In this episode, the meet with Eric Leeger and discuss his background in the Dynamics space and his role as a niche-focused boutique staffing firm owner. They also explore the trends in the Dynamics job market, including the high demand for functional consultants and the slowdown in developer roles. They touch on the impact of AI on recruitment and the potential for AI to streamline development processes.
Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-legeer-01ba81165
Looking for a job? Reach out to Dynamics Door: https://dynamicsdoor.com/
Takeaways
The demand for functional consultants in the Dynamics job market is growing, while the demand for developers is slowing down.
AI has the potential to streamline development processes and increase productivity, but it won't replace the need for human skills in analyzing business requirements and building solutions.
Business Central is experiencing high demand, especially for small and mid-sized businesses transitioning from QuickBooks.
AI can be a valuable tool in upskilling individuals and assisting in the job search process.
The impact of AI on recruitment is still evolving, with the potential for AI to automate certain tasks and improve efficiency. The future of recruitment will involve a user-friendly UI and customer experience, similar to sales processes.
Gen Z's digital experiences will shape the recruitment process.
Effective communication is crucial in the recruitment process.
Recruiters face challenges in finding candidates with specific skills.
Building relationships with clients is important in the recruitment industry.
Eden Wilson, Founder of Lemonerdy, is a visionary, young entrepreneur and joins us on the podcast this week to talk about her company, Lemonerdy, her love of lemons, and pineapple on pizza. She started the company when she was in 6th grade and launched her YouTube channel in 8th grade to begin teaching younger people about Scratch and introduce them to the world of coding.
Show Notes:
Learn more about Eden’s company, Lemonerdy, that she started when she was in 8th grade: https://lemonerdy.com/web/
Follow Lemonerdy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/lemonerdy
Eden became a certified Scrum Master – see what that means and learn how to become one: https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/scrum-master-track/certified-scrummaster
Another certification mentioned is a Certified Product Owner: https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/product-owner-track/certified-scrum-product-owner
Explore Scratch to learn how block-based coding can help develop games quickly: https://scratch.mit.edu/
Scratch Jr. Can be used by younger kids to begin learning how to code by using block-based coding: https://www.scratchjr.org/
Eden’s all-time favorite book is Sway with Me: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57370401-sway-with-me
Eden’s favorite game on PlayStation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LittleBigPlanet
Microsoft Student Ambassador Program: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/student-hub/become-a-student-ambassador
Did you catch the Rhythmic Gymnastics during the Olympics? Eden is also a Rhythmic Gymnast! https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/sports/rhythmic-gymnastics
Julie Yack joins Dynamics Hotdish this week to chat about a new training program she’s championing for skilling up Ukrainians on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Julie is an expert in training on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform so we also discuss some training tips and tricks in this episode, along with several resources to help you level up your training. You’ll also find out some fun facts about Julie, like how she’s been to over 80 countries!
This episode was recorded on-site at DynamicsCon LIVE. If you’re interested in attending next year, keep an eye on their website: https://live.dynamicscon.com/. There’s also a FREE virtual event this fall (https://dynamicscon.com/), and tons of local user groups you can join.
Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieyack
Need help with implementation of a Microsoft product or training? Reach out to Julie’s company Colorado Technology Consultants: https://www.coloradotc.com/
Learn more about Julie’s company focused on training on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform: https://365.training/
Training can be end-user focused or to help train consultants
Tips on Training:
Know your user personas and teach them how to use the software in the way that’s best for them
When delivering initial system training, don’t teach several ways to do something – pick the best way for that job role and train on that method
Identify the influencers who will be impactful to others on the project and work to alleviate their concerns or promote the positives
Identify the person who will be your champion and find something that will make them happy
Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Training for Ukrainians:
Julie and other passionate Microsoft MVP’s have started a program to skill-up Ukrainians on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform in a 6-week program
This programs helps Ukrainians learn a new skill that can transfer to technology implementation and is particularly helpful for people who can no longer do their traditional jobs due to displacement
A new program starts every 2 months and each has about 250 participants
Learn more about Microsoft’s AI Builder tool: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ai-builder/overview
As discussed in this episode, one thing you can use this for is translating documents
If you’re looking to learn more about how to work in the Microsoft Business Applications space, or what it would be like to be a consultant, check out the Microsoft Business Applications Skilling program: aka.ms/bapskilling
For even more information about getting a career in Dynamics 365 or the Power Platform, look at the Microsoft Power Up Program: https://powerup.microsoft.com/
The Pivot Program was started to help others transition into a career in technology. Looking to switch? Check it out! https://www.thepivotprogram.org/
If you’re in Europe or want to travel to Europe for a fantastic, newer Dynamics 365 conference, check out Dynamics Minds! https://www.dynamicsminds.com/
What’s Julie’s favorite hotdish? She doesn’t have one because she LOVES food! That’s our kinda of lady!
