SharePoint Maven Podcast
by Greg Zelfond
Learn a new SharePoint tip in less time than it takes to drink your first cup of coffee.I'm Greg Zelfond, a Microsoft MVP and independent SharePoint consultant. For 15+ years, I've helped small and mid-sized businesses and nonprofits build intranets and document management systems with out-of-the-box SharePoint - no custom code.Each week I share one practical SharePoint or Microsoft 365 topic in about 10 minutes: features worth using, mistakes to avoid, step-by-step how-tos, and what Copilot means for your sites. Whether you're an overwhelmed admin, a site owner, or an everyday user, you'll know exactly what to click next.Need hands-on help? Book a consultation at sharepointmaven.com.
Episodes
-
Hub Sites vs. Subsites: 10 Reasons Hub Sites Win
In this episode, I compare hub sites and subsites in SharePoint and walk through the ten reasons hub sites are the better choice today. I cover security, navigation, branding, search scope, news and events aggregation, external sharing, and how hubs let you reorganize without rebuilding anything....
-
Public vs. Private Teams: Which One Should You Use?
In this episode, I explain the difference between public and private Microsoft 365 Groups and Teams, and how that single setting changes who can get into your SharePoint site. I cover what happens to the underlying permissions, where org-wide Teams fit in, and when each option is the right call....
-
5 Microsoft 365 Tools for Agile and Scrum Projects
In this episode, I walk through the five Microsoft 365 tools you can use to manage Agile and Scrum projects: Planner, Planner Premium, the Loop Kanban board, Loop Tasks, and Lists with a Board view. I explain what each one does well, where each falls short, and how to pick the one that fits your...
-
Folders vs. Metadata in SharePoint: When to Use Each
In this episode, I compare folders and metadata in SharePoint and walk through the pros and cons of each approach. I explain where folders still make perfect sense, where metadata gives you a real advantage, and why the right answer for most organizations is a mix of both. BLOG REFERENCES Folders...
-
7 Ways to Create a Microsoft Form
In this episode, I walk through the seven different ways to create a form in the Microsoft Forms application, from starting with a blank form or a template to uploading a Word or PDF document, using Copilot, building from a SharePoint list, or setting one up for Excel. I explain when each option...
-
Microsoft Lists vs. Excel: When Lists Wins
In this episode, I compare Microsoft Lists and Excel and explain which one to reach for depending on what you are tracking. I walk through the advantages Lists brings to everyday business data, and the situations where Excel is still the better choice. BLOG REFERENCES Lists vs. Excel NEED HELP?...
-
How to Launch a SharePoint Intranet in 5 Weeks
In this episode, I walk through my five-week plan for implementing a SharePoint intranet - what happens each week, from kick-off and prototype through branding, site build, admin and site owner training, and go-live. I also cover the assumptions that make this timeline realistic. BLOG REFERENCES...
-
8 Ways to Improve Your SharePoint Site Design
In this episode, I share 8 proven ways to improve the design of your SharePoint site - flexible sections, background images, design ideas, dividers and spacers, custom themes and fonts, and extended headers and footers. No code, no designer, just features already sitting in your tenant. BLOG...
-
3 Ways to Send Praise with Viva Insights
In this episode, I explain how to send praise and recognition to colleagues using Viva Insights. I walk through the three ways to do it - the Viva Insights app, Microsoft Teams, and the Praise card on the Viva Connections dashboard - and what you need licensed for it to work. BLOG REFERENCES How…
more -
How to Build a File Upload Intake Form in SharePoint
In this episode, I explain how to create an intake form for file uploads in SharePoint - a simple way to collect documents along with the metadata you actually need. I walk through how to set it up, why required fields finally work here, and the limitations you need to know before you roll it…
more -
The 8 Pillars of a Solid SharePoint Information Architecture
In this episode, I walk through the 8 core pillars of a successful SharePoint information architecture - flat architecture, site types, the number of sites and libraries, metadata versus folders, hub sites, search and Copilot, and security. I explain why each decision matters and what happens…
more -
Understanding the 6 Security Groups in the SharePoint Admin Center
In this episode, I explain the six security groups you see in the SharePoint Admin Center: Site Visitors, Site Members, Site Owners, Site Collection Admins, Group Members, and Group Owners. I cover which ones show up on which type of site, and which ones you should actually be using to manage...
-
The Site Assets Library in SharePoint: Are You Using It Right?
