Tag: Microsoft 365

  • Stop Artificial Intelligence (AI) from Increasing Unseen Bias in Our Organization

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    In a recent event, a business owner asked an important question – how can we stop AI from causing more significant problems in our organization? They gave an example of a team member often left out of emails due to personal conflicts or bias. How can we ensure their expertise is recognized when Microsoft 365’s CoPilot uses Microsoft Graph to analyze our emails for answers? Will it still see that person as an expert? If CoPilot uses Microsoft Graph to look at our emails and SharePoint files, is it just “crowd-sourcing” answers? If so, will it just highlight existing issues instead of unlocking our organization’s knowledge?

    We also need to consider different communication styles. For instance, how is their expertise captured and recognized if a team member is introverted or prefers face-to-face interactions over emails?

    Here are some strategies we came up with to tackle these challenges:

    Inclusive Communication Practices:

    Include all team members in relevant communications. Create email groups or Teams channels for every project. This way, everyone is informed and can share their ideas.

    AI Ethics Guidelines:

    Set rules for employees using AI tools like CoPilot and AI Builder. This way, AI won’t accidentally exclude certain team members. The aim is for AI tools to support human decision-making, not replace it.

    Regular Audits:

    Regularly check AI usage to find and fix any issues of bias or exclusion. Review the suggestions from CoPilot and the models built with AI Builder regularly to ensure they align with the organization’s values and ethics.

    Feedback Mechanisms:

    Set up ways for team members to report issues related to AI usage. This could be a dedicated Teams channel where employees can share their experiences and concerns.

    AI Training:

    Train employees on the ethical use of AI. Teach them how to use AI tools like CoPilot and AI Builder in a way that promotes inclusivity and fairness. This training could cover how to interpret and apply the suggestions from CoPilot and how to build and use models with AI Builder.

    By using these practices, businesses can promote a more inclusive and ethical use of AI.

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  • 2024 Real Estate Market: Strategic Growth Through Advanced Technology

    Navigating 2024: Tech-Driven Strategies for Florida’s Real Estate Industry

    In the fast-paced world of real estate, staying on top of the latest trends is essential.

    The CRE 2024 study highlights what’s shaping Florida’s market:

    • Population Growth – More people moving in means more homes are needed.
    • Inventory Increase – A bigger selection of homes is keeping prices steady.
    • Market Strength – Signs point to a strong and growing market.
    • Pre-Pandemic Sales Pattern – Sales are getting back to normal.
    • Interest in Florida – It’s still a favorite among international buyers, even if recovery is slow.
    • New Home Production – There’s a challenge in building enough new homes to meet demand.

    IT and Workflow Optimization

    Overall, the future looks bright for Florida’s real estate market in 2024, with plenty of demand and a sense of returning stability. For those in real estate, it’s all about nailing the basics and being ready for what’s next.

    A Tech and Workflow Optimization can help you win by:

    • Making sense of the market with data
    • Keeping u with clients
    • Negotiating deals with financial analysis

    Let’s take a look at how this can benefit your business.

    Making Sense of the Market with Data

    Microsoft PowerBI and Azure AI do more than crunch numbers — they give you the insights to make smart moves. PowerBI helps you see what’s hot in the market, and Azure AI can tell you when to list or sell.

    For example, PowerBI can show you which features—like a pool or an extra floor—are catching the eye of different groups, from young families to retirees. Azure AI takes it further by spotting where the next big real estate opportunities might be. But to make the most of this, you need to keep your data in tip-top shape, and that’s where CRM software shines.

    Keeping Up with Clients (CRM)

    Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales and Power Platform let you keep tabs on what buyers want and like, helping you offer them just the right properties and reach out when it’s time for new listings.

    You can also make sure everyone’s on the same page by using your brand’s style in all communications and letting your team know what needs their attention next. And when you need to figure out where the best chances are, Excel is there to help.

    Negotiating Deals with Financial Analysis

    Microsoft Excel’s AI tools take the mystery out of finance. With features like Ideas and new Data Types, you get the latest financial info right at your fingertips, making mortgage math and deal negotiations a breeze.

    Agents can use Excel to show clients different mortgage options based on the latest rates, helping them understand what they can afford.

    Streamline Work with Microsoft 365

    Microsoft 365 is all about making your day-to-day work smoother with automation. Think of AI taking care of data entry or looking for security risks.

    Imagine setting up viewings automatically based on when clients are free or having AI watch your back for security issues. That’s the kind of efficiency Microsoft 365 offers.

