# nz365guy > Mark Smith is a Principal AI Strategist and Co-Founder at Cloverbase, a boutique Microsoft consulting firm based in Whangārei Heads, New Zealand. Microsoft MVP since 2012 (AI Platform), Microsoft Certified Trainer, co-author of "Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption" published by Microsoft Press, host of The Intelligence Age Podcast with 837+ episodes. He writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age. ## About Cloverbase Cloverbase helps organisations adopt AI with clear strategy, practical structure, and measurable outcomes. Every engagement is led by Mark or [Meg Smith](https://megsmith.nz/) directly. Services include Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption Workshops, AI Leadership and Governance Blueprints, Copilot Champions Mentorship, and Microsoft AI Innovation Challenges. Website: https://www.cloverbase.com ## Key pages - [About](https://nz365guy.com/about): Full bio and professional background - [Blog](https://nz365guy.com/blog): 332 blog posts spanning 2013 to present - [Book](https://nz365guy.com/book): Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption (Microsoft Press) by Mark Smith and [Meg Smith](https://megsmith.nz/) - [Podcast](https://nz365guy.com/podcast): The Intelligence Age Podcast, 837+ episodes - [90 Day MC](https://nz365guy.com/90daymc): 90-day structured mentoring programme - [Contact](https://nz365guy.com/contact): LinkedIn and consulting enquiries via Cloverbase ## Categories - [Microsoft Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/category/microsoft%20power%20platform): 95 posts - [Artificial Intelligence](https://nz365guy.com/category/artificial%20intelligence): 73 posts - [Career Development & Mentoring](https://nz365guy.com/category/career%20development%20%26%20mentoring): 72 posts - [Microsoft Partners](https://nz365guy.com/category/microsoft%20partners): 33 posts - [Podcast](https://nz365guy.com/category/podcast): 32 posts - [Digital Transformation Innovation](https://nz365guy.com/category/digital%20transformation%20innovation): 23 posts - [Design Thinking & User Experience](https://nz365guy.com/category/design%20thinking%20%26%20user%20experience): 2 posts - [Career Development](https://nz365guy.com/category/career%20development): 1 posts - [Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/category/power%20platform): 1 posts ## Top tags - Power Platform (81) - AI (52) - CRM (33) - Dynamics 365 (30) - 90 Day Mentoring Challenge (24) - Dynamics CRM (23) - nz365guy (21) - Microsoft Power Platform (20) - Low Code (14) - Power Apps (13) - openclaw (12) - Microsoft Dynamics CRM (11) - ai-agents (10) - Microsoft (10) - ISV (10) - C4E (9) - Developers (9) - Digital Transformation (9) - Career (7) - Copilot (7) - CoE (7) - enterprise-security (6) - microsoft-365 (6) - building-m365-cli (6) - Centre for Enablement (6) - Microsoft Dynamics 365 (6) - Citizen Developers (6) - SAP (6) - Azure (5) - multi-agent-systems (5) ## All posts - [What if every marae hosted a piece of the cloud?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/every-marae-hosted-piece-cloud) (2026-08-05, Artificial Intelligence): A thought experiment in Māori data sovereignty: locally owned micro data centres that return skills, resilience, and a dividend to marae. - [An Azure photogrammetry pipeline for less than two coffees](https://nz365guy.com/blog/azure-photogrammetry-pipeline-less-than-two) (2026-08-04, Artificial Intelligence): Phase 2 of my property digital twin turns 743 drone photos into maps and models on an Azure VM that exists as billable compute for about four hours a month. - [AI checks every mission file before my drone flies](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-checks-every-mission-file-drone) (2026-08-03, Artificial Intelligence): My consumer Mavic 3 has no SDK, so repeatable survey flights depend on mission files. An AI inspection caught unsafe defaults and a 22.88-metre altitude error before... - [Why I started NZ Ledger as open financial infrastructure](https://nz365guy.com/blog/nz-ledger-open-financial-infrastructure) (2026-07-31, Artificial Intelligence): NZ Ledger is my plan for open-source financial infrastructure designed for people, AI agents, and New Zealand businesses. - [We made four websites agent-ready with WebMCP](https://nz365guy.com/blog/four-websites-agent-ready-webmcp) (2026-07-13, Artificial Intelligence): AI agents already visit our websites and interpret pages built for human eyes. This weekend, we gave all four sites a structured interface they can use safely. - [Why My AI DevOps Team Runs on a Ralph Loop](https://nz365guy.com/blog/why-my-ai-devops-team-runs-on-a-ralph-loop) (2026-07-09, Artificial Intelligence): My AI DevOps board looked frozen for twelve hours. The fix was not smarter orchestration, but a Ralph loop with real hard stops. - [Building Sandy: a read-aloud tool for how I work](https://nz365guy.com/blog/building-sandy-read-aloud-tool) (2026-07-07, Artificial Intelligence): Sandy is a Windows 11 read-aloud app I built for dyslexia support, with Azure AI Speech, sentence-level playback, and click-to-read. - [I replaced my CRM in a single afternoon](https://nz365guy.com/blog/replaced-crm-single-afternoon) (2026-07-02, Artificial Intelligence): 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. - [AI skills plan for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform consultants](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-skills-plan-dynamics-power-platform) (2026-07-01, Career Development): 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. - [Building an org directory for AI agents on OpenCLAW](https://nz365guy.com/blog/building-org-directory-ai-agents-openclaw) (2026-06-30, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [What Dynamics 365 partners should do when project work dries up](https://nz365guy.com/blog/dynamics-partners-should-project-work-dries) (2026-06-29, Power Platform): Dynamics 365 and Power Platform partner practices seeing slower demand need a reset towards workflow accountability, governed agents, adoption and measurable... - [Building a DevOps team from AI agents on OpenCLAW](https://nz365guy.com/blog/building-devops-team-ai-agents-openclaw) (2026-06-25, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Hardening OpenCLAW on Azure after a live audit](https://nz365guy.com/blog/hardening-openclaw-azure-live-audit) (2026-06-23, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [The Microsoft Innovation Podcast: A Nine-Year Wrap](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-innovation-podcast-nine-year-wrap) (2026-05-29, Podcast): 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... - [I found 268 plaintext secrets in my AI stack](https://nz365guy.com/blog/plaintext-secrets-ai-stack) (2026-05-21, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Can I Build This? The Question That Saved Me $10,000 a Year in SaaS Subscriptions](https://nz365guy.com/blog/can-i-build-this-with-ai) (2026-04-05, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [44 Safety Rules, 58 Commands, and Microsoft Loop's Missing API - Building Enterprise AI Agent Governance](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-agent-governance-microsoft-loop-problem) (2026-04-04, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Connecting AI Agents to Microsoft Planner: ETags, Group Permissions, and the Graph API's Opinions](https://nz365guy.com/blog/connecting-ai-agents-to-microsoft-planner) (2026-04-04, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [23 Safety Rules I Built Into a Microsoft 365 CLI for AI Agents](https://nz365guy.com/blog/safety-rules-microsoft-365-cli) (2026-04-04, Artificial Intelligence): 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. - [Shipping a Microsoft 365 CLI: Signed Binaries, SBOMs, and the Bug That Hid for Four Months](https://nz365guy.com/blog/shipping-microsoft-365-cli-public-release) (2026-04-04, Artificial Intelligence): Taking cb365 from internal tool to public release meant solving the trust problem: signed binaries, Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), and a certificate... - [Why I'm Building My Own Microsoft 365 CLI for AI Agents](https://nz365guy.com/blog/why-i-built-my-own-microsoft-365-cli) (2026-04-04, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [My AI Agent Now Manages My Microsoft To Do - Here's What Actually Happened](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-agent-manages-microsoft-todo) (2026-04-03, Artificial Intelligence): 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 Getting the Date Wrong? Timezone Configuration in OpenCLAW](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-agents-timezone-configuration-openclaw) (2026-03-20, Artificial Intelligence): 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. - [Why I Built My Own Model Routing Engine](https://nz365guy.com/blog/model-routing-intelligence) (2026-03-20, Artificial Intelligence): How I replaced static model assignments with an autonomous routing engine, shadow testing pipeline, and live dashboard for a 25-agent orchestration platform. - [Stop searching. Start conversing: how to build real AI skill](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-conversation-skill-practice) (2025-09-21, Artificial Intelligence): Build real AI skill with conversation, not one-shot queries. Use five prompts a day, custom instructions, and voice and vision to improve results. - [The project economy looks like the movies](https://nz365guy.com/blog/project-economy-looks-like-the-movies) (2025-09-19, Artificial Intelligence): Work is shifting from jobs to projects. Like filmmaking, teams assemble for a clear outcome, deliver, then disband. - [Digital fluency: why skills beat borrowed knowledge](https://nz365guy.com/blog/digital-fluency-skills-over-knowledge) (2025-09-13, Artificial Intelligence): Learn why digital fluency means applied skills, not borrowed knowledge. Build resilience with problem solving, security, and safe, ethical use of modern AI tools. - [Skill Beats Hype: It’s Not Too Late to get the AI Advantage](https://nz365guy.com/blog/skill-beats-hype-ai-advantage) (2025-09-08, Artificial Intelligence): 