WHY MICROSOFT365 CONSULTING IS ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS

#SharePoint, #MicrosoftTeams, #Microsoft365, #VivaConnections, #Consulting

Audience: CIO, Leadership team, Business Managers, and Programme managers

Author: Jonathan Stuckey

Let’s be honest. Microsoft 365 is like that Swiss Army knife you got for Christmas - packed with tools, but you’re not quite sure how to use half of them without poking yourself in the eye. You know it’s powerful, but how do you go about unlocking its full potential? That’s a whole other story. That’s where a bit of expert guidance comes in handy. If you’ve ever wondered why your business should consider microsoft 365 consulting, buckle up. I’m about to walk you through why it’s not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have.

Microsoft 365 Expert Strategies: Getting More Than Just the Basics

Microsoft 365 isn’t just Word, Excel, and Outlook and hasn't been for a long-time - even though that's how most users interact with it everyday. It’s a sprawling ecosystem of apps, services, and cloud magic that can either make your life easier or turn into a confusing mess faster than you can say “Teams meeting.” The trick? Knowing how to use it right.

Microsoft 365 apps for a modern office workspace

Here’s the deal: expert strategies focus on tailoring Microsoft 365 to your business needs. That means:

• Customising security settings so you don’t accidentally hand over the keys to your kingdom.

• Streamlining collaboration with Teams and SharePoint so your team actually talks to each other instead of emailing in circles.

• Automating repetitive tasks with Power Automate, saving you hours of soul-sucking busywork.

• Optimising licensing so you’re not paying for features you don’t use (because who likes throwing money down the drain?).

Better not to drive M365 like this

Without these strategies, you’re basically using a Ferrari like a hatchback stuck in first gear.

In which case you might as well drive a Reliant Robin ...and nobody wants that!

Microsoft 365: Where Is The Value?

Microsoft 365 is a subscription service, not a one-time purchase. That means you’re paying for ongoing updates, cloud storage, security patches, and access to the latest features. Think of it like a gym membership for your software - you pay regularly to keep using the equipment and get new workout classes... but try not to treat it like your real Gym membership because we all know you'll go once and wonder why you don't look like a model after six-months ...and just grump about the costs.

But here’s the kicker: if you’re not using those updates or features, or if your setup is sloppy, it feels like a waste. That’s why a good consultant is worth their weight in gold. They help you:

• Understand what you’re paying for.

• Make sure you’re using the right plan for your business size and needs.

• Avoid paying for licenses that gather dust.

• Keep your data safe with up-to-date security protocols.

  
  

So, paying for Microsoft 365 isn’t just about software access. It’s about staying current, secure, and efficient. So if you’re still grumbling about the cost, just remember if you don't take advantage of what you paid for the alternative is paying to recover from a data breach or lost productivity...

How Microsoft 365 Consulting Saves You Time and Headaches

Here’s what a good consultant does for you:

1. Assessment and Planning

   They look at your current setup, identify gaps, and plan a roadmap that fits your business goals - at least thats what I do.

   
   

2. Migration and Deployment

   Consultants handle the heavy lifting, making sure data moves safely and your reconciliation isn't telling porkies, and the users stay productive.

   
   

3. Training and Support

   Good consultants train your team and provide ongoing support so everyone’s on the same page. They don’t just set it up and disappear like Keyser Söze (look it up).

   
   

4. Security and Compliance

   Knowledgeable consultants will help configure security settings and compliance policies tailored to your industry, and that support your specific needs

   
   

5. Optimisation and Updates

   Because Microsoft 365 evolves constantly consultants need to keep abreast of changes, and this helps you keep your environment optimised and up-to-date, so you’re always ahead of the curve.

   
   

In short, they save you from pulling your hair out and let you focus on what you do best - running your business.

Random consultant explaining Microsoft 365 shiny features to a client

Practical Tips to Maximise Your Microsoft 365 Investment

Okay, so maybe you are sold on the idea of expert help, but what to get have your team get their hands dirty before calling in the pros? There are a lot of things you can do to make a difference, but here's a short list of basics to start to get more from Microsoft 365:

• Use Teams like a pro: Set up channels for projects, use @mentions to grab attention, and integrate apps like Planner for task management.

• Leverage SharePoint for document management: Centralise files, set permissions, and use version control to avoid the dreaded “which is the latest file?” drama.

• Automate repetitive tasks: Power Automate can handle approvals, notifications, and data syncing without you lifting a finger.

• Secure your environment: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) and educate your team about phishing scams.

• Review your licenses regularly: Make sure you’re not paying for features or users you don’t need.

  
  

These steps don’t replace expert consulting, but they're a good check list of simple things to make your life easier, and your Microsoft 365 experience smoother.

The Real Deal: Why You Can’t Afford to Skip Microsoft 365 Consulting

I know that hiring a consultant sounds like an extra expense, especially when you your own IT - but not having one can cost you way more in lost productivity, security risks, and wasted money on unused licenses because your people can't be experts on everything and often internal training takes a long time.

Microsoft 365 is powerful, but it’s also complex and without expert guidance you are flying blind. A consultant brings clarity, efficiency, and peace of mind. They help you avoid costly mistakes and unlock features that can transform how your business operates. So, if you want to stop wrestling with confusing setups, security worries, and underused tools, it’s time to consider microsoft 365 consulting. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

There you have it - a no-nonsense look at why Microsoft 365 consulting isn’t just a luxury, but a necessity. Now I'm sure the AI concocted some pithy marketing sign-off and sickly call-to-action for closing this article, but let me close it with an observation:

People engage a consultant when they:

1. don't know enough internally,

2. don't have enough resources / people to undertake activity,

3. need external expert view on approach, or

4. its politically more appropriate to have details come from somewhere else.

Getting the right skills and access at the right time is rarely the wrong decision, but often no decision is.

Disclaimer

Generative AI was used in the creation of this article to provide: images, structure, and review content for consistency. Article copy was created by author, and reviewed inline with personal views and experiences. 3rd party content referenced is solely responsibility of the original owner. Any errors or issues with the content in this article are entirely the authors responsibility.

About the author: Jonathan Stuckey