Copilot for Microsoft 365 Is Not Just Another Chatbot

In a world where Copilot and AI in General is rapidly transforming the business landscape, for me Copilot for Microsoft 365 stands out as a game-changing tool for productivity.

But are you harnessing its full potential?

I had the great opportunity to talk with friend and colleague Lisa Crosbie, a fellow Microsoft MVP and YouTube sensation with nearly 60,000 subscribers, where we go on a deep dive into the exciting world of Copilot.

From revolutionizing everyday tasks to bridging the gap between CRM and productivity tools, Copilot is reshaping how we work.

As Lisa puts it, "Copilot Studio is actually the most exciting space for me right now."

Join us as we explore the cutting-edge features, real-world applications, and future possibilities of this AI-powered assistant that's taking the business world by storm.

The full episode is down below

Key Takeaways from the discussion with Lisa Crosbie

?? Copilot Studio has evolved from Power Virtual Agents, offering more advanced AI capabilities

?? Microsoft 365 Copilot integration enhances everyday productivity tasks

??? Balancing generative AI with orchestrated conversations is crucial for effective implementation

?? Copilot for Sales bridges the gap between CRM and productivity tools

????? Prompt engineering is becoming an essential skill in the AI-driven workplace.

Copilot Is More Than Just a Chatbot

Remember when chatbots were all the rage? Well, forget everything you knew. Copilot for Microsoft 365 is redefining the game, and it's not just about answering simple queries anymore. Lisa, a Microsoft MVP and YouTube sensation, shares her insights on how Copilot is revolutionizing business productivity.

"Copilot Studio is actually the most exciting space for me right now," Lisa enthuses. It's not just about creating chatbots anymore - it's about building intelligent assistants that can tap into your organization's knowledge base and extend the capabilities of Microsoft 365"

Copilot Studio Might Just Be the New Swiss Army Knife

Copilot Studio isn't just a one-trick pony. It offers two powerful functionalities:

1. Creating custom copilots: These AI assistants can be deployed on websites, internal systems, or anywhere you need intelligent interaction.

2. Extending first-party copilots: Connect your Microsoft 365 Copilot to other business systems, expanding its capabilities beyond just productivity apps.

"You can have a copilot now that is grounded in, pointed to, and able to answer questions from your website, from your SharePoint documents, from Dataverse," Lisa explains. This versatility makes Copilot Studio a powerful tool for organizations looking to leverage AI across various touchpoints"

The Balancing Act between Generative AI and Orchestrated Conversations

While generative AI is impressive, Lisa emphasizes the importance of maintaining control over conversations.

"It's very rare that only generative AI would be the full solution," Lisa notes. Copilot Studio allows you to blend AI-generated responses with carefully orchestrated conversational paths, giving you the best of both worlds"

Copilot for Sales Is Bridging the CRM-Productivity Gap

For sales professionals, Copilot is a game-changer. By integrating CRM data with productivity tools, it's breaking down silos and enhancing efficiency.

That idea of now being able to go in and say summarize and save to CRM is the future," Lisa explains, highlighting the upcoming integration between OneNote and CRM systems.

Is This Really the New Frontier?

As AI tools become more sophisticated, a new skill is emerging.

Prompt engineering. "I think prompt adapting is the skill now," Lisa observes. It's not just about asking questions; it's about knowing how to frame your queries to get the most useful responses"

One of Lisa's favorite techniques - The flipped interaction pattern

"You actually ask Copilot to ask you questions," she explains. This approach can lead to more insightful brainstorming sessions and problem-solving.

The Road Ahead?

The rapid pace of AI development can be overwhelming, even for tech enthusiasts like Lisa.

"At some point my head will explode,"

But for businesses looking to stay competitive, embracing these tools is becoming increasingly crucial.

Copilot is leading the charge.

Are you ready to transform your business productivity?

Are you using #Copilot Now?

Would love to hear how and your thoughts in the comments.

Watch the full episode ??