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, Human Rights & ESG: Why Workforce Re-skilling is Essential for Ethical AI Adoption](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-human-rights-esg-why-workforce-re-skilling-is-essential-for-ethical-ai-adoption) (2025-03-31, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Embracing the Future: Developing an AI Mindset for Work and Life](https://nz365guy.com/blog/embracing-the-future-developing-an-ai-mindset-for-work-and-life) (2024-12-19, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Auckland Copilot Training](https://nz365guy.com/blog/aklcopilot) (2024-12-10, Artificial Intelligence): Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age. - [Supercharge Your Power Platform Career: 10 Game-Changing Strategies](https://nz365guy.com/blog/supercharge-your-power-platform-career-10-game-changing-strategies) (2024-10-25, Career Development & Mentoring): 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](https://nz365guy.com/blog/getting-started-with-freelancing) (2024-09-02, Career Development & Mentoring): 1. Getting Started with Freelancing (this post) 2. Rates, costing and allocations 3. Time Management and Project Allocation 4. Contracts, Legal Considerations, and... - [Innovation Challenges: A Roadmap for Business Transformation](https://nz365guy.com/blog/innovation-challenges-a-roadmap-for-business-transformation) (2024-08-16, Digital Transformation Innovation): A culture of innovation will separate organisations that thrive with AI from those that will struggle to stay relevant and profitable. Innovation challenges can... - [Maximize ROI at Conferences: Strategic Tips for Success](https://nz365guy.com/blog/maximize-roi-at-conferences-strategic-tips-for-success) (2024-08-12, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Essential Skills for Career Development: Mastering Requirements Gathering](https://nz365guy.com/blog/essential-skills-for-career-development-mastering-requirements-gathering) (2024-08-08, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Mastering AI: Transforming with Personal Leadership](https://nz365guy.com/blog/mastering-ai-transforming-with-personal-leadership) (2024-08-07, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Empowering Innovation: Building a Centre for Enablement on the Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/empowering-innovation-building-a-centre-for-enablement-on-the-power-platform) (2024-08-06, Microsoft Power Platform): 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 Evolution of xRM to the Power Platform: Overcoming Communication Challenges](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-evolution-of-xrm-to-the-power-platform-overcoming-communication-challenges) (2024-08-05, Microsoft Power Platform): 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?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/how-do-you-find-the-time) (2024-08-01, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Empowering Future Tech Careers Today](https://nz365guy.com/blog/empowering-future-tech-careers-today) (2024-07-26, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Mentoring Challenge Transforms Rachel Roberts' Career](https://nz365guy.com/blog/mentoring-challenge-transforms-rachel-roberts-career) (2024-07-10, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [10 Life-Changing Tools for Dyslexics](https://nz365guy.com/blog/10-life-changing-tools-for-dyslexics) (2024-06-16, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Transiting to an AI Future-Ready Mindset](https://nz365guy.com/blog/transiting-to-an-ai-future-ready-mindset) (2024-06-12, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Unmasking Free Licenses: Maximizing Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/unmasking-free-licenses-maximizing-power-platform) (2024-06-10, Career Development & Mentoring): I will speak in Vegas later this year at the 2024 Power Platform Community Conference, and this is the title of my session. - [Problem-First Approach for Microsoft Sales](https://nz365guy.com/blog/problem-first-approach-for-microsoft-sales) (2024-06-09, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [The Rise of the Citizen Electrician](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-rise-of-the-citizen-electrician) (2024-06-07, Microsoft Power Platform): George Doubinski, coined the concept of the Citizen Electrician, and I give him full credit for it. - [Security by Obscurity in the Age of AI ](https://nz365guy.com/blog/security-by-obscurity-in-the-age-of-ai) (2024-06-06, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [The Microsoft Partner is dead](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-microsoft-partner-is-dead) (2024-05-31, Career Development & Mentoring): If it had not been for Mira Razman, I would not have come to this epic event from New Zealand. - [LinkedIn Message Sparks Life-Changing Movement](https://nz365guy.com/blog/linkedin-message-sparks-life-changing-movement) (2024-05-24, Microsoft Power Platform): Would you believe if I told you a single LinkedIn message could impact the lives of thousands of kids? Here’s how it went... - [Reflecting on Nick Bostrom's AI Predictions](https://nz365guy.com/blog/reflecting-on-nick-bostroms-ai-predictions) (2024-05-20, Career Development & Mentoring): I am close to finishing reading this mind-blowing book, Superintelligence, by Nick Bostrom. - [Elevate Your Feedback Game with Radical Candor](https://nz365guy.com/blog/elevate-your-feedback-game-with-radical-candor) (2024-05-17, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Dream or reality?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/dream-or-reality) (2024-05-14, Artificial Intelligence): Imagine having all your email responses automatically drafted for you, placed in a DRAFTS folder, and ready for review. Dream or reality? - [90-day mentoring challenge - Devendra Velegandla](https://nz365guy.com/blog/90-day-mentoring-challenge-devendra-velegandla) (2024-04-25, Career Development & Mentoring): I am thrilled to share a snippet of a testimonial from our 90-day mentoring challenge, courtesy of Devendra Velegandla! - [Empowering User Management and Data Protection](https://nz365guy.com/blog/empowering-user-management-and-data-protection) (2024-04-24, Career Development & Mentoring): With cyber threats rising and data volumes exploding, Microsoft Power Platform is a game-changer for organisations everywhere. - [Empowering AI Culture with Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/empowering-ai-culture-with-power-platform) (2024-04-23, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Enhancing Governance with Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/enhancing-governance-with-power-platform) (2024-04-23, Career Development & Mentoring): In the evolving landscape of Power Platform governance, two pivotal tools stand out: 👉 Managed Environments 👉 Center of Excellence (CoE) Starter Kit. - [Microsoft Power Platform Enhances Cybersecurity](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-power-platform-enhances-cybersecurity) (2024-04-18, Career Development & Mentoring): It's a continuous effort to protect our digital territories from sophisticated threats. - [Rachel Roberts’ journey with the 90-day mentoring challenge](https://nz365guy.com/blog/rachel-roberts-journey-with-the-90-day-mentoring-challenge) (2024-04-18, Career Development & Mentoring): Rachel's journey with the 90-day mentoring challenge showcases the transformative power of mentorship in the tech space, especially for those navigating the... - [Optimizing Power Platform with Managed Environments](https://nz365guy.com/blog/optimizing-power-platform-with-managed-environments) (2024-04-17, Career Development & Mentoring): Managed Environments for Power Platform streamline system administration, enhancing control, transparency, and governance for organisations using low-code solutions. - [Mastering Agile AI for Business](https://nz365guy.com/blog/mastering-agile-ai-for-business) (2024-04-16, Career Development & Mentoring): We're at a tipping point where artificial intelligence (AI) is a real game-changer across all sectors. - [Microsoft Power Platform: Secure Innovation](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-power-platform-secure-innovation) (2024-04-10, Career Development & Mentoring): 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. 🧑🏻💻 - [Streamlining Power Platform with Managed Environments](https://nz365guy.com/blog/streamlining-power-platform-with-managed-environments) (2024-04-09, Career Development & Mentoring): Imagine managing your Power Platform assets at scale... without getting tangled in the endless manual adjustments. ⚡️That's precisely what Managed Environments... - [Microsoft Power Platform: AI Mastery](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-power-platform-ai-mastery) (2024-04-08, Career Development & Mentoring): Let's be honest. It can get complicated with all the data flying around everywhere. - [90-Day Career Transformation Challenge](https://nz365guy.com/blog/90-day-career-transformation-challenge) (2024-03-28, Career Development & Mentoring): Join our 90-Day Mentoring Challenge and take your career in Microsoft Business Applications to the next level. - [Balancing Certifications and Experience](https://nz365guy.com/blog/balancing-certifications-and-experience) (2024-03-27, Career Development & Mentoring): This is a common question I get, whether it's associates, graduates coming through my program, or those who are experienced. - [CoE and C4E Transformation Guide](https://nz365guy.com/blog/coe-and-c4e-transformation-guide) (2024-03-26, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [How can AI be used in law?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/how-can-ai-be-used-in-law) (2024-03-25, Career Development & Mentoring): AI can help automate routine tasks and streamline workflows in the legal industry, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings. - [Martin McMahon's Solutions Architect Success Story](https://nz365guy.com/blog/martins-solutions-architect-success-story) (2024-03-21, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [AI Transforms Admin Efficiency](https://nz365guy.com/blog/nfp9y9b9r5swhzigwql80z0nu1wku2) (2024-03-20, Career Development & Mentoring): Have you got admin tasks coming out of your ears? Here’s ideas for AI to do the heavy lifting. 