If you want to travel the world virtually, check out Airbnb’s Online Experiences: https://www.airbnb.com/s/experiences
In this conversation, Mary Myers, an expert in Dynamics 365 Business Central and the Power Platform, discusses her involvement in the Dynamics community and her passion for Business Central. She emphasizes the importance of community support and shares insights on integrating Business Central with the Power Platform. Mary also highlights the benefits of integrating CRM with Business Central, the challenges of using the Dataverse connector, and her favorite Power Platform applications.
Liz and Ali chat with some graduates from the TechFluent training program about their experiences at DynamicsCon LIVE 2024. You’ll get advice on what you should (and shouldn’t do) at Dynamics and Power Platform conferences, and you’ll hear what to expect. This episode features interviews with Christabell Tita, Tafessech Beyene, Phil Mahuwe, Erika Romero, Maryam Umar, and Siham Said.
Learn how you can contribute to or participate in TechFluent: https://www.techfluentacademy.org/
Interested in attending DynamicsCon LIVE next year? Check out the agenda from 2024: https://live.dynamicscon.com/
Find your local Dynamics community through Dynamics User Group: https://www.meetup.com/pro/dynamics/
Find Yulia Kuklina’s blog post that was mentioned in this episode about things she’s learned as a consultant: https://dynamicscommunities.com/news/embarking-on-a-new-chapter-my-journey-as-a-microsoft-dynamics-consultant/
Advice for attending your first conference:
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring something to take notes with
Ask questions to get the most value out of the sessions you attend
Be yourself – wear whatever makes your comfortable
Look through the agenda before the event and plan which sessions you want to go to in advance – there are a ton of sessions!
Plan in your primary areas of interest
Follow the presenters on LinkedIn for more content
Come prepared with your resume and LinkedIn updated if you are looking for work! It’s a great way to find potential employers.
Don’t be shy and be resilient – “you may need to knock on 100 doors until one opens” - Sahim
Don’t be intimidated by the sessions! You may know more than you think
Pack Band-Aids and Advil (to deal with your blisters if you wear uncomfortable shoes)
Go talk to people at the booths – everyone is there to network, so don’t be afraid to go talk to people
Find a partner to walk around with if you’re nervous to do it by yourself
Visit our podcast website: https://dynamicshotdish.com/
Tune into this special guest episode with Anne Krupke, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft to learn about all things F&SCM.