    Marketing that Hits the Mark with Microsoft’s CoPilot

    Microsoft’s CoPilot isn’t just about making ads — it’s about making ads that speak to your clients. It can help put together campaigns aimed at just the right people, like those looking for luxury homes, or write emails showing off properties that clients will love.

    Making a Real Difference

    • Schroeder Manatee Ranch – Using AI, TechHouse figured out what kinds of features different people want, helping make properties more appealing and valuable.
    • Suncoast Realty – Our tailored CRM and PowerPlatform solution made handling leads from all over a breeze, streamlining the process from first contact to closing the deal.

    In Conclusion

    Using AI and cloud tech gives real estate pros the tools to face 2024’s challenges and come out on top, ready for growth and competition.

    Don’t wait for change — make it happen! Contact TechHouse for a chat about how AI and cloud solutions can take your real estate business to the next level. Let’s create a plan that puts you at the forefront of the market.

    Click here to learn more about why AI matters today

    Click here for some key AI Concepts

  • Client Corner #3: Getting Creative and Adapting to New Changes

    Client Corner #3: Getting Creative and Adapting to New Changes

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    Getting Creative and Adapting to New Changes

    Adapting looks different for everyone.

    This week, we will be talking about a few clients we’re working with, the problems they’re facing, and what TechHouse is doing to help. The problems range in complexity, but the theme that ties them together is getting creative and adapting to new challenges.

    Last year, many companies had to pivot to adapt to the pandemic. Now, with a sense of normalcy returning, companies are having to readjust again. Many now have hybrid workforces as some employees return to the office and continue working from home.

    This first client is a prime example.

    Updating a Teams Phone System for a Hybrid Work Model

    We helped this client go fully remote last year with Microsoft Teams VoIP. They were not going into the office at all, and their entire phone system was on-premises and therefore useless during the pandemic.

    However, now their office building is back open, and both employees and guests are returning. Their old system had an extension in the building to buzz people in, but they lost that capability when they moved to Teams.

    To solve this problem and keep their updated Teams phone system, TechHouse is helping the customer set up an E-Receptionist. With a Teams-powered device in the lobby and some configuration, the customer will be able to buzz in visitors as they used to while keeping their updated, online phone system to support their hybrid work model.

    Restaurant with Multiple Locations Turns to Automation to Handle Invoicing

    Another client we work with has struggled to find office labor to handle administrative tasks, specifically accounting and invoicing.

    This client is a restaurant with multiple locations, and now that more people are going out to eat, their accounting and invoicing volume has increased. Before the pandemic, they would have hired someone to handle the increased amount of work, but now they are having trouble finding someone and are turning to automation software to get the job done.

    Since this client doesn’t have a dedicated internal IT team, TechHouse, as their trusted technology partner, is helping them assess software and OCR scanning solutions to make the best decision for their growing business.

    Busy Entrepreneur Needs Help Jump-Starting His Tech Baseline

    The last client we want to highlight this month is an entrepreneur who has been so busy working on the other parts of his business that he hasn’t had the time to address technology at all.

    This client is a serial entrepreneur who has created several successful companies in various industries. He currently runs an agriculture company that focuses on sustainable farming and has ten employees.

    The problem he faces is a simple one: he has one email that goes to his computer and a different email that goes to his phone.

    TechHouse is helping him get set up on Microsoft 365, so he has one secure email for all his devices that is also on a platform that can scale with his business. Although this problem may seem simple, it’s easy to overlook as an entrepreneur who is heavily involved in many different parts of the business.

    Incremental Steps Lead to Long-Lasting Change

    Beyond displaying the willingness to adapt and solve problems creatively, all these client stories also exemplify the effectiveness of making incremental changes.

    It’s better to gradually make small changes to your business that will solve your current problems and further support your foundation down the road than to make sudden, drastic changes that solve existing problems but create more problems in the future.

    Switching to a VoIP phone system means your business will never be limited to an office ever again.

    Using automation means you won’t have to hire someone to do a certain process ever again, and you won’t have to worry about human error.

    Having your email set up correctly on a platform that can scale with your business means you can grow as much or as little as you want with the tools you need just a click away.

    How your business uses (or doesn’t use) technology can help or hinder your growth.

    Working with a partner who understands your business and can advise you every step of the way and even anticipate challenges before they affect your bottom line is the best way to grow sustainably. If your business is facing technological challenges, contact us today to see how we can help you adapt and thrive.

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