🦾🤖 - [Driving Success Through Change Management](https://nz365guy.com/blog/driving-success-through-change-management) (2024-03-19, Career Development & Mentoring): Why change management can be your competitive advantage. It's about planning, coordinating, and implementing changes to minimise disruption and maximise benefits. - [Empowering System Integration Through C4E](https://nz365guy.com/blog/empowering-system-integration-through-c4e) (2024-03-18, Career Development & Mentoring): How does a Centre for Enablement (C4E) drive system and technology integration? It’s helpful for several reasons: - [Transformative 90-Day Career Mentorship](https://nz365guy.com/blog/transformative-90-day-career-mentorship) (2024-03-14, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Exploring Innovation with Double Diamond](https://nz365guy.com/blog/exploring-innovation-with-double-diamond) (2024-03-13, Design Thinking & User Experience): Ever come across it? 🤔 It's this brilliant framework introduced by the British Design Council in 2005, revolving around four key phases: - [Customized Centre for Enablement Strategy](https://nz365guy.com/blog/customised-centre-for-enablement-strategy) (2024-03-12, Career Development & Mentoring): 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. - [Defining Success in Corporate Mentorship](https://nz365guy.com/blog/defining-success-in-corporate-mentorship) (2024-03-10, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Learning and Teaching: nz365guy's Journey](https://nz365guy.com/blog/learning-and-teaching-nz365guys-journey) (2024-03-09, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Boost Your Dynamics 365 Career](https://nz365guy.com/blog/boost-your-dynamics-365-career) (2024-03-08, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [The Ripple Effect of Paying It Forward](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-ripple-effect-of-paying-it-forward) (2024-03-07, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Welcome to Fight Club](https://nz365guy.com/blog/welcome-to-fight-club) (2024-03-06, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Want to break down silos in your organization?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/want-to-break-down-silos-in-your-organisation) (2024-03-05, Digital Transformation Innovation): Implementing a Centre for Enablement (C4E) strategy offers a streamlined path to break down silos and enhance collaboration. - [ How to use AI for industry research](https://nz365guy.com/blog/how-to-use-ai-for-industry-research) (2024-03-04, Career Development & Mentoring): Unlocking the full potential of AI tools can transform how consultants prepare for client engagements across new industries. - [Transforming Careers: 90-Day Mentorship](https://nz365guy.com/blog/transforming-careers-90-day-mentorship) (2024-02-29, Career Development & Mentoring): “It was an awesome learning experience over 3 months. Wish I had taken this earlier.” - Sriram Balaji - [What separates good consultants from great consultants?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/what-separates-good-consultants-from-great-consultants) (2024-02-28, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Assessing Your Need for C4E](https://nz365guy.com/blog/assessing-your-need-for-c4e) (2024-02-27, Digital Transformation Innovation): 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... - [Predict the Future with AI](https://nz365guy.com/blog/00qpvqwvqv8xoic19oh6v625sfgs30) (2024-02-26, Artificial Intelligence): Forget crystal balls, I’m talking about real, science-backed predictions for your business. - [Unlocking Potential: 90-Day Mentorship](https://nz365guy.com/blog/unlocking-potential-90-day-mentorship) (2024-02-23, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [5 Core Principles of Design Thinking](https://nz365guy.com/blog/5-core-principles-of-design-thinking) (2024-02-22, Design Thinking & User Experience): 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... - [Boosting Value with C4E and CoE](https://nz365guy.com/blog/boosting-value-with-c4e-and-coe) (2024-02-21, Digital Transformation Innovation): 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... - [AI Integration: A Career Guide](https://nz365guy.com/blog/y6y1jo2oknu206plvbwhgmziw2993h) (2024-02-19, Artificial Intelligence): 👉🏽 Understand capabilities of AI in your field Begin by familiarising yourself with thepotential and limitations of AIs specific to your industry. Learn about the... - [Guide in Building Innovation & Readiness](https://nz365guy.com/blog/guide-in-building-innovation-amp-readiness) (2024-02-15, Digital Transformation Innovation): A Centre for Enablement is an organisation-wide approach for app modernisation, best practice data strategy, and AI readiness. - [AI Transforms Consulting: Efficiency & Quality](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-transforms-consulting-efficiency-amp-quality) (2024-02-14, Career Development & Mentoring): Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the consulting industry. In fact, research from The Harvard Business School found that consultants using ChatGPT-4: - [Empowerment Through 90-Day Mentorship](https://nz365guy.com/blog/empowerment-through-90-day-mentorship) (2024-02-12, Career Development & Mentoring): "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... - [Charting Careers in Microsoft Applications](https://nz365guy.com/blog/charting-careers-in-microsoft-applications) (2024-02-11, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Setting up C4E for Success](https://nz365guy.com/blog/setting-up-c4e-for-success) (2024-02-09, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [AI Revolutionizes Education Today](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-revolutionizes-education-today) (2024-02-08, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Unlocking Continuous Consulting Success](https://nz365guy.com/blog/unlocking-continuous-consulting-success) (2024-02-01, Career Development & Mentoring): Want to become an opportunity magnet as a consultant? Never being on the ‘bench’ as a consultant comes down to this one main skill. 🔑 - [Cultivating Learning and Curiosity with C4E](https://nz365guy.com/blog/cultivating-learning-and-curiosity-with-c4e) (2024-01-31, Artificial Intelligence): Create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, and the pursuit of knowledge is seen as a collective responsibility. - [AI skills are a must for the future workforce](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-skills-are-a-must-for-the-future-workforce) (2024-01-29, Artificial Intelligence): 🤖 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 Enhancement for Success](https://nz365guy.com/blog/verbal-communication-enhancement-for-success) (2024-01-24, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Power Platform: Enablement Over Excellence](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-enablement-over-excellence) (2024-01-23, Microsoft Power Platform): Want more value out of the Power Platform? Move beyond ‘excellence’ 🌟 to focus on ‘enablement’ 🙋🏽♂️ Creating a culture that: → Provides accessible trainings →... - [ AI + Job](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-job) (2024-01-22, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Why Switching Jobs May Be Key to a Better Payrise](https://nz365guy.com/blog/why-witching-jobs-may-be-key-to-a-better-payrise) (2024-01-21, Artificial Intelligence): Act like you’ll never get a payrise. 💰(Because if you’re in tech it’s likely you wont) - [CoE and C4E](https://nz365guy.com/blog/coe-and-c4e) (2024-01-17, Microsoft Power Platform): The 2 different mindsets 🤔 - Centre of Excellence (CoE) vs a Centre for Enablement (C4E). Centre of Excellence (CoE) Mindset: 👇🏽 - [Daily AI Prompts for Growth](https://nz365guy.com/blog/daily-ai-prompts-for-growth) (2024-01-16, Artificial Intelligence): 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. - [The Shift from Centre of Excellence to Centre for Enablement](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-shift-from-centre-of-excellence-to-centre-for-enablement) (2024-01-11, Microsoft Power Platform): While CoE’s focus on centralized expertise and controlled governance, Centre for Enablement (C4E’s) create decentralized knowledge sharing, self-service, and... - [Copilot App with over 1.5 Million Downloads and Free GPT-4](https://nz365guy.com/blog/copilot-app-with-over-1-5-million-downloads-and-free-gpt-4) (2024-01-10, Artificial Intelligence): The Copilot App already has over 1.5 Million Downloads. 