Connect with Anne Krupke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annekrupke/
This show was recorded on site at DynamicsCon LIVE in Denver, Colorado! It's a great community event that happens every year in the spring. Next year it will be in Chicago, Illinois! Click this link to learn more and view all the sessions that took place this year: https://live.dynamicscon.com/#
Find out about the Dynamics 365 ERP Solutions: https://dynamics.microsoft.com/en-us/erp/enterprise-resource-planning-system/
What is Dynamics 365 Finance? https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics-365/products/finance
What is Dynamics 365 Supply Chain? https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics-365/products/supply-chain-management
The Dynamics 365 Demand Planning model-driven app is available as of April 1, 2024. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/supply-chain/demand-planning/install-demand-planning
Get started with model-driven apps on the Power Platform: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/modules/get-started-with-model-driven-apps-in-powerapps/
Learn about integrating your Dataverse apps with Finance & Supply Chain Management using dual-write: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/fin-ops-core/dev-itpro/data-entities/dual-write/dual-write-overview
Learn more about our podcast here: Dynamics Hotdish - Exploring Dynamics 365 & Power Platform
Begin your exploration of CRM and ERP integration with the first episode of our engaging 3-part series, offering invaluable insights for business leaders and analysts alike. Gain valuable insights into essential tools such as Dual-Write in Finance & Supply Chain and also the innovative Dataverse Connector. Tune in to learn the significance of CRM and ERP integration. Make sure to subscribe to notified of parts 2 and 3 of this series! Visit us at our website: https://dynamicshotdish.com/
This episode features special guest Dan Fine from the Ukrainian War Animals Relief Fund (UWARF) where we discuss how the Power Platform and Dynamics 365 has enabled their efforts. UWARF is a non-profit organization that partners with veterinarians, nonprofits, and animal shelters in Ukraine. They organize missions to the region and facilitate clinics to sterilize, vaccinate, and microchip dogs and cats. They also focus on reuniting, rehoming, and sheltering the abandoned animals.
CONTENT WARNING: Sensitive content about danger to animals and people during the war in Ukraine is discussed during this episode and may be harmful or triggering to some viewers.
Dynamics 365 first party apps (Sales, Customer Service, Field Service, etc.) offer robust functionality to optimize your business. In this episode we chat about what if you're a small business and you don't need ALL of that or what if your process is entirely different and it doesn't fit into one of those classic CRM functionality scenarios? Tune in to learn about the considerations when deciding between a Microsoft Dynamics 365 First Party App vs. building your own Power App!
The Power Platform has been gaining popularity by organizations around the world because of its "low-code" capabilities. This means that both developers and non-developers alike can leverage its capabilities to build automations and custom applications. Listen to this episode to learn about Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Power Pages, and Power Virtual Agents (now known as Copilot Studio).
Curious about Microsoft Dynamics 365? This is a perfect episode for those new to Microsoft Dynamics 365 or exploring its potential. We unravel all the parts of D365, both CRM & ERP. And dive deep into its CRM functionalities: sales, marketing, project operations, field service, and customer service.
We had the privilege of sitting down with Ryan Cunningham, VP of Power Apps at Microsoft, while on site at Microsoft Ignite. Ryan shares insights about his vision for Power Apps over the next few years, including incorporating Copilot capabilities. Learn more about Microsoft Ignite: https://news.microsoft.com/ignite-2023/
Visit https://www.dynamicshotdish.com for more information.
Ali and Liz met with Angela Byers, Sr. Director of Product Marketing at Microsoft while at Microsoft Ignite. As a Product Marketer, Angela has the opportunity to learn about all the cool, new things Microsoft releases before the general public. She focuses on Sales and Customer Insights (formerly Marketing) and has great information to share about how Copilot will be expanding over the next several months. Learn more about Microsoft Ignite: https://news.microsoft.com/ignite-2023/
For more information, visit https://www.dynamicshotdish.com.
In this episode of Dynamics Hotdish, we welcome Heidi Neuhauser to discuss DynamicsCon Live 2024. Heidi, a Microsoft MVP and partner at Reenhanced, shares insights on the conference's agenda, emphasizing user adoption, Dynamics 365, and the Power Platform. The episode highlights the importance of diversity among speakers, advanced CRM topics, and cross-product sessions. Attendees are encouraged to engage in networking and explore diverse content. Tune in for invaluable tips for DynamicsCon Live and use promo code HOTDISHINVITE15 for a 15% registration discount. Register for DynamicsCon Live: https://live.dynamicscon.com/register2024/. Visit https://www.dynamicshotdish.com for show notes and more episodes.
