SharePoint Kindle Books

Several of my SharePoint Kindle store books are as such:

Office 365 - SharePoint Online Instructor Guide:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077VS4PYF

SharePoint 2016 Content Editor Instructor Guide:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HW3G5FQ

The Art & War of SharePoint:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FYTV2AS

SharePoint 2013 With A Project Management Mindset!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PQ2G65K

SharePoint Strategic Thinking Plan

In regard to SharePoint, it’s important to have a strategic plan – that utilizes specific thinking and thoughts:
 

·         Break down items into manageable pieces that can be accomplished in a given timeframe.

·         What do you want the SharePoint environment to do?

·         What are the current features and long-term desired features?

·         What are the resource needs to run the environment?

·         How will end uses be educated – on the features and functionality?

·         Where is the SharePoint environment overall and where should it be organizationally?

·         What are the needed customizations to the environment and how will they be requested and implemented?

 
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SharePoint Worse Case Scenarios

In regard to SharePoint, the following items may need to be addressed as worst case to be addressed so that a positive result is always obtained:

·         What if SharePoint can’t be sold as a content and document management tool?

·         What if the environment goes down how will this effect revenue?

 

·         What if SharePoint can’t process forms - how will this affect the business?

·         What if an individual can’t obtain the need permissions until after a 24-48 hour approval process – how will this affect the business?

·         What if a developer or administrator is out of the office – who is the back-up?

·         What if a developer or administrator quit – how will this affect the business?

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SharePoint Decision Making

In regard to SharePoint, several aspects are key in regard to decision making:

Learn all the facts in regard to the situation then make the best decision based on the available data. Example maybe having a hybrid set-up (on premise and cloud) makes sense for the organization.

Do your homework – get all the facts then research what others have done. Example maybe out of the box functionality can be utilized instead of custom coding.

Examine pros and cons – think about every angle for what is trying to be obtained then go with the best course of action. Pros and cons maybe return on investment, buy vs. build, etc.

Align resources with objectives – list of what needs done then decide best resources and setup time frames for work to be completed.

 
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SharePoint Good Ideas

In SharePoint good ideas have to happen strategically – the following items will help the thought process around such ideas:
 

1)      Security – one of the most sought after elements in SharePoint is security so developing a plan around this – that utilizes active directory groups will be helpful.

2)      Credibility – ideas need to be concrete and make sense for ones environment and needs – be aware of this with your ideas.

3)      Create a foundation – a good idea can be started in SharePoint then built upon – this is the advantage of the environments toolset and capabilities.

4)      Dream it – then build it – ponder it – then accomplish it – via the SharePoint environment.

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Leadership and SharePoint Define Reality

The following are some aspects to consider in regard to leadership of SharePoint:

1)      Minimize risk – just about every action aspect of SharePoint has a risk – be aware and recognize these risks (example a solution deployment causes downtime).

2)      Have a target and a game plan – define specific dates and have a big thinking game plan for all your SharePoint projects.

3)      Always be ready for change – features, functionality, new versions, updates, etc. SharePoint is always evolving and has changes – sometimes which are significant so be ready.

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SharePoint Thinking via Asking Questions

The following are some good questions to think about and be aware of when working with end users:

1)      Why does the user want to utilize a certain way – when other technology is available?

2)      What is the root problem that is trying to be solved and how can SharePoint help?

3)      What are the underlying issues with a current process that SharePoint can help with?

4)      What is the most important aspect to tackle or make sure gets SharePoint value?

5)      What happens if not all the asks are completed – can the SharePoint aspects be done in phases or does SharePoint need to integrate with another technology for completion?

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SharePoint Creativity Killers

The following are standard creativity killers in regard to SharePoint that devalue its ecosystem:

1)      SharePoint administrators, developers, power users, users who don’t believe they are creative and are afraid to be different.

2)      Overall mantra of it’s never been done, can’t be done and it’s too much work.

3)       The mind frame of we don’t have the time or money to forge ahead with being cutting and leading edge.

4)      The thought that it’s not practical is sometimes not an option when trying to find creativity thought.

5)      The mindset that don’t be different and stay within the lines is good.

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SharePoint Creativity

The following are some items to consider in order to be creative with SharePoint:

1)      Add value to the organization – when being creativity it’s a matter of being able to see what everyone else has seen but no one else has done. This includes design and functionality when it comes to SharePoint.

2)      Compound – give time and focus to creativity - build upon items as needed. SharePoint is complex and has options which need time, focus and strategy.

3)      Draw people to ideas – users will admire intelligence and fun so combining the two and being an evangelist is key in getting users psyched about SharePoint.

4)      Learn more – part of a creative process is being able to always seeking new ideas so the learning the teachable aspects of creativity is un-sprung.

5)       Challenge the status quo – being creative and innovative go together well, especially with the way SharePoint works.