😮 A big play for the consumer market. - [AI Readiness the Key to Effective Data Organization](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-readiness-the-key-to-effective-data-organization) (2024-01-04, Artificial Intelligence): 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. - [AI Transforming Work Efficiency](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-transforming-work-efficiency) (2024-01-03, Artificial Intelligence): It’s all happening. Working out what yours will look like is key to becoming efficient, creating better solutions & relevant. - [Embrace People Over Tech in 2024](https://nz365guy.com/blog/embrace-people-over-tech-in-2024) (2024-01-01, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Unlocking the Potential of AI in 2024](https://nz365guy.com/blog/unlocking-the-potential-of-ai-in-2024) (2023-12-27, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Copilot in 2024: Top 5 Breakthrough Updates](https://nz365guy.com/blog/copilot-in-2024-top-5-breakthrough-updates) (2023-12-20, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Riding the AI Wave](https://nz365guy.com/blog/riding-the-ai-wave) (2023-12-18, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Optimizing Data for AI Success](https://nz365guy.com/blog/maximize-ai-success-with-our-guide-on-data-optimization-covering-assessment-cleaning-integration-and-ai-ready-strategies-for-a-tech-driven-future) (2023-12-13, Artificial Intelligence): 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 find a needle in a haystack](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-can-find-a-needle-in-a-haystack) (2023-12-11, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Copilot: Mastering AI with Microsoft's Training](https://nz365guy.com/blog/copilot-mastering-ai-with-microsofts-training) (2023-12-07, Artificial Intelligence): 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 productivity can help improve work efficiency and creativity](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-productivity-can-help-improve-work-efficiency-and-creativity) (2023-12-06, Artificial Intelligence): 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. - [The Future Advantage of AI](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-future-advantage-of-ai) (2023-11-29, Artificial Intelligence): ‘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... - [Excellence vs. Enablement Duality](https://nz365guy.com/blog/excellence-vs-enablement-duality) (2023-11-27, Digital Transformation Innovation): 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... - [Copilot Studio: The future of AI](https://nz365guy.com/blog/copilot-studio-the-future-of-ai) (2023-11-22, Artificial Intelligence): 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 has released 5 Copilot updates](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-ignite-2023-has-released-5-copilot-updates) (2023-11-20, Artificial Intelligence): 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. - [AI in Hype Cycle](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-in-hype-cycle) (2023-11-15, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [AI Copilot for ERP](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-copilot-for-erp) (2023-11-13, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Composable ERP is a Flexible Innovation](https://nz365guy.com/blog/composable-erp-is-a-flexible-innovation) (2023-11-08, Digital Transformation Innovation): 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 to Avoid for Successful Project Management](https://nz365guy.com/blog/12-things-to-avoid-for-successful-project-management) (2023-11-01, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [ERP Transformations](https://nz365guy.com/blog/erp-transformations) (2023-10-30, Digital Transformation Innovation): 💰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?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/why-use-the-microsoft-power-platform) (2023-10-25, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Power Platform Conference 2023 Update](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-conference-2023-update) (2023-10-18, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Create Websites by Description with CoPilot AI](https://nz365guy.com/blog/create-websites-by-description-with-copilot-ai) (2023-10-16, Artificial Intelligence): 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. 👇🏽 - [Balance Between Educating Citizen Developers](https://nz365guy.com/blog/balance-between-educating-citizen-developers) (2023-10-11, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Citizen Developers can add value](https://nz365guy.com/blog/citizen-developers-can-add-value) (2023-10-02, Microsoft Power Platform): Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age. - [Harmonizing Citizen and Pro Devs](https://nz365guy.com/blog/harmonizing-citizen-and-pro-devs) (2023-09-27, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Adapting to AI Revolution](https://nz365guy.com/blog/adapting-to-ai-revolution) (2023-09-18, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [Empower Citizen Developers](https://nz365guy.com/blog/empower-citizen-developers) (2023-09-13, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Contact Centers and CRMs](https://nz365guy.com/blog/contact-centers-and-crms) (2023-09-11, Microsoft Power Platform): The future of customer experience requires personalization at scale. 🚀 Clunky legacy systems for Contact Centers and CRMs can’t provide this. They’re disjointed &... - [Contact Centers](https://nz365guy.com/blog/contact-centers) (2023-09-06, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Power Platform updates](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-updates) (2023-09-04, Artificial Intelligence): A 60 second highlight of some Power Platform updates. Click through to see a short description of each. - [Unleashing Creativity with Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/unleashing-creativity-with-power-platform) (2023-08-30, Microsoft Power Platform): I’ve interacted with a lot of technology in Digital Transformations. But, honestly, nothing has excited me quite like Microsoft's Power Platform. 🤯 - [Are you using Power Virtual Agents?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/are-you-using-power-virtual-agents) (2023-08-28, Microsoft Power Platform): Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age. - [Enhancing SAP with Power Apps](https://nz365guy.com/blog/enhancing-sap-with-power-apps) (2023-08-23, Microsoft Power Platform): Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age. - [Extend SAP with Power Automate](https://nz365guy.com/blog/extend-sap-with-power-automate) (2023-08-21, Microsoft Power Platform): Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age. - [Power BI can bring SAP to life](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-bi-can-bring-sap-to-life) (2023-08-16, Microsoft Power Platform): Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age. - [Want to extend SAP capability?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/want-to-extend-sap-capability) (2023-08-09, Microsoft Power Platform): Want to extend SAP capability? Here’s 7 areas to consider when using the Power Platform. - [Biggest Challenges with SAP](https://nz365guy.com/blog/biggest-challenges-with-sap) (2023-08-07, Microsoft 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... - [Power Platform is a Journey](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-is-a-journey) (2023-08-02, Microsoft Power Platform): Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age. - [SAP and Microsoft Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/sap-and-microsoft-power-platform) (2023-07-31, Microsoft Power Platform): 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 -... - [The Microsoft Power Platform for App Modernization](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-microsoft-power-platform-for-app-modernization) (2023-07-26, Microsoft Power Platform): Struggling with outdated apps? Use the Microsoft Power Platform for App Modernization. Clients we work with are: 👉🏽 Creating custom solutions with Power Apps 👉🏽... - [Innovation Challenges](https://nz365guy.com/blog/innovation-challenges) (2023-07-24, Digital Transformation Innovation): Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age. - [The Centre of Enablement in Digital Transformation](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-centre-of-enablement-in-digital-transformation) (2023-07-19, Microsoft Power Platform): I’m hearing a lot of talk about the Centre of Enablement. The Centre of Excellence needs a companion. - [ROI is enhanced by tech vision](https://nz365guy.com/blog/roi-is-enhanced-by-tech-vision) (2023-07-17, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Harnessing Managed Environments & Premium Connectors](https://nz365guy.com/blog/harnessing-managed-environments-premium-connectors) (2023-07-12, Microsoft Power Platform): The most agreed-with benefit of Managed Environments & Premium Connectors on the Power Platform? - [Empowering Fusion Teams](https://nz365guy.com/blog/empowering-fusion-teams) (2023-07-10, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Lowcode Platform for Developers](https://nz365guy.com/blog/lowcode-platform-for-developers) (2023-07-05, Microsoft Power Platform): Phenomenal to see this. 🎉 Microsoft rated 1 out of 28 as the Lowcode Platform for Developers - according to the recent Forrester report. - [Data Silos Destroy Business Efficiency](https://nz365guy.com/blog/data-silos-destroy-business-efficiency) (2023-06-25, Microsoft Power Platform): ✅ Break down silos ✅ Unlock more business value ✅ Do more with limited developers - [Nintex vs Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/nintex-vs-power-platform) (2023-06-04, Microsoft Power Platform): Nintex helped with process management and workflow automation using no code, mostly helping clients build workarounds on SharePoint. It has been great. - [People Powering Digital Transformation](https://nz365guy.com/blog/people-powering-digital-transformation) (2023-05-30, Digital Transformation Innovation): 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." - [The Ultimate AI Podcast for Deep Dive Exploration](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-ultimate-ai-podcast-for-deep-dive-exploration) (2023-05-23, Artificial Intelligence): He’s been looking into this for a long time and has seen this coming. He’s passionate about it and asks great questions. - [The AI Revolution: Harnessing the Power of Data for Success](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-ai-revolution-harnessing-the-power-of-data-for-success) (2023-05-21, Artificial Intelligence): AI is not just another fad; it's the next big thing. It’s as big as cloud or the internet. - [4 Expert Tips to Optimize Your Digital Transformation Journey](https://nz365guy.com/blog/4-expert-tips-to-optimize-your-digital-transformation-journey) (2023-05-16, Artificial Intelligence): 1\. Seek AI and automation features. Most CIOs and IT professionals (87%) believe these capabilities maximise low-code benefits. Embedded AI and automation can... - [Unlocking Data Insights](https://nz365guy.com/blog/unlocking-data-insights) (2023-05-14, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [The Cost-Reducing Benefits of Microsoft Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-cost-reducing-benefits-of-microsoft-power-platform) (2023-05-09, Microsoft Power Platform): 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 Power Platform Centre of Excellence (CoE) is Dead](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-power-platform-centre-of-excellence-coe-is-dead) (2023-05-07, Microsoft Power Platform): The CoE typically focuses on establishing best practices, governance, and standardisation for the Power Platform. It’s about using the platform effectively and... - [SAP applications on Azure](https://nz365guy.com/blog/sap-applications-on-azure) (2023-05-01, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Exploring the Components of Microsoft Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/exploring-the-components-of-microsoft-power-platform) (2023-04-25, Microsoft Power Platform): The Microsoft Power Platform is a suite of tools to build custom applications, automate processes, and analyze data. - [Using Collaborative and Low-Code Solutions to Tackle Shadow IT](https://nz365guy.com/blog/using-collaborative-and-low-code-solutions-to-tackle-shadow-it) (2023-04-23, Microsoft Power Platform): 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. 