Dynamics Hotdish

In this episode, the meet with Eric Leeger and discuss his background in the Dynamics space and his role as a niche-focused boutique staffing firm owner. They also explore the trends in the Dynamics job market, including the high demand for functional consultants and the slowdown in developer roles. They touch on the impact of AI on recruitment and the potential for AI to streamline development processes.  

 

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-legeer-01ba81165  

Looking for a job?  Reach out to Dynamics Door: https://dynamicsdoor.com/  

 

Takeaways 

The demand for functional consultants in the Dynamics job market is growing, while the demand for developers is slowing down. 

AI has the potential to streamline development processes and increase productivity, but it won't replace the need for human skills in analyzing business requirements and building solutions. 

Business Central is experiencing high demand, especially for small and mid-sized businesses transitioning from QuickBooks. 

AI can be a valuable tool in upskilling individuals and assisting in the job search process. 

The impact of AI on recruitment is still evolving, with the potential for AI to automate certain tasks and improve efficiency. The future of recruitment will involve a user-friendly UI and customer experience, similar to sales processes. 

Gen Z's digital experiences will shape the recruitment process. 

Effective communication is crucial in the recruitment process. 

Recruiters face challenges in finding candidates with specific skills. 

Building relationships with clients is important in the recruitment industry.

Eden Wilson, Founder of Lemonerdy, is a visionary, young entrepreneur and joins us on the podcast this week to talk about her company, Lemonerdy, her love of lemons, and pineapple on pizza. She started the company when she was in 6th grade and launched her YouTube channel in 8th grade to begin teaching younger people about Scratch and introduce them to the world of coding.  

 

Show Notes: 

Learn more about Eden’s company, Lemonerdy, that she started when she was in 8th grade: https://lemonerdy.com/web/  

 

Follow Lemonerdy on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/lemonerdy  

 

Eden became a certified Scrum Master – see what that means and learn how to become one: https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/scrum-master-track/certified-scrummaster 

 

Another certification mentioned is a Certified Product Owner: https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified/product-owner-track/certified-scrum-product-owner  

 

Explore Scratch to learn how block-based coding can help develop games quickly: https://scratch.mit.edu/ 

 

Scratch Jr. Can be used by younger kids to begin learning how to code by using block-based coding: https://www.scratchjr.org/  

 

Eden’s all-time favorite book is Sway with Me: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57370401-sway-with-me  

 

Eden’s favorite game on PlayStation: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LittleBigPlanet  

 

Microsoft Student Ambassador Program: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/student-hub/become-a-student-ambassador  

 

Did you catch the Rhythmic Gymnastics during the Olympics?  Eden is also a Rhythmic Gymnast!  https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/sports/rhythmic-gymnastics

Julie Yack joins Dynamics Hotdish this week to chat about a new training program she’s championing for skilling up Ukrainians on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform. Julie is an expert in training on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform so we also discuss some training tips and tricks in this episode, along with several resources to help you level up your training. You’ll also find out some fun facts about Julie, like how she’s been to over 80 countries!  

 

This episode was recorded on-site at DynamicsCon LIVE. If you’re interested in attending next year, keep an eye on their website: https://live.dynamicscon.com/. There’s also a FREE virtual event this fall (https://dynamicscon.com/), and tons of local user groups you can join.  

Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieyack 

Need help with implementation of a Microsoft product or training? Reach out to Julie’s company Colorado Technology Consultants: https://www.coloradotc.com/ 

Learn more about Julie’s company focused on training on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform: https://365.training/ 

Training can be end-user focused or to help train consultants 

Tips on Training: 

Know your user personas and teach them how to use the software in the way that’s best for them 

When delivering initial system training, don’t teach several ways to do something – pick the best way for that job role and train on that method 

Identify the influencers who will be impactful to others on the project and work to alleviate their concerns or promote the positives 

Identify the person who will be your champion and find something that will make them happy 

Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Training for Ukrainians: 

Julie and other passionate Microsoft MVP’s have started a program to skill-up Ukrainians on Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform in a 6-week program 

This programs helps Ukrainians learn a new skill that can transfer to technology implementation and is particularly helpful for people who can no longer do their traditional jobs due to displacement 

A new program starts every 2 months and each has about 250 participants 

Learn more about Microsoft’s AI Builder tool: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/ai-builder/overview 

As discussed in this episode, one thing you can use this for is translating documents 

If you’re looking to learn more about how to work in the Microsoft Business Applications space, or what it would be like to be a consultant, check out the Microsoft Business Applications Skilling program: aka.ms/bapskilling  

For even more information about getting a career in Dynamics 365 or the Power Platform, look at the Microsoft Power Up Program: https://powerup.microsoft.com/  

The Pivot Program was started to help others transition into a career in technology. Looking to switch? Check it out! https://www.thepivotprogram.org/  

If you’re in Europe or want to travel to Europe for a fantastic, newer Dynamics 365 conference, check out Dynamics Minds! https://www.dynamicsminds.com/   

 

What’s Julie’s favorite hotdish?  She doesn’t have one because she LOVES food!  That’s our kinda of lady! 

 

If you want to travel the world virtually, check out Airbnb’s Online Experiences: https://www.airbnb.com/s/experiences

In this conversation, Mary Myers, an expert in Dynamics 365 Business Central and the Power Platform, discusses her involvement in the Dynamics community and her passion for Business Central. She emphasizes the importance of community support and shares insights on integrating Business Central with the Power Platform. Mary also highlights the benefits of integrating CRM with Business Central, the challenges of using the Dataverse connector, and her favorite Power Platform applications.

Liz and Ali chat with some graduates from the TechFluent training program about their experiences at DynamicsCon LIVE 2024. You’ll get advice on what you should (and shouldn’t do) at Dynamics and Power Platform conferences, and you’ll hear what to expect. This episode features interviews with Christabell Tita, Tafessech Beyene, Phil Mahuwe, Erika Romero, Maryam Umar, and Siham Said. 

 

Learn how you can contribute to or participate in TechFluent: https://www.techfluentacademy.org/  

 

Interested in attending DynamicsCon LIVE next year? Check out the agenda from 2024: https://live.dynamicscon.com/  

 

Find your local Dynamics community through Dynamics User Group: https://www.meetup.com/pro/dynamics/ 

  

Find Yulia Kuklina’s blog post that was mentioned in this episode about things she’s learned as a consultant: https://dynamicscommunities.com/news/embarking-on-a-new-chapter-my-journey-as-a-microsoft-dynamics-consultant/ 

 

Advice for attending your first conference: 

Wear comfortable shoes 

Bring something to take notes with 

Ask questions to get the most value out of the sessions you attend 

Be yourself – wear whatever makes your comfortable 

Look through the agenda before the event and plan which sessions you want to go to in advance – there are a ton of sessions! 

Plan in your primary areas of interest 

Follow the presenters on LinkedIn for more content 

Come prepared with your resume and LinkedIn updated if you are looking for work! It’s a great way to find potential employers. 

Don’t be shy and be resilient – “you may need to knock on 100 doors until one opens” - Sahim 

Don’t be intimidated by the sessions! You may know more than you think 

Pack Band-Aids and Advil (to deal with your blisters if you wear uncomfortable shoes) 

Go talk to people at the booths – everyone is there to network, so don’t be afraid to go talk to people 

Find a partner to walk around with if you’re nervous to do it by yourself 

Visit our podcast website: https://dynamicshotdish.com/