Working Outside the Microsoft Stack

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This week, Andy, Tom, and Shailan, discuss the challenges and considerations of working with technologies outside the Microsoft stack from a consulting perspective.

Key Points:

Encountering Non-Microsoft Technologies:

·      Clients often use various non-Microsoft technologies like Google Analytics, Salesforce, Oracle, etc.

·      Consultants must be prepared to handle data sources and systems outside the Microsoft ecosystem.

Balancing Expertise and External Help:

·      Evaluate whether to learn new technologies internally or bring in external experts.

·      Consider the long-term strategic value of learning a new technology versus the immediate need for expertise.

Cost and Time Considerations: 

·      Training and rework can be costly and time-consuming when working with technologies outside your skill-set.

·      It's often more efficient to hire experienced consultants for niche technologies to avoid mistakes and reduce implementation time.

Deciding When to Say No:

·      Assess if a project aligns with your core expertise and strategic goals.

·      Avoid taking on projects that significantly deviate from your primary skill set to maintain focus and reputation.

Strategic Partnerships:

·      Partnering with vendors can provide necessary training and support.

·      Ensure the vendor has good implementation skills, not just product knowledge.

Pricing and Client Communication:

·      Factor in the cost of external resources when pricing for clients.

·      Have honest conversations with clients about the costs and impacts of using niche technologies.

Opportunity Costs:

·      Taking on projects outside your expertise can lead to missed opportunities in your core area.

·      Focus on projects that align with your business direction and offer better margins.

Project Selection:

·      Deliberately choose projects that help expand your expertise in desired areas, like broader Power Platform work.

·      Avoid projects that don't align with your strategic aims, even if they seem lucrative.

Conclusion:

Navigating non-Microsoft technologies requires a balance between internal learning and external expertise, clear communication with clients, and strategic project selection to maintain focus and deliver quality results.

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