🤝... - [Transforming Your Workforce into a Powerhouse of Ideas](https://nz365guy.com/blog/transforming-your-workforce-into-a-powerhouse-of-ideas) (2023-04-18, Digital Transformation Innovation): Are you a technology decision-maker struggling to ignite innovation in your organization? - [Streamlining IT Operations with Low Code](https://nz365guy.com/blog/streamlining-it-operations-with-low-code) (2023-04-16, Microsoft Power Platform): By implementing low code solutions like the Microsoft Power Platform, organizations can optimize IT operations, mitigating the risks associated with shadow IT. - [Power Apps: Building Trust and Governance](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-apps-building-trust-and-governance) (2023-04-13, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Making your first Apps on the Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/making-your-first-apps-on-the-power-platform) (2023-04-02, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Success with Power Apps](https://nz365guy.com/blog/success-with-power-apps) (2023-03-28, Microsoft Power Platform): 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. - [Microsoft Power Apps: Building Your Dream Team](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-power-apps-building-your-dream-team) (2023-03-21, Microsoft Power Platform): When creating your first app using Microsoft Power Apps, it's important to assemble the right team. - [Digital Transformation: Empowering People for Success](https://nz365guy.com/blog/digital-transformation-empowering-people-for-success) (2023-03-14, Digital Transformation Innovation): 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... - [Microsoft Power Platform and the Things You Can Create with It](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-power-platform-and-the-things-you-can-create-with-it) (2023-03-12, Artificial Intelligence): 1\. Data Entry Forms: Create custom forms for data entry. Users can input data and store it in a database. - [AI 2041: A Captivating Exploration of the Near Future](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-2041-a-captivating-exploration-of-the-near-future) (2023-03-07, Artificial Intelligence): It combines imaginative storytelling with scientific forecasting. The two writers are experts in their field, making it both insightful and engaging. Not into boring... - [Simple Power Platform Centre of Excellence Strategy](https://nz365guy.com/blog/simple-power-platform-centre-of-excellence-strategy) (2023-03-05, Microsoft Power Platform): Before starting, get clear on why you’re setting up a CoE, your aims and business outcomes. - [AI Copilot for the Web](https://nz365guy.com/blog/ai-copilot-for-the-web) (2023-02-28, Artificial Intelligence): 👉🏼 By focusing on full answers, searchers won’t need to work through pages of information. - [Power Platform Implementation for Your Organization](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-implementation-for-your-organization) (2023-02-26, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Low code/no code: The Solution to the IT Talent Shortage](https://nz365guy.com/blog/low-code-no-code-the-solution-to-the-it-talent-shortage) (2023-02-22, Microsoft Power Platform): The global shortage of software engineers may reach 85.2 million by 2030\. - US DOL ⚠️ - [Hackathon or Innovation Challenge](https://nz365guy.com/blog/hackathon-or-innovation-challenge) (2023-02-19, Digital Transformation Innovation): Mark Smith writes about Artificial Intelligence, Agents, Microsoft AI, and the Intelligence Age. - [Are you a CxO responsible for Digital Transformation](https://nz365guy.com/blog/are-you-a-cxo-responsible-for-digital-transformation) (2023-02-14, Digital Transformation Innovation): 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](https://nz365guy.com/blog/innovation-contests) (2023-02-12, Artificial Intelligence): 🤖“Innovation Contests” are how you turbocharge your digital transformation and ready your organization for AI. - [Learning AI: Insights Gained from Spending 5 Hours a Week](https://nz365guy.com/blog/learning-ai-insights-gained-from-spending-5-hours-a-week) (2023-02-07, Artificial Intelligence): 👉🏼 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... - [5 Roles for a Successful Low Code Center of Excellence](https://nz365guy.com/blog/5-roles-for-a-successful-low-code-center-of-excellence) (2023-02-06, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Power Platform and The Role Center of Excellence](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-and-the-role-center-of-excellence) (2023-01-31, Microsoft Power Platform): It’s about investing in and nurture organic growth while maintaining governance and control. The right balance is key. - [Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service.](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsofts-azure-openai-service) (2023-01-29, Artificial Intelligence): What are your thoughts on this? 👇🏽 Microsoft just announced the third phase of their OpenAI partnership. - [Stop Waiting for IT or Dev Team and Take Charge](https://nz365guy.com/blog/stop-waiting-for-it-or-dev-team-and-take-charge) (2023-01-24, Microsoft Power Platform): A business developer culture empowers non-technical employees, or "citizen developers," to create and develop software solutions using low-code or no-code platforms... - [Digital Transformation: Transforming Shadow IT into an Asset](https://nz365guy.com/blog/digital-transformation-transforming-shadow-it-into-an-asset) (2023-01-22, Digital Transformation Innovation): 👉 The journey starts with taking stock of shadow applications and then selecting LC/NC platforms that fit the needs the shadow apps fill. - [Shadow IT headaches](https://nz365guy.com/blog/shadow-it-headaches) (2023-01-17, Digital Transformation Innovation): Many organizations today are grappling with the issue of shadow IT – those applications that different departments within your organization create and maintain... - [How I use LinkedIn Sales Navigator with SalesSpark](https://nz365guy.com/blog/how-i-use-linkedin-sales-navigator-with-salesspark) (2021-10-27, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Learning the Power Platform – Power Virtual Agents & WordPress](https://nz365guy.com/blog/learning-the-power-platform-power-virtual-agents-wordpress) (2019-11-30, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [10 Actions to Boost Your Power Platform Career](https://nz365guy.com/blog/10-actions-to-boost-your-power-platform-career) (2019-11-28, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Musings – 90-Day Mentoring Challenge 2020](https://nz365guy.com/blog/musings-90-day-mentoring-challenge-2020) (2019-11-21, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [ISV Business Series – MPN and AppSource Setup – Good Luck](https://nz365guy.com/blog/isv-business-series-mpn-and-appsource-setup-good-luck) (2019-11-16, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [Learning the Power Platform – Meet Power Virtual Agents](https://nz365guy.com/blog/learning-the-power-platform-meet-power-virtual-agents) (2019-11-14, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Career - It’s Time for Functional Consultants to Learn New Skills](https://nz365guy.com/blog/career-its-time-for-functional-consultants-to-learn-new-skills) (2019-11-09, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [If You’re a Middle Age White Guy – You don’t Fit the Diversity Requirements for Microsoft Ignite](https://nz365guy.com/blog/if-youre-a-middle-age-white-guy-you-dont-fit-the-diversity-requirements-for-microsoft-ignite) (2019-11-07, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Power Platform ISV Business Series – Have You Set Your Ship Date?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-isv-business-series-have-you-set-your-ship-date) (2019-11-02, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [Learning the Power Platform – The Platform is only One of the P’s](https://nz365guy.com/blog/learning-the-power-platform-the-platform-is-only-one-of-the-ps) (2019-10-31, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Things to Consider Before You Go Independent](https://nz365guy.com/blog/things-to-consider-before-you-go-independent) (2019-10-26, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [Dynamics Communities – Orlando, Florida in Review](https://nz365guy.com/blog/dynamics-communities-orlando-in-review) (2019-10-24, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [The Power Platform ISV Series – Getting Set to Sell](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-power-platform-isv-series-getting-set-to-sell) (2019-10-19, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Learning the Power Platform – My First Microsoft Flow](https://nz365guy.com/blog/learning-the-power-platform-my-first-microsoft-flow) (2019-10-17, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [If you do not have Experience, You need Certifications](https://nz365guy.com/blog/if-you-do-not-have-experience-you-need-certifications) (2019-10-12, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Let’s Collaborate – 5 Collaboration Ideas](https://nz365guy.com/blog/lets-collaborate-5-collaboration-ideas) (2019-10-10, Digital Transformation Innovation): 