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SharePoint – Follow Your Dream

In regard to SharePoint, the following items are good to consider with following dreams:
 

Have lots of ideas – think of all the ways that SharePoint can help with business value and return on investment.

Explore options – always be on the lookout for new features and functionality that can help the task at hand.

Connect the un-connected – be aware of what others are doing in the environment – have communication amongst site owners as leveraging success in one area can be utilized across the board.

Don’t be afraid to fail – SharePoint has many aspects, features, functionality and way to do items – therefore it is hard to be a complete failure.

Celebrate creativity – go off the beaten path to unspring pure SharePoint creativity – be it design, folder structure, metadata structure, etc.

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SharePoint Big Thinking Experience

The following are some big thinking items to consider and think about in regard to SharePoint:

1)      For SharePoint, keep learning from experience and utilize it as an advantage.

2)      Utilize experience from customers, employees, colleagues and leaders in regard to SharePoint.

3)      In regard to SharePoint, be prepared to go a different way, to break new ground and to find new ways to conquer problems.

4)      Utilize focused thinking to bring energy, power and clarity to SharePoint ideals.

5)      Be selective in how SharePoint can solve problems via its usage.

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Use SharePoint

The following can be utilized as a strategic thinking way with SharePoint:

1)      Use SharePoint to seize opportunities and open new horizons.

2)      Use SharePoint to pursue your purpose and embrace core values.

3)      Use SharePoint to help innovate and enhance the bottom line.

4)      Use SharePoint as a visionary tool.

5)      Use SharePoint to get and extract needed details.

 

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SharePoint Thinking – Big Picture

The following are some items to consider and think about in regard to SharePoint:

1)      SharePoint big picture thinking leads to getting the right items done.

2)      SharePoint big picture thinking promotes team work.

3)      SharePoint big picture thinking leads to communicating the vision and seizing opportunities.

4)      SharePoint big picture thinking allows for not losing sight of the all-important overview.

5)      SharePoint big picture thinking allows for charting uncharted territory.

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SharePoint Thinking V

The following are some items to consider and think about in regard to SharePoint:

1)      Find the right way and place to share your SharePoint thoughts.

2)      Look for ways to get users thinking about SharePoint.

3)      Always think and preach that SharePoint is good.

4)      Be aware to act on good SharePoint thoughts.

5)      Utilize big picture thinking in regard to SharePoint aspects of what is needed and what it can do.

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SharePoint Thinking IV

The following are some items to consider and think about in regard to SharePoint:

1)      To take SharePoint ideas to the next level, find people to help stretch those thoughts.

2)      Be aware to have the right people for your SharePoint project so you obtain the right result.

3)      Utilize your SharePoint ideas in the right environment, with the right technologies.

4)      The SharePoint ideas power comes when the right way and place to implement is obtained.

5)      Find the right medium to display and discuss your SharePoint idea wisdom.

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SharePoint Thinking III

The following are some items to consider and think about in regard to SharePoint:

1)      Continue to help users improve their SharePoint knowledge via quick guides, ad-hoc one: one training, videos, etc.

2)      Continue to make sure that users are utilizing SharePoint for goal setting.

3)      SharePoint is always changing with new features and functionality so always changing is part of the SharePoint mantra.

4)      Evangelize communication aspects of SharePoint to users (blogs, wikis, etc.).

5)      Find a quiet spot, whereas the evangelizer of SharePoint, one can think about what the environment needs to be successful.

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SharePoint Thinking II

The following are some items to consider and think about in regard to SharePoint:

1)      Take a basic SharePoint project and obtain the needed data to implement but consider several options, perspectives and ideas in the final project.

2)      Realize that SharePoint is a change for many users and requires that they are able to change to be rewarded by the change.

3)      Prepare to succeed by building beliefs in what SharePoint can do.

4)      Being excited about the SharePoint product will lead to users being confident and committed to the product.

5)      Having a good mood and energy about the SharePoint technology stack will drive users attitude.

 

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SharePoint Thinking I

The following are some items to consider and think about in regard to SharePoint:

1)      Those users who have a negative perception of SharePoint – should be set to be positive by shifting them to understand that SharePoint can solve their problems.

2)      Evangelize and make it clear that SharePoint provides results – when users change their thinking.

3)      Be sure to listen to all users ideas.

4)      Be consistent in getting back to users in regard to their needs.

5)      Break requests into the proper pieces so they can be deployed over time and include proper review, testing and changes.

 

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SharePoint Agile Story Template

When using Agile and SharePoint, it’s important to utilize a simple template for a story. By having a template, it will help the development process of what is actually needed to be built. As an example, a template is as such:

FOR <customers>

WHO <need a piece of functionality>

THE <product>

IS A <product category>

THAT <key benefit>

UNLIKE <competition, alternative>

OUR PRODUCT <differentiating statement>

Filled in, this could be as such:

FOR <human resources department>

WHO <need a web-part to display frequently asked questions>

THE <frequently asked questions knowledgebase>

IS A <dropdown of choices of key departments>

THAT <are listed by category>

UNLIKE <the information technology web-part frequently asked questions>

OUR PRODUCT <will allow users ti pick the proper category then allow a response to the requestor via e-mail>

SharePoint Web Content Management

The following are some key steps to utilize in regard to web content management:

Step 1 – Create content with proper page layouts and image resources.

