Back in 2005, I was working as an office manager for a large global insurance company. It was a temporary role, and I was keen to make a difference during my short time there. That’s when I first came across SharePoint. It was sitting there, barely touched, underutilised, and full of untapped potential. I didn’t know much about it back then, but I was intrigued.
I took a bold step and approached the CEO with an idea. “Can I use SharePoint to build our intranet?” I asked. Surprisingly, I got the go-ahead. Over the next few weeks, I dove into this unfamiliar tool, learning as I went and figuring out how to create something that could truly serve the organisation.
When I finally launched that first intranet to all staff, something clicked. I saw the possibilities of SharePoint, not just as a tool but as a game-changer for how we work, collaborate, and share information. That project didn’t just end with a successful intranet launch—it ended up creating a job for me. I became everything SharePoint, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Over time, what started as a chance opportunity grew into my passion and my career.
But let’s be honest: SharePoint has a bit of a reputation. Many people have a love-hate relationship with it. It can be frustrating when you don’t know how to use it or when things don’t work as expected. But here’s the thing: once you understand its power and learn how to use it properly, it becomes an indispensable tool. I’ve seen so many skeptics turn into SharePoint advocates—myself included.
So, what is so great about SharePoint? Let me break it down for you:
1. Centralised Collaboration
SharePoint is the ultimate hub for teamwork. It allows teams to work together on documents, share updates, and track progress, all in one place. No more endless email threads or searching for that one elusive file—everything is centralised.
2. Customisation to Fit Your Needs
One of the things I love most is how flexible SharePoint is. Whether you’re building an intranet, a document library, or a project management site, you can customise it to suit your organisation’s needs. You’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all solution.
3. Document Management Done Right
Managing documents is where SharePoint really shines. With version history, metadata, and advanced search capabilities, you can organise and find your documents with ease. No more duplicates or outdated versions floating around—SharePoint keeps everything in check.
4. Integration with Microsoft 365
SharePoint works seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 apps like Teams, OneDrive, Planner, and Outlook. It’s all connected, making your workflows smoother and your life easier.
5. Accessibility Anywhere, Anytime
With SharePoint, your documents and sites are accessible from any device with an internet connection. Whether you’re in the office, at home, or on the go, you can stay connected and productive.
6. Automation and Efficiency
SharePoint lets you automate repetitive tasks with Power Automate. Need to get approvals on a document? Want to notify your team when a file is updated? SharePoint makes it possible, saving you time and effort.
7. A Foundation for Growth
SharePoint isn’t just a tool; it’s a platform. Once you start using it, you’ll see how it can grow with your organisation, evolving as your needs change and your goals expand.
8. Security and Compliance
In a world where data security is paramount, SharePoint has your back. It offers robust security features, compliance capabilities, and permission settings to ensure that your information stays safe.
My SharePoint Journey
Over the years, SharePoint has become so much more than just a tool to me. It’s been a way to help organisations improve, to solve problems, and to make people’s working lives easier. I’ve seen firsthand how it can transform the way we work when it’s used to its full potential. From building intranets to creating document management systems and automating workflows, I’ve done it all—and I love it.
Yes, it has its quirks. Yes, there’s a learning curve. But trust me, once you’ve mastered it, you’ll see why so many people come to rely on it. SharePoint isn’t just software; it’s a tool that empowers us to do our best work.