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... - [The Power Platform ISV Business Series – Minimum Viable Product (MVP)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-power-platform-isv-business-series-minimum-viable-product-mvp) (2019-10-05, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [Learning the Microsoft Power Platform – Setting up a Power Apps Trial Environment](https://nz365guy.com/blog/learning-the-microsoft-power-platform-setting-up-a-power-apps-trial-environment) (2019-10-03, 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... - [How to get a Pay Rise as a Power Platform Consultant](https://nz365guy.com/blog/how-to-get-a-pay-rise-as-a-power-platform-consultant) (2019-09-28, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [eXtreme365, User Group Summit and Power Platform Summit – The Final Countdown](https://nz365guy.com/blog/extreme365-user-group-summit-and-power-platform-summit-the-final-countdown) (2019-09-26, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [The Power Platform ISV Business Series – Your Core Team](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-power-platform-isv-business-series-your-core-team) (2019-09-21, Microsoft Partners): 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. - [Learning the Power Platform – 8 Steps to Building PowerApps](https://nz365guy.com/blog/learning-the-power-platform-8-steps-to-building-powerapps) (2019-09-19, Microsoft Power Platform): 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. - [Starting a New Career in Microsoft Business Applications](https://nz365guy.com/blog/starting-a-new-career-in-microsoft-business-applications) (2019-09-14, Microsoft Power Platform): Is it time to consider your future and make sure your chosen career is full of opportunities for advancement? - [Microsoft Business Applications Podcast – Lessons Learned](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-business-applications-podcast-lessons-learned) (2019-09-12, Podcast): 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... - [The Power Platform ISV Series – Start with Why](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-power-platform-isv-series-start-with-why) (2019-09-07, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [Learning the Microsoft Power Platform – Microsoft Flow](https://nz365guy.com/blog/learning-the-microsoft-power-platform-microsoft-flow) (2019-09-05, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Career Coaching: Power Platform – Dynamics 365 – Microsoft Business Applications](https://nz365guy.com/blog/career-coaching-power-platform-dynamics-365-microsoft-business-applications) (2019-08-31, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Power Platform Saturday 2019 – Oslo, Norway](https://nz365guy.com/blog/oslo-norway-power-platform-saturday-2019) (2019-08-29, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [The Power Platform ISV Business Series – Let’s Get Started](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-isv-business-series-lets-get-started) (2019-08-24, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [Learning the Power Platform – AI Builder](https://nz365guy.com/blog/learning-the-power-platform-ai-builder) (2019-08-22, Artificial Intelligence): Microsoft Business Application Summit 2019 announced another build tool – AI Builder. As many of you know, the world of Microsoft Business Applications has changed... - [10 Tips to Maximizing a Microsoft MVP in your Company](https://nz365guy.com/blog/10-tips-to-maximizing-microsoft-mvp-in-your-company) (2019-08-17, Career Development & Mentoring): 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? - [What are the Benefits of Employing a Microsoft MVP?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-employing-a-microsoft-mvp) (2019-08-15, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [SPAM Managed Solutions – Why Deploying Dynamics 365 is like Buying a New Computer](https://nz365guy.com/blog/spam-managed-solutions-why-deploying-dynamics-365-is-like-buying-a-new-computer) (2019-08-10, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Mentoring vs Coaching People in Microsoft Business Applications](https://nz365guy.com/blog/mentoring-vs-coaching-people-in-microsoft-business-applications) (2019-08-08, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Industry Targeting to Grow the Microsoft Power Platform Practice – Part 2](https://nz365guy.com/blog/industry-targeting-to-grow-the-microsoft-power-platform-practice-part-2) (2019-08-03, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [Industry Targeting to Grow the Microsoft Power Platform Practice – Part 1](https://nz365guy.com/blog/industry-targeting-to-grow-the-microsoft-power-platform-practice-part-1) (2019-08-01, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [How Should Microsoft Partners Engage with the Community?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/how-should-microsoft-partners-engage-with-the-community) (2019-07-27, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [Do we need to refresh how we Staff the Microsoft Power Platform Practice?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/does-staffing-the-microsoft-power-platform-practice-need-a-refresh) (2019-07-25, Microsoft Power Platform): “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. - [Power Platform and Growth Mindset of Learning – Part 2](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-and-growth-mindset-of-learning-part-2) (2019-07-20, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Power Platform and Growth Mindset of Learning – Part 1](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-and-growth-mindset-of-learning-part-1) (2019-07-18, Microsoft Power Platform): Being a firm believer in a growth mindset of learning and in designing the life I want, even if it goes against cultural norms. - [Dynamics 365 for Sales and LinkedIn - After 3 Years is this it?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/dynamics-365-for-sales-and-linkedin-after-3-years-is-this-it) (2019-07-13, Microsoft Power Platform): 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 not Changed in 20 Years… Why?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/dynamics-365-for-sales-has-not-changed-in-20-years-why) (2019-07-11, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Choosing a Platform for Line of Business (LOB) Applications](https://nz365guy.com/blog/choosing-a-platform-for-line-of-business-lob-applications) (2019-07-06, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Common Data Model Explained](https://nz365guy.com/blog/common-data-model-explained) (2019-07-04, Microsoft Power Platform): 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. - [How to Run #Hack4Good Using the Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/how-to-run-hack4good-using-the-power-platform) (2019-06-29, Digital Transformation Innovation): 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... - [Join me on the Power Platform Pub Quiz at User Group Summit Orlando 2019!](https://nz365guy.com/blog/join-me-for-the-power-platform-pub-quiz-at-user-group-summit-orlando-2019) (2019-06-27, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [My First Live Stream Event on YouTube](https://nz365guy.com/blog/my-first-live-stream-event-on-youtube) (2019-06-22, Podcast): Live streaming at Microsoft Business Applications Summit Atlanta 2019. I was chatting with my buddy Steve Mordue months leading up to the Microsoft Business... - [How to Run a Power Platform Hackathon](https://nz365guy.com/blog/how-to-run-a-power-platform-hackathon) (2019-06-20, Digital Transformation Innovation): In the past year, I have been getting more involved in Hackathons. - [Why should an ISV Build on the Power Platform](https://nz365guy.com/blog/why-should-an-isv-build-on-the-power-platform) (2019-06-15, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [What is Dynamics 365](https://nz365guy.com/blog/what-is-dynamics-365) (2019-06-13, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Chatbots: Gateway to Artificial Intelligence](https://nz365guy.com/blog/chatbots-gateway-to-artificial-intelligence) (2019-06-08, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [China Microsoft Dynamics 365 Partner Opportunity](https://nz365guy.com/blog/china-microsoft-dynamics-365-partner-opportunity) (2019-06-06, Microsoft Partners): 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... - [The Truth about Building PowerApps on the Power Platform - CDS vs SharePoint](https://nz365guy.com/blog/the-truth-about-building-powerapps-on-the-power-platform-cds-vs-sharepoint) (2019-06-01, Microsoft Power Platform): PowerApps developers are only telling half the story when it comes to building PowerApps on the Platform Platform. - [How to Become and Remain a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional](https://nz365guy.com/blog/how-to-become-and-remain-a-microsoft-most-valuable-professional) (2019-05-30, Career Development & Mentoring): Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) is an annual award that Microsoft presents to individuals that are an outstanding contributor in the community for a... - [Artificial Intelligence in Today's World](https://nz365guy.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-in-todays-world) (2019-05-25, Artificial Intelligence): 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... - [All-Powerful Combination of Mixed Reality and Dynamics 365 Suite](https://nz365guy.com/blog/all-powerful-combination-of-mixed-reality-and-dynamics-365-suite) (2019-05-23, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Microsoft Business Applications Careers at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-business-applications-careers-at-microsoft) (2019-05-18, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Practical Artificial Intelligence](https://nz365guy.com/blog/practical-artificial-intelligence) (2019-05-16, Artificial Intelligence): 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 How to Be One](https://nz365guy.com/blog/what-is-a-microsoft-isv) (2019-05-11, Microsoft Partners): What is a Microsoft Power Platform ISV? And what are the differences between a Power Platform ISV and Dynamics 365 ISV? - [This is why Microsoft Dynamics CRM is best for you](https://nz365guy.com/blog/this-is-why-microsoft-dynamics-crm-is-best-for-you) (2019-05-09, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Dynamics 365 is Dead](https://nz365guy.com/blog/dynamics-365-is-dead-long-live-the-microsoft-power-platform) (2019-05-04, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Has Microsoft Just Introduced a 20% Tax on ISVs?