{"id":1795,"date":"2026-01-23T13:45:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T13:45:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/?p=1795"},"modified":"2026-01-23T13:48:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T13:48:03","slug":"the-copilot-shift-episode-9","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/2026\/01\/23\/the-copilot-shift-episode-9\/","title":{"rendered":"The Copilot Shift \u2014 Episode 9"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Building Your First Copilot Use Cases \u2014 A Practical Starter Kit<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" src=\"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/episode9c-1024x765.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1796\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.3392942071720726;width:405px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/episode9c-1024x765.png 1024w, https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/episode9c-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/episode9c-768x573.png 768w, https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/episode9c.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re nearing the end of this Copilot beginner\u2019s series with just one more episode to come after today. In the last few episodes we\u2019ve seen who benefits from Copilot and how it fits into everyday SME roles. But now in the penultimate episode we\u2019ll cover the part that turns interest into real value:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Choosing your first Copilot use cases.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following along the same introduction theme, this episode gives you a practical, realistic starter kit, and provides the approach SMEs can use to build momentum with very little impact on their teams. No buzzwords. No \u201cAI transformation\u201d clich\u00e9s. Just real simple tasks, real examples, and a clear path to getting started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83e\udded Why Start With Use Cases?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well because Copilot succeeds when it solves actual <strong>specific problems<\/strong>, not when it\u2019s handed out and left to chance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SMEs that get the best results start small, test the water so to speak and begin to understand the value using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A handful of tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A small group of users<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear wins within the first week<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This will help build confidence, reduce resistance, and show the business what\u2019s possible. These steps show how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step One: Identify the \u201cHigh\u2011Friction\u201d Tasks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the tasks you can identify that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take too long<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are repetitive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always or even sometimes require rewriting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Involve summarising or explaining<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are important but not enjoyable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Every Company and SME will have them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Some examples to think about with high\u2011friction are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Writing follow\u2011up emails<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Summarising meetings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drafting proposals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Analysing spreadsheets<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preparing job descriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tidying up documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating SOPs or checklists<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Those tasks that people loath or make people sigh before they start it, that\u2019s a good candidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step Two: Match Tasks to Roles<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use the role mapping from Episode 8 to identify where Copilot will have the biggest impact first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick cheat sheet:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><td><strong>Role<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>High\u2011Value Use Cases<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Business Owners<\/strong><\/td><td>Email summaries, strategy drafts, meeting insights<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Admins<\/strong><\/td><td>Reports, agendas, follow\u2011ups, document clean\u2011up<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sales<\/strong><\/td><td>Proposals, call summaries, follow\u2011ups<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Finance<\/strong><\/td><td>Spreadsheet analysis, financial summaries<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>HR<\/strong><\/td><td>Policies, job descriptions, onboarding docs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Marketing<\/strong><\/td><td>Social posts, newsletters, content repurposing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Operations<\/strong><\/td><td>SOPs, checklists, incident summaries<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>IT\/Security<\/strong><\/td><td>Policy drafts, incident summaries, documentation<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with the roles that feel the most pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step Three: Pick around 5\u201310 Starter Use Cases<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a practical starter kit designed specifically for SMEs. These are those use cases that consistently deliver quick wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2b50 Starter Use Case #1: Summarising Emails and Threads<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong> Everyone drowns in email. Copilot cuts through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real example:<\/strong> A director asks Copilot:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSummarise the last 20 unread emails and highlight anything urgent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They get a clean digest in seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2b50 Starter Use Case #2: Drafting Customer or Supplier Emails<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong> Email writing is repetitive and time\u2011consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real example:<\/strong> An office manager says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDraft a polite follow\u2011up email to a customer who hasn\u2019t replied for a week.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Copilot produces a ready\u2011to\u2011send message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2b50 Starter Use Case #3: Summarising Teams Meetings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong> Meetings generate actions, but people forget them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real example:<\/strong> A salesperson asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSummarise today\u2019s call and list the customer\u2019s requirements, concerns, and next steps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Copilot extracts everything automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2b50 Starter Use Case #4: Turning Notes Into Documents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong> Most SMEs rely on handwritten notes, voice notes, or rough drafts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real example:<\/strong> A field supervisor uploads rough notes and asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTurn these into a customer\u2011ready service report.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Copilot formats it professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2b50 Starter Use Case #5: Analysing Spreadsheets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong> Finance teams spend hours interpreting data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real example:<\/strong> A finance manager asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cExplain the main changes in our monthly expenses and highlight anything unusual.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Copilot spots trends instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2b50 Starter Use Case #6: Drafting Policies, SOPs, and Guides<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong> Documentation is essential but time\u2011consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real example:<\/strong> An HR manager asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCreate a first draft of a remote\u2011working policy based on our existing documents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Copilot produces a structured draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2b50 Starter Use Case #7: Content Repurposing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong> Marketing teams need more output than time allows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real example:<\/strong> A marketer asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTurn this webinar transcript into a blog post and three LinkedIn posts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Copilot handles the heavy lifting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2b50 Starter Use Case #8: IT &amp; Security Documentation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong> IT teams are overloaded with admin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Real example:<\/strong> An IT admin asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSummarise the last 24 hours of security alerts and highlight anything unusual.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Copilot produces a clear, actionable summary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step Four: Build a Pilot Group Around These Use Cases<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose 3\u20135 people who:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Represent different roles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are open to experimenting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communicate well<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can share feedback<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Give them the starter use cases and let them try them for a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This creates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Real examples<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real wins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real confidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real momentum<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Step Five: Capture the Wins and Share Them<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where adoption accelerates. Take the time to really understand the benefit to each of the pilot users. The more you get the easier the next stage will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask your pilot group:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What saved them the most time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What surprised them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What they want to try next<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Turn these into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Short internal posts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quick demos<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Team updates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>People trust colleagues more than technology so even get the group together to tease out thoughts and benefits they didn\u2019t even realise they had experienced. Get the conversation going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2b50 Bonus: How to Pilot an Agentic AI Use Case (Simple SME Approach)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Agentic AI is still new territory for most SMEs, so the goal isn\u2019t to automate everything at once \u2014 it\u2019s to run a <strong>safe, controlled pilot<\/strong> that shows what\u2019s possible without risking disruption. For those looking to jump into Agentic AI a different approach is similar but requires a different deployment approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a short, practical framework you can use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pick a low\u2011risk, high\u2011value workflow (A business process in need of automation)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choose something that is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Repetitive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rules\u2011based<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Currently done manually<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Annoying but important<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chasing overdue tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Checking device compliance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sending appointment reminders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Notifying staff about missing information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitoring shared mailboxes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are perfect because they\u2019re predictable and easy to measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Define the goal in one sentence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Agentic AI works best when the goal is clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example goal:<\/strong> \u201cReduce missed appointments by automatically reminding customers and offering rescheduling options.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example goal:<\/strong> \u201cIdentify devices that haven\u2019t checked in for 14 days and notify users automatically.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example goal:<\/strong> \u201cIdentify contracts reviews earlier and analyse the key points before it\u2019s too late or last minute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example goal:<\/strong> \u201cSimplify all the HR requests and queries received ensuring accuracy backed by company policy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Write a single instruction (the agent prompt)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the part SMEs often overthink. A good agentic prompt is just a clear instruction describing the workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCheck tomorrow\u2019s appointments. Identify anyone who has missed or rescheduled more than twice. Send a friendly reminder with their appointment details and offer two alternative times. Update the calendar if they reschedule and notify me of any changes\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Or maybe a prompt for IT tasks<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cCheck for any devices that haven\u2019t checked in for 14 days, notify the user, and create a ticket if they don\u2019t respond within 24 hours\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One instruction. The agent handles the steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Connect the key data points.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When using Copilot Studio connect the relevant data points be it SharePoint Lists, CRM systems or Outlook data. These serve as the vital data source points from which the prompt will build its knowledge and structure the outputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Run the pilot for 7\u201314 days<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep it small:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1 workflow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1\u20132 people involved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear boundaries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Daily or weekly check\u2011ins<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re not testing the whole business \u2014 just one workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Measure these three things<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need dashboards or KPIs. Just track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u23f1 Time saved<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHow long did this task take before vs. now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udcc9 Errors reduced<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDid we miss fewer follow\u2011ups, reminders, or checks?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83d\ude42 Stress removed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDid this reduce mental load for the team?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These three metrics tell you everything you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Decide whether to scale, refine, or stop<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After two weeks, ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Did it work reliably<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Did it save time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Did it reduce admin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Did it create any issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is it worth expanding<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If yes, try scaling it. If not, refine or choose a different workflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83e\udded Why This Works for SMEs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach keeps the risk low , builds confidence and shows value quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83e\udded Episode 9 Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your first Copilot use cases should be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Simple<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practical<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High\u2011impact<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to repeat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Easy to measure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Start with 5\u201310 tasks across a small pilot group. Let them experiment. Capture the wins. Share the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is how SMEs build momentum without overwhelming people and how Copilot becomes part of everyday work rather than a one\u2011off experiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Coming Next: Episode 10<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the last episode I\u2019ll summarise the whole journey and cover how to measure the Copilot Success \u2014 What Good Looks Like in an SME. As a beginner series the purpose is to help you gain an understanding of the technology to take you to the next step and without being a burden.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Building Your First Copilot Use Cases \u2014 A Practical Starter Kit We\u2019re nearing the end of this Copilot beginner\u2019s series<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1796,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-copilot-ai","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1795","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1795"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1795\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1798,"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1795\/revisions\/1798"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1796"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1795"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1795"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/move2modern.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1795"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}