In this episode, Ed and Ashley dive deep into workplace dynamics and gender bias, as we share personal experiences and highlight the importance of discussing how women treat each other in professional environments. We explore the value of acknowledging feelings such as jealousy and the profound impact they can have on personal and professional growth. The conversation also touches on the significance of illuminating challenges faced by marginalized groups in industry forums, the biases that shape interactions, and the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability in fostering meaningful change.

In this episode, Ed and Ashley share exciting updates on their upcoming sessions at major Dynamics and Power Platform events, and tease future special guests. They dive into their topics for Community Summit, including applying agile principles to Power Platform projects and enhancing search functionalities in Dynamics.

Looking ahead to the Power Platform Community Conference in Vegas, sessions will cover UI/UX design for model-driven apps, decision-making between Canvas and model-driven apps, a panel discussion on transforming real-world problems into Power Apps, and “Design Smarter: Five Proven Patterns for AI and Low-Code Apps That Deliver,” which emphasizes practical design principles for managing AI within the Power Platform using demos and a memorable acronym.

In this episode, we dive into the key differences between Customer Data Platforms (CDP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. We explore Microsoft's CDP known as Customer Insights (CID), discuss its features, capabilities, and how it unifies data to provide actionable insights. We also touch on the integration of AI and the concept of unified profiles. Additionally, we cover licensing details for CID and the implications for businesses looking to implement CDP solutions. Join us for an informative discussion on optimizing customer data management and marketing strategies.

In this episode, join a candid conversation about preparing for Microsoft Power Platform certification exams, specifically the PL-200 and PL-600. Join Ed and Ashley as they discuss the intricacies of the exams, including the range of topics covered, the challenges faced, and tips for effective study techniques. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences, the importance of understanding both the theoretical and practical applications, and the evolving landscape of the Power Platform. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the Power Platform, this discussion offers valuable insights into tackling these certification challenges.

Exploring the Microsoft AI Accelerator for Sales: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Implications

Join us as we discuss the newly announced Microsoft AI Accelerator for Sales. We explore its features, including Microsoft 365 Copilot, pre-built agents, and Dynamics 365 integration. We discuss the potential benefits, such as improved efficiency and automated lead generation, alongside concerns regarding realistic use cases, licensing complexities, and security challenges. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insights on how AI is shaping the future of sales and what it means for businesses and integrators.

In this episode, we dive deep into a variety of listener questions from recent power platform conferences with our hosts, discussing key topics such as effective naming conventions, junction tables, and handling conflicting requirements in CRM projects. We also touch upon the nuances of requirements gathering, solution design, and agile methodologies. Join us for an insightful conversation packed with practical advice and industry experiences.

Join us as we dive into questions from Ashley’s session from Power Platform Community Conference that she presented with Neil Benson entitled From Backlog to Brilliant: Transform Your Power Platform Development. The questions allow Ashley and Ed to discuss key insights on Agile methodologies. We explore how Copilot and generative AI can streamline workflow and backlog management, offering practical advice for handling multiple projects in Azure DevOps. Learn how to foster innovation while balancing governance in the Power Platform with the COE Starter Kit. Additionally, discover the best practices for developer specialization and hear humorous anecdotes about tech terminology. This episode is packed with valuable tips and witty banter, perfect for tech enthusiasts and professionals navigating the evolving tech landscape.

Join Microsoft Business Applications MVPs Ed Gonzales and Ashley Steiner in a candid discussion about user adoption in CRM implementations. They share insights from their experiences, including the difficulties of getting sales teams to embrace new systems, strategies for improving user adoption, and the value of empathy in the process. Listen in for real-world examples, humorous anecdotes, and practical advice on navigating the complexities of CRM user adoption.

In this episode, join us as we discuss advanced CRM marketing features beyond Microsoft's Copilot. We dive into email management tools, including personalization options and GDPR compliance, and touch upon upcoming exciting innovations aimed at enhancing marketing strategies. We also provide insights into how behavioral data can be leveraged for targeted marketing and the importance of data cleanliness. Along the way, we explore the potential integration challenges between marketing and sales teams, making this episode a must-watch for marketing professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.

In this episode of the Awkward Silence Podcast, hosts Ed Gonzales and Ashley Steiner, both Microsoft MVPs, dive into various Microsoft tools that enhance sales engagement. They discuss features like assignment rules and sequences and highlight the importance of these tools beyond the hyped Copilot. Ashley details assignment rules that streamline lead routing and the robust sequence feature that helps salespeople manage their interactions. The conversation also covers the integration challenges and the need for companies to sometimes rely on Power Automate for customized solutions. Stay tuned for insights into practical applications of AI and automation in sales.