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/has-microsoft-just-introduced-a-20-tax-on-isvs) (2019-04-24, Microsoft Partners): 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](https://nz365guy.com/blog/power-platform-happy-hour) (2019-02-22, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [nz365guy’s Podcast Setup](https://nz365guy.com/blog/nz365guys-podcast-setup) (2019-01-13, Career Development & Mentoring): 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... - [Microsoft Dynamics 365 / Power Platform Training and Exams 2019](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-dynamics-365-power-platform-training-and-exams-2019) (2019-01-03, Microsoft Power Platform): “Be passionate and bold. Always keep learning. You stop doing useful things if you don't learn.” - [Microsoft Business Applications Nomenclature](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-business-applications-nomenclature) (2018-08-23, Microsoft Power Platform): 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... - [Practice Management: Marketing and Sales](https://nz365guy.com/blog/practice-management-marketing-and-sales) (2017-04-21, Microsoft Partners): Marketing and Sales are the life blood of any successful practice. Without consistent sales you will struggle to operate a growing business, without consistent... - [Practice Management: Career Path, Utilisation and Visibility (Part 4 of 4)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/dynamics-365-practice-management-career-path-utilisation-visibility) (2017-03-08, Microsoft Partners): This is my last post on People in my Dynamics 365 Practice Management series. In my previous blogs, I covered: - [Practice Management: Training and Mentoring Your People (Part 3 of 4)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/training-and-mentoring-people) (2017-03-01, Career Development & Mentoring): Suppose you were to come upon someone in the woods working feverishly to saw down a tree. “What are you doing?” you ask. “Can’t you see?” comes the impatient reply... - [Practice Management: Key Roles in a Dynamics 365 Practice (Part 1 of 4)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/key-roles-in-a-dynamics-365-practice) (2017-02-15, Microsoft Partners): I came from New Zealand and there's a Maori proverb that really stuck with me over many, many years. - [Dynamics 365 Adoption Model](https://nz365guy.com/blog/dynamics-365-adoption-model) (2017-02-09, Microsoft Power Platform): In any Dynamics 365 project that you implement, if the solution you've constructed is not adopted by the individuals in that organization, fundamentally, the project... - [So, You Want a Career in Dynamics 365? (Part 3 of 3)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/career-in-dynamics-365-part-3) (2017-02-02, Career Development & Mentoring): This is the last part of this blog series on Dynamics 365 career. Here I have listed what are perhaps some of the most overlooked practices of people wanting a... - [So, You Want a Career in Dynamics 365? (Part 2 of 3)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/dynamics-365-career-part-2) (2017-01-26, Career Development & Mentoring): In Part 1 of my Dynamics 365 career blog series, I discussed how you can build your qualifications in order to get a headstart in your Dynamics 365 career.In this... - [So, You Want a Career in Dynamics 365? (Part 1 of 3)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/career-in-dynamics-365-part-1) (2017-01-19, Career Development & Mentoring): I often get asked, “how do I start a career in Dynamics 365?” Or I have people approaching me on LinkedIn, email and WhatsApp saying “can you give me a job”. Or... - [How to Run a Successful Dynamics 365 Practice](https://nz365guy.com/blog/run-successful-dynamics-365-practice) (2017-01-08, Microsoft Partners): As Practice Manager, I'm often asked, “How do you run a successful practice, especially a big one?” So to answer the question, I came up with this series which will... - [Microsoft Dynamics 365 Exams eLearning Courseware (2017)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-dynamics-365-exams-elearning-courseware-2017) (2017-01-03, Career Development & Mentoring): The following is a list of resources if you are planning on sitting your Microsoft Dynamics 365 Exams. As more information becomes available, I will update this... - [Microsoft Public Sector: Public Safety and National Security Partner of the Year](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-public-sector-public-safety-national-security-partner-of-the-year) (2016-05-31, Microsoft Partners): A few days ago, I received an official notification from Microsoft that out of over 2,500 entries, SMS Management and Technology’s (SMS) nomination Borderforce... - [Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Exams eLearning Courseware](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-dynamics-crm-2016-exams-elearning-courseware) (2016-03-24, Career Development & Mentoring): The following is a list of resources if you are planning on sitting your Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2016 Exams. As more information becomes available, I will update this... - [WaveAccess](https://nz365guy.com/blog/waveaccess-2) (2015-01-26, Microsoft Partners): Relationship Charts is MS CRM visualization platform. - [AgilePoint](https://nz365guy.com/blog/agilepoint-2) (2015-01-23, Microsoft Partners): AgileXRM: BPM for Dynamics CRM - [WalkMe](https://nz365guy.com/blog/walkme-2) (2015-01-22, Microsoft Partners): WalkMe for Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a great tool to help user adoption and on boarding to your Dynamics CRM environment. - [WennSoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/wennsoft-2) (2015-01-21, Microsoft Partners): WennSoft Evolution, built on Microsoft Dynamics CRM, gives you complete field service management as well as industry-leading customer relationship management. All in... - [Cincom](https://nz365guy.com/blog/cincom-2) (2015-01-20, Microsoft Partners): Cincom Acquire combines Cincom’s vertical industry expertise with the powerful Microsoft Dynamics CRM. - [FastPath](https://nz365guy.com/blog/fastpath-2) (2015-01-19, Microsoft Partners): Fastpath provides comprehensive auditing solutions to automate and simplify security configuration, database change tracking and compliance reporting for Dynamics... - [Azuqua](https://nz365guy.com/blog/azuqua) (2015-01-16, Microsoft Power Platform): Create Business Process in Minutes – One Cloud to connect them all. - [ADXstudio](https://nz365guy.com/blog/adxstudio-2) (2015-01-15, Microsoft Partners): Unlock the full web potential of ­Microsoft Dynamics CRM with web portals by ADXstudios. - [InsideView](https://nz365guy.com/blog/insideview-2) (2015-01-14, Microsoft Partners): InsideView helps companies find better prospects and hot opportunities with real-time contact data, news alerts, and company insights. Save time on account research... - [Trillium Software](https://nz365guy.com/blog/trillium-software) (2015-01-13, Microsoft Partners): Dynamics CRM Add-on solution that address data quality in your Dynamics Implementation. - [Richard Dickinson – Product Management at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/richard-dickinson-microsoft-mobility) (2015-01-12, Podcast): Mobility is beyond the new normal. - [Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2015 Exams eLearning Courseware](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-dynamics-crm-2015-exams-elearning-courseware) (2015-01-11, Career Development & Mentoring): The following is a list of resources if you are planning on sitting your Microsoft Dynamics 2015 Exams. As more information becomes available I will update this... - [New Mobile Experience for Dynamics CRM vNext…](https://nz365guy.com/blog/new-mobile-experience-dynamics-crm-vnext) (2014-11-05, Microsoft Power Platform): Some exciting news coming out of Convergence 2014 in Barcelona. - [Venkat Sathyamurthy – Product Management at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/venkat-sathyamurthy) (2014-10-31, Podcast): Venkat Sathyamurthy – Product Management at Microsoft - [Menno te Koppele – Technology Specialist at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/menno-te-koppele) (2014-10-30, Podcast): Menno te Koppele from Microsoft talking about his role as a Technical Specialist. - [Imad Yanni – Principal Group Manager at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/imad-yanni) (2014-10-29, Podcast): Imad Yanni from Microsoft talking about CRM Online and platform integration. - [Brian Galicia – Group Product Manager at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/brian-galicia) (2014-10-28, Podcast): Brian Galicia from Microsoft talking about Technical Sales of Dynamics CRM. - [François Rüf – Principal Group Program Manager at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/francois-ruf) (2014-10-27, Podcast): François Rüf from Microsoft AKA MR SOCIAL formally of Netbreeze now MSL. - [Dileep Singh – Program Manager at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/dileep-singh) (2014-10-24, Podcast): Dileep Singh from Microsoft talking about Customer Service - SLA, Entitlement, Parature. - [Laura Robinson – Marketing Technology Specialist at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/laura-robinson) (2014-10-23, Podcast): Laura Robinson from Microsoft all round evangelist of Dynamics CRM - [Anusha Shankar – Senior Program Manager at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/anusha-shankar) (2014-10-22, Podcast): Anusha Shankar from Microsoft talks about the Dynamics Application Infrastructure. - [Kishan Chetan – Program Management at Microsoft (think… Microsoft Dynamics Marketing – MDM)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/kishan-chetan) (2014-10-21, Podcast): Kishan