We are THRILLED to have had the opportunity to talk with Neil Benson, Founder and CEO of Customery. Neil first reached out to us to tell us everything that we did wrong with our Azure DevOps (ADO) best practices, and we knew we had to have him on the podcast. All jokes aside, much like everything we do with technology, there are so many different ways to complete something - people have differing opinions on everything from how to build forms, when to use Power Automate, and how to run their Agile teams. Neil is an Agile expert and spends his time mentoring and coaching individuals and businesses on how to run Agile optimally for their organizations. Basically, he's an expert in the field and we wanted to hear his advice (and share it with you) on how to leverage ADO that may be a little different than what we're currently doing. Visit https://www.dynamicshotdish.com for more information
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lucas Diaz, Managing Partner at Ludia Consulting, and Will McLendon, Business Applications MVP, to explore the transformative initiative, Dynamics for Good. Lucas shares the journey and the passion behind this project, which aims to leverage Dynamics technology for the betterment of communities. He explains how Dynamics for Good is divided into two main branches: creating mission-critical applications to address specific problems, like those faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and working with partners such as Microsoft to drive change.
Lucas also highlights the significance of community involvement and the importance of organizations like TechFluent in providing upskilling opportunities and diversifying the use of Dynamics technology. He speaks candidly about his personal experiences growing up as a minority and the deep-rooted family history that inspires his work. Through his story, Lucas illustrates the impact of giving back to the community and the power of small ideas to initiate significant change. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that not only sheds light on the Dynamics for Good initiative but also emphasizes the importance of community contribution and overcoming imposter syndrome to make a real difference.
Visit https://www.dynamicshotdish.com for additional information and notes.
Have you heard of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? What about Copilot? (We joke because it has been EVERYWHERE in 2023!)
In this interview, we had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Eric Newell, Founder and CEO of Stoneridge Software.
WOW we've had a busy fall, and it's not over yet! 🍁🍂
All three of us had the opportunity to go to Dynamic Communities Summit and it did NOT disappoint. There were so many incredible sessions spread throughout each day that we had a hard time deciding where to go. The community of people that Summit brings together each year is second to none, and we had the pleasure of interacting with SO MANY of these wonderful humans in Charlotte.
Ashley and Ali each had TWO sessions where they shared their knowledge with the community. Topics included Team Collaboration, Project Operations, Tips for People New to CRM, and XrmToolBox.
Liz had the amazing opportunity to speak during the opening Keynote about TechFluent - she's such a natural 🤩
All of us spent the week buzzing around networking, mentoring, speaking, collaborating, learning, eating, celebrating.... and then finally got to spend our weekends sleeping and recharging😴💤
We're recapping our experiences at Summit in this episode and encourage you to go next year if you missed it this year! If you were there, tell us what your favorite part was in the comments ⬇️
Welcome to the first ever Dynamics Hotdish Top 10 episode! We've never done a "Top #" anything before and are enthused to bring one to you this week. When we started deciding on what to cover in this episode, we thought that sharing 10 Tips for CRM Administrators (Admins) would be a good place to start. In typical fashion, we couldn't limit ourselves to just 10! There are tips layered upon tips in this episode so we're not really sure what the final count is 🤷♀️What we can guarantee is that you'll learn even more special skills on how to be a superb system admin! If you know us well by now, you'll know that the primary reason for us hosting this podcast is to share knowledge with the community, which is why we get energized when we start talking about tips and find it hard to limit on what we want to share!
Anyway, take a listen to this episode for some fabulous tips on how to be a fabulous CRM Admin.
Visit https://www.dynamicshotdish.com for more information.
Microsoft Power Platform Conference was a whirlwind of a week! We got to connect with familiar faces and meet new friends, all with a common interest: the Power Platform.
We came back incredibly energized and tired after balancing fun with learning in the bright city of Las Vegas. From the very first keynote of the week (Charles Lamanna), there was an intense, excited energy in the air that would carry through the entirety of the conference.
Ashley and Ali share their experiences at the conference in this special bonus episode. There have been many other recaps of the content and announcements posted by our colleagues and friends in the community, so we’re focusing on what hit us the most. You’ll hear about our stand-out moments, favorite sessions, and even some ideas to make it better in the future.
What was your favorite moment from MPPC? If you didn’t make it this year, will you make it happen next year?!
