your career and get you into the driver’s seat of your life. I...

Time to update on my progress in the 90-Day Mentoring Challenge. With 2020 fast approaching, and already over 150 requests to join this intake, I decided to review...

the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) and also making sure we are prepared to deploy via AppSource on the new ISV Connect program. As someone that has worked in the...

Last week at Ignite 2019 Orlando, Microsoft released a brand new app Power Virtual Agents to join the other three apps Power Apps, Power BI, Power Automate the app...

I have been getting lots of questions about what is involved in becoming a Power Platform Functional Consultant. What skills are needed, and do the skills align with...

With Microsoft Ignite in full swing and me on the other side of the world, I found myself reflecting on discussions that I have had over the past few weeks with...

The concept of a “ship date” has been around for some time in the software industry. The idea being that you need to set the date that your Minimum Viable Product...

When a company needs to decide on tools of the future, software tools that will catapult them forward, the Power Platform requires serious consideration. People...

When thoughts start to take shape in your mind that maybe it’s time to go independent and strike out on your own. This does not mean you need to go and start a...

I have been pretty vocal about Dynamics Communities Inc. (DCI) in the past. I felt they had lost their way and there was a need for change. I was unsure if the...

At this stage in the ISV process I am thinking about SELLING, how do I build sales momentum and become profitable straight away. I have reached out to others in the...

I may have the title wrong for this post as what I am really trying to do is crowd source my first practical Microsoft Flow. For some time, I have been thinking...

Many people ask me how to shift careers from where they are, to where they want to go. Some people are stuck working in On-Premise Dynamics 365 Projects and feel...

For some time, I have been thinking about collaboration. The idea of two or more people coming together in thinking and creating something to the benefit of everyone...

Getting your minimum viable product (MVP) right is one of the critical things when bringing a product to market as an ISV building on the Microsoft Power Platform...

If you are planning on attending any Microsoft training or doing an eLearning course I recommend you start by setting up a trial environment, so you can try what you...

Over my career I have helped many people get a pay rise. I have also received help to get a pay rise myself when a manager realised that I was not paid what he...

We are only two weeks away from the largest community summit in the Microsoft Business Applications calendar for 2019. This is actually a combination of three events...

In this post I want to discuss setting up your CORE TEAM, and the skill sets needed to be represented in that team for success.

When it comes to building Power Apps, I have a model that I follow to help me think about how the Power App should be constructed? The starting point is the story.

Is it time to consider your future and make sure your chosen career is full of opportunities for advancement?

My podcasting evolution from when I started. Nottingham, England budging free bed and board from my cousin and I had managed to schedule a time to speak with Guus...

Last year I read a book by Simon Sinek called Start With Why. I like the idea of starting with why when it comes to creating a product as an ISV and taking products...

Microsoft Flow is one of the foundation tools that make up the Microsoft Power Platform. It is a tool that was born in Microsoft Azure. One of the founding creators...

In the past couple of months, I have had an increasing number of people asking me to coach them in their careers. Although I have coached people in the past, I have...

This Saturday just passed I had the pleasure of speaking at Power Platform Saturday in Oslo Norway, organized by MVP Marius Agur Hagelund Lind. I love the way the...

When I look for content on how to become a successful Independent Software Vendor (ISV) for Microsoft Business Apps, I come up short. So, I thought it was time to...

Microsoft Business Application Summit 2019 announced another build tool – AI Builder. As many of you know, the world of Microsoft Business Applications has changed...

Here are my top 10 tips to maximize a Microsoft MVP in your company.This post follows on from my previous post What are the Benefits of Employing a Microsoft MVP?

I recently had a conversation with the founder and CEO of a Microsoft Business Applications Global Systems Integrator (GSI). The discussion turned to Microsoft MVPs...

First, let me start by saying sorry for this post. It has been boiling for a while, and everyone I speak to does not seem to have the authority to address it in...

Throughout my career I have benefited from outstanding mentors and coaches. I was brought up in rural New Zealand on a dairy farm, one of seven children. In our...

In Part 1 I highlighted the need for Microsoft partners to focus on an industry solution, how to decide which industry to focus on, and how to establish a...