Step 2 – Have content approved/rejected via an approval process.

Step 3 – Schedule content as needed.

Step 4 – Have a start date and end date for published content. Once content is expired, it should be archived.

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5 Step Approach to a Metadata – Archive Policy

The following are the 5 steps needed to create a metadata based archive policy:

•      1) Create Content Syndication Content Types that originate from a Content Type Hub. These are housed in an Archive web application. Since these Archive Content Types are syndicated content types it means they can be used on different web applications, and site collections.

•      2) Each site created so that one can leverage an archive policy needs to have content types created and named appropriately:
Example:
Name of Site 1-Year
Name of Site 2-Year
Name of Site 3-Year

•      3) For each content type - create an Information Policy to a Content Type.

•      4) Make sure that the content organizer site feature is turned on so that metadata based rules that move content submitted to a library to the proper location are in place.

•      5) Set-up a workflow then for each site so that when a file meets the policy based on the content type, the site owner gets an e-mail:
Example: This document - [%Current Item:Name%] - has been moved to the Archive document library due to the expiration policy. Click here to view your files and return them from the archive site to your proper site.

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Communication of SharePoint Governance Plans

Communication of SharePoint governance standards and polices could follow a communications path as such:

Content

• Have a published governance policy and standards section available for all SharePoint users
• Governance Announcements: make sure they are always up to date as changes in regard to policies and initiatives are updated

Format

• Utilize a sectioned wiki of core and key information so that content can be easily referenced and linked to
• Utilize a blog with proper categories relevant to the areas of the governance that are to be posted

Timing

• Update content at least once a month to keep it fresh

Who

• The Farm SharePoint Administrators should be responsible for producing and updating the governance information and for communication
• Communication can be via formal e-mail communication, an announcement on the SharePoint site itself or via alerts that are set-up in SharePoint (by users or administrators)

SharePoint Top 4 Core Governance Risks

The following are 4 top risks to an effective SharePoint governance plan:

·         Obtaining proper support from the business leaders to enforce the proper governance

·         Site collection administrators and power users refusing to abide by the posted policies

·         Needed support and resources, especially budget is non-existent

·         By not following governance the old ways of management of content stray from usefulness and business value

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Top 10 Items to Include in a SharePoint Technology Guide

When installing SharePoint – be it on-premise or on-line, the following are some great items to include in a core technical guide. These items can be utilized by the team or just for knowledge on how the system ecosystem is set-up and works:
 

1)      Document the server names and specifications that make-up the SharePoint farm.

2)      Document the database configuration

3)      Document all the Domain Name System (DNS) names utilized

4)      Document the web application configuration

5)      Document alternate access mappings utilized

6)      Document the farm solutions deployed in the environment

7)      Document managed paths utilized

8)      Document master page customizations

9)      Document CSS customizations

10)  Document active directory groups utilized

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SharePoint Intake Planning for Content Migration

For intake of content to be migrated to SharePoint, the following are some good items to know when planning to migrate content from one location to another (could be one SharePoint environment to another or migrating content from a file share to SharePoint):

Content Name (Library/List/Share):

 

Current Location of content:

 

Type of SharePoint App (includes core apps to choose from such as: Document Library, Picture Library, List, Survey, Subsite):

 

Last Modified Date:

 

Site Metadata tags (applicable to only document libraries):

 

Notes:

 

Destination Location (full URL is ideal):

Searchable (Yes or No):

 

Content Owners/Owner access:

Content Members/Contributors:

 

Content Visitors/Read only access:

 

Date Migrated (To be used by SharePoint Administrators only):

 

SharePoint Administrator Notes:

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SharePoint Europe - Office 365 – SharePoint Online Instructor Guide

SharePoint Europe - Office 365 – SharePoint Online Instructor Guide https://www.sharepointeurope.com/office-365-sharepoint-online-instructor-guide-preview/

Microsoft Teams Planning

The following – aspects are key to consider and utilize when planning for Microsoft Teams which is a chat-based workspace included with several Office 365 plans:

1) Get the right people together - have the right mix of IT and business users

2) Prioritize your business scenarios - Know and plan what are the best business scenarios to be utilized

3) Complete technical planning - know how the environment should be architected as well as how to provision users

4) Conduct pilots and deploy teams - utilize what is believed to be the needed set-up and functionality with a targeted group of users

5) Measure usage, manage satisfaction, and drive adoption - review usage reports and see and understand what and why users are utilizing and then encourage use of needed functionality