Chetan from Microsoft talking about Microsoft Dynamics Marketing (MDM). - [Hamish Hill – Solution Delivery Manager at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/hamish-hill) (2014-10-20, Podcast): Hamish Hill on assignment at Microsoft talking about Demobuilder. - [Mark Margolis – Microsoft Business Solutions – UK Technical Lead Dynamics](https://nz365guy.com/blog/mark-margolis) (2014-10-17, Microsoft Power Platform): Mark Margolis from Microsoft talks about Dynamics CRM & FSI. - [Kelly Rigotti – Senior Marketing Communication Manager at Microsoft](https://nz365guy.com/blog/kelly-rigotti) (2014-10-16, Podcast): Kelly Rigotti from Microsoft on Social Media and the Dynamics Community. - [Onika Allen – Regional Chapter Director at Dynamic Communities, Inc.](https://nz365guy.com/blog/onika-allen) (2014-10-15, Career Development & Mentoring): Onika Allen - talking about CRMUG. - [Tony Stein – CRMUG Program Director](https://nz365guy.com/blog/tony-stein) (2014-10-14, Career Development & Mentoring): Tony Stein talking about CRMUG. - [Steven Foster- AKA FozzyNZ newly minted MVP on YouTube](https://nz365guy.com/blog/steven-foster) (2014-10-13, Podcast): Steven Foster- AKA FozzyNZ newly minted MVP on YouTube. - [Julie Yack – President of INETA](https://nz365guy.com/blog/julie-yack-president-ineta) (2014-06-30, Podcast): Julie Yack - President of INETA - [Neil Benson - Customer Advocate, Party Guy & Irish what more do you want?](https://nz365guy.com/blog/neil-benson) (2014-06-27, Podcast): Neil Benson - Customer Advocate, Party Guy & Irish what more do you want? - [Full Contact Selling Rick McCutcheon](https://nz365guy.com/blog/rick-mccutcheon) (2014-06-25, Podcast): Full Contact Selling Rick McCutcheon. - [George Doubinski - The mighty fine Russian alive in Ozzie](https://nz365guy.com/blog/george-doubinski) (2014-06-23, Podcast): George Doubinski - The mighty fine Russian alive in Ozzie - [Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Marketing Automation (Book Review)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-dynamics-crm-2013-marketing-automation-br) (2014-06-23, Microsoft Power Platform): Dynamics CRM Marketing. Now this is a hot topic at the moment with the Microsoft release of Microsoft Dynamics Marketing (MDM). - [Carsten Groth - Programmer, Script expert, Modern UI Tiler](https://nz365guy.com/blog/carsten-groth) (2014-06-20, Microsoft Power Platform): Carsten Groth - Programmer, Script expert, Modern UI Tiler. - [Dynamics CRM Infrastructure & ADFS Legend Christopher Cognetta](https://nz365guy.com/blog/christopher-cognetta) (2014-06-18, Podcast): Dynamics CRM Infrastructure & ADFS Legend Christopher Cognetta. - [Trainer, Author, Creator, Programmer, xRM Guru --> David Yack](https://nz365guy.com/blog/david-yack) (2014-06-16, Podcast): Trainer, Author, Creator, Programmer, xRM Guru --> David Yack - [The Polymorphic Feature Owner and Master of ALM & Portals Shan McArthur](https://nz365guy.com/blog/shan-mcarthur) (2014-06-13, Digital Transformation Innovation): The Polymorphic Feature Owner and Master of ALM & Portals Shan McArthur - [The Integration Specialist Daniel Cai](https://nz365guy.com/blog/daniel-cai) (2014-06-11, Podcast): The Integration Specialist Daniel Cai. - [Entrepreneur and Author the respected Jim Steger](https://nz365guy.com/blog/jim-steger) (2014-06-09, Podcast): Entrepreneur and Author the respected Jim Steger. - [The real JoeCRM is Alex Fagundes](https://nz365guy.com/blog/alex-fagundes) (2014-06-04, Podcast): The real JoeCRM is Alex Fagundes. - [The very friendly Pablo Peralta](https://nz365guy.com/blog/pablo-peralta) (2014-06-02, Podcast): The very friendly Pablo Peralta. - [Roohi Shaikh the quite very smart MVP](https://nz365guy.com/blog/roohi-shaikh) (2014-05-28, Podcast): Roohi Shaikh the quite very smart MVP. - [Unified Service Desk aka USD on Microsoft Dynamics CRM](https://nz365guy.com/blog/unified-service-desk) (2014-05-28, Microsoft Power Platform): With the CRM Online Spring `14 release of Dynamics CRM we can now start using the all NEW Unified Service Desk (USD). This is an exciting step forward for Microsoft... - [Developer Developer Developer Jason Lattimer](https://nz365guy.com/blog/jason-lattimer) (2014-05-26, Microsoft Power Platform): Developer Developer Developer Jason Lattimer. - [The ISV King Jerry Weinstock](https://nz365guy.com/blog/isv-king-jerry-weinstock) (2014-05-21, Microsoft Partners): The ISV King Jerry Weinstock. - [Jamie Miley does not have a Passport](https://nz365guy.com/blog/jamie-miley) (2014-05-19, Podcast): Jamie Miley does not have a Passport - [The all-knowing trainer of trainers Gretchen Opferkew](https://nz365guy.com/blog/gretchen-opferkew) (2014-05-14, Podcast): The all-knowing trainer of trainers Gretchen Opferkew. - [The Neck breaker Gus Gonzalez](https://nz365guy.com/blog/gus-gonzalez) (2014-05-12, Podcast): The Neck breaker Gus Gonzalez. - [The Great lovable David Berry](https://nz365guy.com/blog/david-berry) (2014-05-07, Podcast): The Great lovable David Berry. - [The Exciting Life of Julie Yack](https://nz365guy.com/blog/julie-yack) (2014-05-05, Podcast): The Exciting Life of Julie Yack. - [Convergence 2014 – The Microsoft Dynamics Event of the Year](https://nz365guy.com/blog/convergence-2014-the-microsoft-dynamics-event-of-the-year) (2014-03-08, Microsoft Partners): On my flight back from Convergence 2014 I'm reflecting on a fantastic few days. It's an event that delivers content at firehouse volumes. Convergence covers all... - [Project Management with Dynamics CRM in Construction](https://nz365guy.com/blog/project-management-dynamics-crm-construction) (2014-02-24, Digital Transformation Innovation): I had the pleasure last week of learning about a Dynamics CRM solution for construction. Now what do I mean when I say construction, I am not talking about a one-off... - [7 Tips to Engage your Customers at Convergence](https://nz365guy.com/blog/engage-your-customers-at-convergence) (2014-02-17, Microsoft Partners): This year will be the third year I have attend Convergence and I am excited to be going. For the last year the Microsoft Dynamics product teams have been upping the... - [So you want to run a Dynamics CRM User Group – Part 3](https://nz365guy.com/blog/want-run-dynamics-crm-user-group-part-3) (2014-02-14, Career Development & Mentoring): Following on from my last post I will cover off the various roles and responsibilities of the User Group Committee. But before I do, I want to highlight this quote... - [So you want to run a Dynamics CRM User Group – Part 2](https://nz365guy.com/blog/want-run-dynamics-crm-user-group-part-2) (2014-02-08, Career Development & Mentoring): Microsoft Relationship and Your Dynamics CRM User Group. - [How does a .net developer start developing on Dynamics CRM](https://nz365guy.com/blog/how-net-developer-start-developing-dynamics-crm) (2014-02-04, Career Development & Mentoring): Recently someone reached out to me on social media with the following request:“I am looking to cross skill and eventually certify into Dynamics CRM 2013 having... - [So you want to run a Dynamics CRM User Group - Part 1](https://nz365guy.com/blog/want-run-dynamics-crm-user-group-part-1) (2014-01-31, Career Development & Mentoring): When I moved to Australia last year, I knew I wanted to be involved in the community side of Dynamics CRM – the open sharing of lessons learned and the sharing of... - [Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Exams eLearning Courseware](https://nz365guy.com/blog/microsoft-dynamics-crm-2013-exams) (2014-01-24, Career Development & Mentoring): The following is a list of resources if you are planning on sitting your Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 Exams. As more information becomes available I will update this... - [Getting Started with Netbreeze API](https://nz365guy.com/blog/getting-started-with-netbreeze-api) (2013-04-13, Microsoft Power Platform): This guide covers everything you need to understand basic principles of the Netbreeze API. After reading it, you should be familiar with: - [Live Social Media Infographics - new widget available](https://nz365guy.com/blog/live-social-media-infographics-new-widget-available) (2013-04-13, Career Development & Mentoring): Live Social Media Infographics show the reader an easily digestible summary of the discussion on a topic in social media. - [Netbreeze API Version 1 (Part 3 of 3)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/netbreeze-api-version-1-part-3) (2013-04-13, Microsoft Power Platform): Netbreeze API Version 1 - [Netbreeze Full Document Feed](https://nz365guy.com/blog/netbreeze-full-document-feed) (2013-04-13, Microsoft Power Platform): The Netbreeze API provides a convenient way to retrieve a list of all documents found by your solution. You can use this for example to import documents into your... - [Netbreeze the Technology at Time of Purchase (Part 2 of 3)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/netbreeze-the-technology-at-time-of-purchase-part-2-of-3) (2013-04-13, Microsoft Power Platform): Before the purchase by Microsoft, Netbreeze had two core products: Community Report and ComMonitor. Here is a features comparison of the two products: - [Netbreeze Understanding Your Audience (Part 1 of 3)](https://nz365guy.com/blog/netbreeze-understanding-your-audience-part-1-of-3) (2013-04-13, Microsoft Power Platform): Recently at Convergence 2013, the Microsoft Dynamics CRM team announced their acquisition of Swiss company Netbreeze. This post is based on my research and includes... - [Local Government Culture Collections Management](https://nz365guy.com/blog/local-government-culture-collections-management) (2013-04-12, Digital Transformation Innovation): Recently I worked on a project designing a solution that allows local government to manage the culture items that have been collected over years of civic service... - [32 Local Government Solutions Built on Dynamics CRM](https://nz365guy.com/blog/local-government) (2013-04-02, Digital Transformation Innovation): Recently I was invited to become an advisor to the board of The Future Cities Institute. This is an organisation committed to creating sustainable cities that are a...