BLOG

Let’s be honest setting up a new AI assistant can feel like preparing for a big event. Microsoft 365 Copilot is no exception. It blends your everyday tools like Word, Excel, and Teams with advanced AI capabilities. But before you start chatting with Copilot, you’ll need to lay some groundwork. Think of it as getting the stage lights, sound checks, and script all in order, so your Copilot show runs smoothly.

1. Organize Your Information Sources
   Before using Copilot’s “knowledge” feature, ensure your SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive files are in good shape. Make sure documents are accurately named and logically stored—Copilot’s prompts rely on this data to provide relevant answers.
   
2. Check Permissions and Access Levels
   Your Copilot respects your security and compliance settings. Confirm that permissions are updated so the right people have the right access. This ensures Copilot won’t be handing out sensitive info to unintended audiences.
   
3. Fine-Tune Your Prompting Strategies
   Before you go live, practice asking Copilot targeted questions. The more specific your prompts, the better its responses. Instead of “show sales data,” try “show monthly sales totals by region from the last quarter.”
   
4. Confirm Data Accuracy and Freshness
   Copilot draws insights from what it can “see.” Verify that your reports and data sources are up-to-date. Clean, current data means trustworthy results from Copilot.
   
5. Start Small and Iterate
   Begin with a limited pilot group and a few test scenarios. Gather feedback, refine your prompts, and then expand. This approach ensures your Copilot is truly helpful from day one.

Copilot can be an amazing and very powerful assistant. But it needs the right set up. If you want to talk through this in more detail, DM me. With the right setup, you can watch your productivity take off. Just like having a virtual teammate at your side!