Microsoft Upgrade Training, Communication, & Support
We have many years of experience assisting organizations in successfully migrating from one version of Microsoft Office to another. A successful migration is one where a minimal amount of productivity and time is lost when new software is rolled-out and while employees get used to the changes. Once an understanding of the organization’s current challenges and successes is developed, communication, timely training, documentation (online and print), and follow up support are keys to making a successful transition.
Over the years, with law firms, private companies, and government agencies, we have assessed both the organization’s and individual’s needs and developed a communication, training, and support plan to fit those needs. Prior to a transition we prepare users so they can positively anticipate the change and be ready for any challenges.
We develop effective and efficient training sessions for all people in the organization from clerks to managing partners, along with print and online documentation so all can continue to educate themselves after the initial training. We follow up with support that can be in person, online, or over the telephone.
A prepared and supported workforce will efficiently transition from one version of Microsoft Office to another.
Government Web & Social Communications Certification
We develop and teach a web and social media certification program for department members tasked with updating the website and social media channels. Many government agencies have tight budgets and people tasked with editing their website who are experts in their field but not in web editing. We coach those people on how to use their content management software, and how to write for the web so that content stays fresh, professional, and consistent across the organization.
Certification classes include:
How to use the Web Content Management software
How to write clearly for the web and social media
Best practices for posting to government social media
How to incorporate images and links into website and social media content
Making web pages accessible to people with disabilities
At a local city, we developed the training certification program curriculum to fit that City’s needs. We currently provide classes on a quarterly basis for 16 departments in one city. Content is updated as technology, web and social media practices change. Classes are highly engaging and the staff are eager to earn and maintain their certification. This certification program ensures that clear, professional content is consistently maintained.
Process ImprovemenT
Some business processes are confusing, frustrating and inefficient and can be improved with technology and collaboration from the parties involved.
When processes are created to meet a need for one group, they may create more work for another. We bring all the participants to the table to create common understanding across the organization about each group’s needs and the impact on one another. We secure agreement on solutions and then implement process and/or technology changes. New processes and technology are documented. Training is developed and delivered to refresh skills or train new participants.
For example we worked with the finance department of an organization to develop a new process for assembling their Annual Financial Report. This required several clerks and accountants to contribute to the final product. This report, which is eventually posted to the organization’s website, has a very short production turn around requiring multiple people to edit simultaneously. We developed a process using Excel, Word, and SharePoint that enables multiple people to assemble the final high quality financial report in a short time frame.
We have a strong track record in process improvement projects that require collaboration, process analysis, training, support, and follow-up.
Intranet Development
We have experience working with clients to develop their intranet web pages to become great vehicles for internal communication, particularly to support the organization’s technology.
We work with information that is regularly communicated in a variety of ways, through meetings, email, posters, conversations, and outside media. Intranet sites are places where information can be posted and employees can refer to it on an ongoing basis.
Sometimes we post new information pages on new programs, software, and policies to be updated easily. Or we can post internal blogs to engage the employees on issues or to help solve a problem. Calendars can be posted that can be integrated into Outlook
Examples of Intranet Projects we have done include:
Team shared calendars
Discussion lists
Document libraries
HR Benefits
Home Pages
News and Events
Information Security
For one client, we developed a Training Site where employees can view course descriptions, register for classes and get answers to frequently asked questions. This help is tailored to the organization and includes basic questions such as “How do I add a printer? What is the email retention policy? What are password requirements?” We’ve developed a tips and tricks blog to keep people learning and engaged even if they don’t have time to take formal classes.
Providing employees with a go-to place for information about their technology, department, or organization, improves their understanding, opens up the lines of communication and provides efficient ways to update employees on changes in the organization.
New Hire Training
We train your new employees, from the top of the organization to the bottom so they can hit the ground running. We provide an overview of your organization's customized technology and walk through document creation using customized tools, such as templates, macros, document management systems.
Technology Change management
Change management is about assisting people in adapting to the changing workplace. We've built our business on helping people in organizations transition from one form of technology to another. From the beginning of the process, we communicate the change that will happen so people know what to expect and how to prepare. From there we provide training on the new technology, then follow-up with support so that people take what they learned in training and apply it to their work. Over the years, in addition to Microsoft Office transitions, we've assisted in document management changes, time entry, document and form assembly, and new operating systems.