In my sixteen years of working in Microsoft Business Applications and twenty years of working for Microsoft Partners I have never come across a partner that has said...

As a Microsoft Partner, it is time to start leveraging the vibrant Microsoft community that exists around the world and proactively encourage all staff to get...

“500 million apps are going to get created in the next five years.” Think about that. That's more apps than the last 40 years.

There are now about 26 different applications that make up the Microsoft Business Applications suite of products. I am not suggesting you need to learn them all, but...

Being a firm believer in a growth mindset of learning and in designing the life I want, even if it goes against cultural norms.

These are two products that I love; Dynamics 365 and LinkedIn. Back in the day, I wrote a step by step guide on how to get them both working together – long before...

Dynamics 365 for Sales has been on my mind lately and the role that technology plays in evolving the sales arena. Over the past 20 years, I have worked with various...

For years, businesses and organizations have needed custom software applications to carry out day to day business. Applications that are unique to an industry, and...

Now that Microsoft has launched the Power Platform with Common Data Service (CDS) at its core, it’s time to evolve how we build line of business applications.

I have just completed another Hack4Good event, my second for the year. My first one was in London in February 2019 and the second in Atlanta June 2019, as part of...

It’s time to establish who really knows their stuff in the Power Platform community. Do you have what it takes to get a team together and win global bragging rights...

Live streaming at Microsoft Business Applications Summit Atlanta 2019. I was chatting with my buddy Steve Mordue months leading up to the Microsoft Business...

In the past year, I have been getting more involved in Hackathons.

Why choose the Power Platform as an Independent Software Vendor (ISV)?Well, first, let us look at what Microsoft has done with the Power Platform. Over the last 24...

Dynamics 365 is not a new technology per se, as it was created on the shoulders of Dynamics CRM, which is built on the shoulders of Microsoft CRM. There is a history...

I have been doing a lot of thinking and reading about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and trying to understand how businesses can get started with Practical AI. One way...

I recently returned from a business trip to Beijing, China and was blown away by the massive opportunity for Microsoft Partners wanting to grow a Power Platform or...

PowerApps developers are only telling half the story when it comes to building PowerApps on the Platform Platform.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) is an annual award that Microsoft presents to individuals that are an outstanding contributor in the community for a...

Delving into the topic Artificial Intelligence has raised some interesting questions. In my recent posts, I’ve explored the concepts of Practical AI and Mixed...

I am excited about where Microsoft is moving with Mixed Reality. The Microsoft Business Applications Group has brought Mixed Reality under its umbrella as part of...

In this post, I want to talk about my observations of the potential career opportunities working for Microsoft in Microsoft Business Applications. First of all, when...

I have been reading a lot about Artificial Intelligence lately. In the years ahead I believe that the prevalence of AI is only going to increase, changing the way we...

What is a Microsoft Power Platform ISV? And what are the differences between a Power Platform ISV and Dynamics 365 ISV?

Is Microsoft Dynamics CRM is best for you? What exactly is Microsoft Dynamics CRM?Microsoft Customer Relationship Management, CRM is not a new technology. In fact...

If you’ve been working in Microsoft Business Applications for more than a couple of years you may be aware that Microsoft moved Microsoft Dynamics 365 to Azure. In...

For those partners and customers who pay very close attention to the Dynamics ecosystem, last week’s announcement from Steve Guggenheimer concerning a new ISV...

Power Platform Happy Hour is an in-person social event run every six weeks for people interested in or work with the Microsoft Power Platform and its various...

Around 18 months ago I decided to start a podcast. The reason for doing this is I had taken a year off work to travel the world with my wife, but I wanted to develop...

“Be passionate and bold. Always keep learning. You stop doing useful things if you don't learn.”

Recently we have seen a lot of change in the Microsoft Business Applications space. Microsoft moved James Phillips into the role of Corporate Vice President of the...

Marketing and Sales are the life blood of any successful practice. Without consistent sales you will struggle to operate a growing business, without consistent...

This is my last post on People in my Dynamics 365 Practice Management series. In my previous blogs, I covered: