

1,001 Business Problems Solved with Microsoft Teams
Arnie Howes
In each bite-sized episode, we solve common business challenges using Microsoft Teams. Tune in for quick, actionable solutions—usually about six minutes per episode!
If you’re short on time (like most business owners and managers are), feel free to jump directly to episodes that promise solutions to problems you’re having this very moment.
Microsoft Teams is more than a chat and meeting platform. It is a problem-solving beast!
If you’re short on time (like most business owners and managers are), feel free to jump directly to episodes that promise solutions to problems you’re having this very moment.
Microsoft Teams is more than a chat and meeting platform. It is a problem-solving beast!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2025 • 4min
0082 - We Trained Employees but Still No Success With Microsoft Teams: Part 1
Training alone won’t fix your Teams mess—and this episode explains why. If you’ve poured time and resources into Microsoft Teams training only to watch your employees revert to email and shared drives, you’re not alone. In this fast-paced six-minute episode, Annie Rynd breaks down the real reason Teams fails to take off.
Without a customized setup that meets your team’s actual needs, training is just window dressing. Annie uses a vivid analogy to show how a poorly structured Teams site leaves employees confused, frustrated, and stuck in old habits.
But there’s hope—and it doesn’t require starting from scratch. Annie shares how a strategic re-start, focused on customizing Teams before training, can turn things around fast. From organizing channels to adding resource tabs that put everything one click away, she outlines the essentials for building a Teams site that actually works.
Whether you’re launching Teams for the first time or trying to rescue a messy rollout, this episode offers practical steps and a clear path forward. Tune in now, and get ready for Part 2 next week, where Annie reveals how to train for guaranteed success.
www.countyquest.com

Sep 29, 2025 • 5min
0081 - But Microsoft Planner Isn’t Robust Enough!
Discover how Planner Premium transforms Microsoft Planner into a robust project management tool! Gantt charts and task dependencies enable streamlined scheduling, while custom fields and conditional formatting enhance visibility. Learn about Copilot's automation for task management and the benefits of collaborative file sharing in Teams. Plus, uncover how to create repeatable project templates and generate insightful status reports. This upgrade is perfect for small teams and consultants eager for efficiency!

Sep 22, 2025 • 6min
0080 - Three Teams Deployment Best Practices
In this episode, Annie Rynd outlines three best practice steps that go beyond simply assigning licenses and downloading the app. These aren’t setup tasks—they’re deployment accelerators that shape how your organization uses Teams for real impact.
Whether you’re an IT admin, a site owner, or a business leader, this episode gives you a short list of high-leverage moves to make Teams work smarter for your organization.

Sep 15, 2025 • 7min
0079-We’re Worried About the Risks of Copilot!
Is Copilot a shortcut or a setback?
This week on 1,001 Business Problems Solved with Microsoft Teams, Annie Rynd explores the hidden risks of deploying Copilot across your organization. From missed episodes to missed opportunities, she shares a real-world moment when Copilot couldn’t quite deliver — and why that matters. You’ll hear how over-reliance on AI can lead to generic content, disengaged employees, and even alienated customers. But don’t worry, Annie’s not just here to warn — she’s here to guide.
Trust but verify — and aim small to miss small.
Annie breaks down how to avoid the most common pitfalls of Copilot implementation, including vague goals, blind trust, and workforce reduction. Instead, she offers a smarter path: use Copilot to eliminate low-value work and free up your team for strategic growth. Learn how the OMG System — Organize, Manage, Grow — can help you harness AI without losing your edge. It’s a slightly longer episode this week, but every second counts.
www.countyquest.com

Sep 8, 2025 • 7min
0078 - I’m Tired of Hunting Through Nested Folders for Files!
Tired of digging through endless folders to find the right file? You’re not alone—and neither are your employees. In this episode, we explore how much time is wasted on file hunting and introduce a smarter, faster way to organize documents using metadata. Instead of burying files in layers of folders, metadata allows you to tag documents with meaningful descriptors like client name, year, and type—making them instantly searchable and sortable.
We also show how metadata unlocks powerful features in Microsoft 365, including custom SharePoint views and seamless integration with Copilot. Whether you’re using Copilot or not, switching to metadata can dramatically improve your team’s efficiency and accuracy. If your business is ready to ditch the folder chaos and embrace a modern, scalable system, this episode is your starting point.
theomgsystem.com

Aug 25, 2025 • 6min
0076 - We Don’t Know How to Organize Our Information in Preparation for Copilot!
In Episode 76 of 1,001 Business Problems Solved with Microsoft Teams, Annie Rynd walks listeners through a practical, step-by-step tutorial for organizing business information in preparation for Copilot. From reviewing folders to setting permissions and building Teams sites, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
Listeners will learn how to streamline their file systems, eliminate permission headaches, and prepare their Teams environment for efficient collaboration and use of Copilot. Whether you're just starting or deep into your Teams and Copilot journey, this episode offers a clear path forward.
www.countyquest.com

Aug 18, 2025 • 3min
0075 - We Are Procrastinating in Our Deployment of Copilot!
In Episode 75 of 1,001 Business Problems Solved with Microsoft Teams, Annie Rynd tackles the all-too-common issue of procrastinating on folder and file organization in preparation for Copilot deployment. Using a vivid analogy from her farm days—a “rat-killin’”—she urges listeners to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start organizing their digital workspace. With a reminder of last week’s garage metaphor, Annie makes the case that Copilot is not just worth it—it’s transformative.
This episode is a rallying cry for business owners and managers to take action. Copilot isn’t just another tool; it’s a force multiplier that streamlines operations, reduces wasted time, and unlocks higher-value work. Tune in to learn how to kick off your deployment with confidence and clarity.

Aug 11, 2025 • 4min
0074 - Copilot Isn't Finding Our Information Consistently!
In this episode of 1,001 Business Problems Solved with Microsoft Teams, Annie Rynd tackles a common frustration: why Copilot sometimes struggles to find the information you need. Using the analogy of a retired handyman with a perfectly organized garage, Annie illustrates how digital clutter—disorganized files, siloed emails, and chaotic Teams channels—can hinder Copilot’s effectiveness.
Listeners will learn why strategic organization is essential for maximizing Copilot’s ROI and how Teams can be the foundation for that order. Annie sets the stage for upcoming episodes that will offer practical tips for cleaning up your digital workspace so Copilot can truly shine.
www.countyquest.com

Aug 4, 2025 • 5min
0073 - Why Do We Still Waste Time on Status Updates?
In this episode of 1,001 Business Problems Solved with Microsoft Teams, Annie Rynd steps away from Copilot and AI for a moment to tackle a timeless workplace challenge: inefficient meetings and update emails. She introduces a simple, powerful solution using SharePoint Lists that can transform how teams share progress and prepare for meetings. With just a few setup steps, managers can eliminate repetitive status updates, streamline communication, and create a searchable archive of team activity—all while saving time and boosting productivity.
Whether you're tired of endless Friday update emails or meetings that feel like monologue marathons, this episode offers a practical, proven fix that’s been delivering results for over two decades. Tune in to learn how to build your own update list and reclaim your time.
www.countyquest.com

Jul 28, 2025 • 7min
0072 - Needs-Based Copilot Adoption
Discover why you don’t need extensive research or outside training to use Microsoft Copilot effectively—just ask the tool itself! This episode emphasizes needs-based deployment over focusing solely on technology, and highlights the importance of organizing your Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive environments to unlock Copilot’s full potential.
www.countyquest.com