In this episode, I explain what the Site Assets Library in SharePoint really is and walk through the 15 types of content that quietly end up in it - from logos and header images to page images, videos, and web part backgrounds. I also cover why old assets stick around and why you should never...
-
The Top 5 SharePoint Mistakes Users Make
In this episode, I walk through the top five mistakes I see users make in SharePoint - from dumping everything into one library and syncing too much, to wrong permissions, the wrong site types, and skipping user training - and I share how to avoid each one. BLOG REFERENCES Top 5 User Mistakes in...
-
CAD Files in SharePoint: 6 Limitations You Need to Know
In this episode, I explain why SharePoint isn't the best home for your CAD and AutoCAD files. I walk through six key limitations - from native app access and file dependencies to co-authoring, file size, OneDrive Sync, and search — and share what I recommend instead. BLOG REFERENCES The…
more -
Stop Overwriting Each Other: How SharePoint Check Out Actually Works
In this episode, I explain how the Check Out feature in SharePoint works - what it does, when to use it instead of co-authoring, and how it helps you control edits, prevent overwrites, and avoid sync conflicts. BLOG REFERENCES How the SharePoint Check out feature works NEED HELP? Want to...
-
The Site Pages Library: Where All Your SharePoint Pages Actually Live
In this episode, I explain what the Site Pages Library in SharePoint is, where to find it, the five types of content stored inside it, and the key nuances that make it different from a regular document library. BLOG REFERENCES What Is the Site Pages Library in SharePoint? NEED HELP? Want to...
-
Planner Premium Explained: What It Is and Why It Replaced Project for the Web
In this episode, I explain what Planner Premium is, how it differs from regular Planner, and why it's really the rebranded Project for the Web - now evolving with Copilot and new capabilities. BLOG REFERENCES What is Planner Premium? NEED HELP? Want to confidently navigate SharePoint and…
more -
Don't Delete That Library: What Makes SharePoint's Default Document Library Special
In this episode, I explain why every SharePoint site comes with a default document library, why you can't delete it, and the key rules to follow so you don't break your site or your Teams workspace. BLOG REFERENCES Why you need the default document library on a SharePoint site NEED HELP? Want to...
-
6 Powerful Web Parts to Create Click-Worthy Calls to Action in SharePoint
Want users to take action on your SharePoint pages? In this episode, I break down 6 web parts you can use to create compelling calls to action. BLOG REFERENCES 6 Web Parts to create a Call to Action in SharePoint NEED HELP? Want to confidently navigate SharePoint and Microsoft 365? Enroll in my...
-
6 Smart Ways to Build an FAQ in SharePoint & Microsoft 365
Looking to create an effective FAQ in SharePoint or Microsoft 365? In this episode, I explore six practical ways to build and organize FAQs, from simple SharePoint pages and lists to more dynamic solutions using Copilot AI. BLOG REFERENCES 6 ways to create FAQ in SharePoint and Microsoft 365 NEED...
-
5 SharePoint Migration Mistakes That Can Derail Your Implementation
Migrating to SharePoint? In this episode, I cover the 5 most common mistakes organizations make, from poor information architecture to confusing SharePoint with OneDrive or Teams, disabling external sharing, and skipping user training. BLOG REFERENCES 5 Mistakes to avoid when migrating to...
-
Introducing LookBook 365: Where SharePoint Ideas Come to Life
In this episode, I introduce my LookBook 365 Portfolio site. I walk through the inspiration behind it, how it showcases real-world SharePoint design ideas, and how you can use it as a reference when building your own intranet or solutions. If you’re looking for practical examples and visual...
-
Stop Hunting for Files: Why You Should Pin SharePoint Libraries to Quick Access
In this episode, I explain why pinning a document library to Quick Access is one of the simplest yet most overlooked productivity tips in SharePoint. I cover how it works, when to use it, and how it can save you time navigating files every day. BLOG REFERENCES Why do you need to pin a library to...
-
Stop Guessing Permissions: 5 Places Where SharePoint Security Is Actually Set
In this episode, I break down the five key locations where SharePoint security is configured. BLOG REFERENCES 5 Locations where you can set security in SharePoint NEED HELP? Want to confidently navigate SharePoint and Microsoft 365? Enroll in my revamped On-Demand SharePoint and Microsoft 365...
-
Stop Losing Files: 5 Powerful Benefits of Version History in SharePoint
In this episode, I explain why SharePoint version history is one of the most underrated features in Microsoft 365. I walk through five key benefits of version history and how it helps protect files, improve collaboration, and save you from costly mistakes. BLOG REFERENCES 5 Benefits of Version...
-
Stop Wasting Time on SharePoint Manuals: Here’s What Actually Works
In this episode, I explain why traditional SharePoint training manuals often fail and don’t deliver real value. I share what actually helps users learn SharePoint effectively and how organizations can rethink training to drive real adoption. BLOG REFERENCES Why SharePoint Training Manuals Are a...
-
Stop Struggling with Forms: 6 Easy Ways to Add Microsoft Forms to SharePoint
In this episode, I walk through six different ways to add a Microsoft Form to a SharePoint site. I explain where each option works best, the limitations to watch out for, and how to choose the right method for your scenario. BLOG REFERENCES 6 ways to add a Microsoft Form to a SharePoint Site NEED...
-
Understanding the 5 Types of Plans in Microsoft Planner
In this episode, I break down the five different types of plans available in Microsoft Planner. From personal task tracking to Microsoft 365 Group collaboration and premium planning features, I explain what each plan type is and when to use it. BLOG REFERENCES 5 Types of Plans in Planner NEED…
more -
SharePoint’s New Versioning Settings - Are You Using Them Right?
In this episode, I walk you through the updated version history settings in SharePoint Online, how to configure them, what new options Microsoft added, and how to get control over versioning and storage before it spirals out of hand. BLOG REFERENCES How to manage Version History settings in...
-
Got offices around the globe? Here are 5 easy ways to show them in SharePoint.
In this episode, I walk you through five simple and effective methods to display office locations in SharePoint, from interactive maps to clean list galleries and location pages. BLOG REFERENCES 5 Ways to Display Office Locations in SharePoint NEED HELP? Want to confidently navigate SharePoint…
more -
Struggling with Messy SharePoint Navigation? Here Are 12 Ways to Fix It.
In this episode, I break down 12 practical, real-world ways to improve navigation in SharePoint Online, from simplifying your hub structure to cleaning up your menus, organizing content, and making it easier for users to actually find what they need. BLOG REFERENCES SharePoint Online Navigation...
-
Want Smarter Metadata in SharePoint? Discover the Term Store’s 14 Power Features.
In this episode, I dive into the top 14 features of the SharePoint Term Store — from hierarchical tagging and synonyms to multi-language support and global reuse. If you’ve ever struggled with inconsistent metadata or messy libraries, this episode shows you how Term Store can turn SharePoint into…
more -
Need Better Collaboration for Your Nonprofit? Try SharePoint.
In this episode, I explain why SharePoint is a powerful, affordable platform for nonprofits — from centralized document storage and secure access to better volunteer coordination and streamlined workflows. If your nonprofit is juggling files, volunteers, and projects. This might be the tool…
more -
Want to Work Smarter in SharePoint? Try These 4 Copilot Commands.
In this episode, I walk you through four powerful Copilot commands you can start using today - like Summarize, Ask a Question, Compare, and Generate FAQ - to get more done in SharePoint and OneDrive with less effort. BLOG REFERENCES 4 Copilot commands to use right away with SharePoint NEED HELP?...
-
Planning a SharePoint Rollout? Avoid These 5 Critical Mistakes.
In this episode, I walk you through the 5 biggest don’ts I’ve seen in SharePoint implementations, so you can skip the common pitfalls and set up your environment right the first time. BLOG REFERENCES 5 Don’ts of SharePoint Implementation NEED HELP? Want to confidently navigate SharePoint and...
-
Want WordPress-Style Layouts in SharePoint? Try Flexible Sections.
In this episode, I break down SharePoint’s new Flexible Sections - a simple but powerful feature that finally gives you the layout freedom you’ve always wanted. If you’ve ever wished SharePoint pages looked more like WordPress, this update is for you. BLOG REFERENCES Flexible Sections in…
more -
Task Management in Microsoft 365: What Are Your Options?
Need to manage tasks but not sure where to start? In this episode, I walk through the different task management tools available in SharePoint and Microsoft 365, from Planner to Lists to To Do, so you can pick the right one for your team. BLOG REFERENCES Task Management Options in SharePoint and...
-
5 Truths About Learning SharePoint (That No One Tells You)
Learning SharePoint isn’t always easy or fast. In this episode, I share five real-world truths about what it actually takes to learn SharePoint, so you can manage your expectations and set yourself up for success. BLOG REFERENCES 5 Realities of Learning SharePoint NEED HELP? Want to confidently...
-
Team Site Makeover: 10+ Web Parts to Bring It to Life
Not sure what to add to your SharePoint Team Site? In this episode, I share some of my favorite web parts to make your site more functional, collaborative, and visually engaging. BLOG REFERENCES Web Part Ideas for a Team Site NEED HELP? Want to confidently navigate SharePoint and Microsoft 365?...
-
Rolling Out SharePoint? Here’s the Right Way to Do It.
Implementing SharePoint in your organization isn’t just about spinning up sites, it’s about doing it right. In this episode, I share best practices to make your SharePoint rollout smooth, scalable, and user-friendly from day one. BLOG REFERENCES How to implement SharePoint in your organization –...
-
Calendars in SharePoint & Microsoft 365: What Are Your Options?
Looking to add a calendar to your SharePoint site? In this episode, I walk you through the various calendar options available in SharePoint and Microsoft 365, and help you pick the right one for your needs. BLOG REFERENCES An overview of the Calendar Options in SharePoint and Microsoft 365 NEED...
-
Private & Shared Channel Sites: Handle with Care!
Private and Shared channels in Teams come with their own SharePoint sites, and they’re not your average sites. In this episode, I explain why you should think twice before messing with them, and what risks you need to know before making changes. BLOG REFERENCES Why you should never mess with...
-
Is SharePoint Secure? Let’s Break It Down.
One of the most common questions I get is: “Is SharePoint secure?” In this episode, I explain how Microsoft secures your data, what you’re responsible for as an admin, and how to keep your SharePoint environment protected from accidental or intentional risks. BLOG REFERENCES Is SharePoint Secure?...
-
Tame the Chaos: SharePoint Document Management Best Practices
Managing documents in SharePoint doesn't have to be messy. In this episode, I share key best practices to keep your files organized, searchable, secure, and collaboration-friendly, without turning SharePoint into a digital junk drawer. BLOG REFERENCES SharePoint Document Management Best Practices...
-
Microsoft 365 Groups Explained (Without the Headache)
Ever wonder what a Microsoft 365 Group actually is? In this episode, I break it down in plain English (with a bit of my Eastern European accent), what it is, what it gives you, and how it connects apps like SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, and more. BLOG REFERENCES What is a Microsoft 365 Group? NEED...
-
Why SharePoint Isn’t Meant for Public Websites (and What to Use Instead)
Thinking about using SharePoint for your public-facing website? Sorry, you are out of luck. BLOG REFERENCES Why you can’t use SharePoint as a public web NEED HELP? Want to confidently navigate SharePoint and Microsoft 365? Enroll in my revamped On-Demand SharePoint and Microsoft 365 Academy FREE...
-
Guests Welcome! 3 Ways to Set Up Access in SharePoint & Teams.
Need to give clients or partners access to your SharePoint site or Teams? In this episode, I walk through three ways to set up guest access - so you can collaborate securely without overcomplicating things. BLOG REFERENCES 3 ways to set up guest access for a SharePoint Site or Teams NEED HELP?…
more -
SharePoint for Frontline Workers: How to Make It Work
Think SharePoint is just for desk jobs? Think again! In this episode, I share how to make SharePoint accessible and useful for non-office workers like retail staff, field crews, and frontline teams - so everyone stays connected. BLOG REFERENCES How to make SharePoint available to non-office…
more -
User Left the Company - What Happens to Their SharePoint Files?
When someone leaves your organization, what happens to all the files they created in SharePoint and OneDrive? In this episode, I explain how Microsoft 365 handles that data. BLOG REFERENCES What happens to SharePoint Files when the user leaves the organization? NEED HELP? Want to confidently...
Topics in this show
About this show
Learn a new SharePoint tip in less time than it takes to drink your first cup of coffee.I'm Greg Zelfond, a Microsoft MVP and independent SharePoint consultant. For 15+ years, I've helped small and mid-sized businesses and nonprofits build intranets and document management systems with out-of-the-box SharePoint - no custom code.Each week I share one practical SharePoint or Microsoft 365 topic in about 10 minutes: features worth using, mistakes to avoid, step-by-step how-tos, and what Copilot means for your sites. Whether you're an overwhelmed admin, a site owner, or an everyday user, you'll know exactly what to click next.Need hands-on help? Book a consultation at sharepointmaven.com.
Hosted by
Greg Zelfond
Categories