Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how businesses operate across the globe. It’s becoming an essential tool for boosting productivity and driving innovation. Leading this shift is Copilot for Microsoft 365 (referred to as “Copilot” in this article). This smart AI assistant integrates seamlessly with your existing Microsoft 365 apps, enhancing what you can achieve.
How ready are you to embrace AI technology? Are you keen to dive headlong into these new waters, or proceed with caution?
According to Microsoft’s latest Work Trend Index, only a small percentage of companies are taking full advantage of AI capabilities. These “Frontier Firms” are structured around on-demand intelligence, combining the power of humans and agents (AI). A new organizational model is emerging – a blend of machine intelligence with human judgment, building systems that are AI-operated but human-led.
So, where does that leave you? If you’re not willing to adopt this new technology, you risk falling behind. But here’s how as an SMB you can stay ahead of the curve with Copilot for Microsoft 365.
Copilot for Microsoft 365 adoption is a defining move for SMBs
There are five stages of tech adoption – innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority and laggards. The Frontier Firms are early adopters, integrating AI into their workplace and transforming their organization.
Most SMBs aren’t early adopters though. That means missing out on the numerous benefits of AI technology. By leveraging tools like Copilot, you can reduce admin, streamline work, automate tasks, and empower employees. And that’s just for starters.
Don’t be a laggard and fall behind. At Cloudwell we are here to help SMBs like yours adopt and scale Microsoft 365 tools, like Copilot, effectively and affordably.
Why SMBs can’t afford to wait
Rolling out Copilot may feel like a big move for a small business. The prospect of change can feel daunting. But inaction can be a greater risk. While you stand still, your competitors could be moving ahead and making productivity gains.
Take a leaf out of the Frontier Firms’ books. Discover how AI can bring real rewards to your business. Whether you run a large corporation or small business, AI can boost productivity and streamline processes in your workplace.
The Workplace Index highlights a current capacity gap. 53% of leaders need to increase productivity. However, 80% of the global workforce (that’s both leaders and employees) don’t have the time or energy to do their work. The solution? Step forward AI, the great productivity equalizer.
What can Copilot for Microsoft 365 actually do for your SMB?
Let’s look at specific tasks that Copilot can undertake to benefit your business.
Did you know that an average of 60% of employees’ time is spent on daily tasks like emails, meetings and chat? This digital debt is a shock finding from the Microsoft Work Trend Index 2024.
Reclaim that time by putting Copilot to work instead, let it help you with…
- Meeting notes: Automatically generate meeting summaries, including action items and key decisions.
- Email management: Let Copilot sort, prioritize, summarize and suggest appropriate email responses.
- Draft documents: Provide prompts and outlines to aid Copilot with creating reports, proposals and marketing materials.
- Content creation: Get clear, impressive presentations from text information.
Copilot can free up time across departments. It can also facilitate better collaboration between departments too. For example:
Sales: Summarize calls, generate proposals and pitch documents.
HR: Draft onboarding docs, respond to policy questions and suggest tonally appropriate emails.
Operations: Automate reporting, produce documentation, analyze performance and track key metrics.
IT: Answer user queries, help manage tickets, improve workflows.
Marketing: Brainstorm campaigns, create materials and analyze datasets to track performance and identify trends.
Project management: Assign tasks, set deadlines, and monitor project progress.
Top tips for successful implementation of Copilot for Microsoft 365
According to the Workplace Index 2025, “To keep up, companies must do more than add AI to existing workflows—they must rethink the very nature of knowledge work.”
To gain maximum benefit from AI tools, you need the right strategy and support. There are various factors to consider, and we’ll dive deeper into that below. It’s important to consider how quickly you want to roll out the new tool. For the risk averse, it can be a gradual process over several months. Conversely, it can be adopted more quickly with continuous learning and improvements made along the way.
1. Get employees on board with the new tool
People can be reluctant to try new things, especially when they’re used to doing tasks a certain way. Be transparent about your reasons for introducing the new tool and sell the benefits to them.
2. Start with a pilot group
Select a range of people from different departments to test Copilot. These early adopters can provide feedback before others get involved. As Copilot Champions, they can raise awareness and build enthusiasm amongst the rest of the business.
3. Make training compulsory
Don’t expect people to train themselves in the new tool at a convenient time. They won’t. Set a clear expectation that training must be completed by a set deadline. Create bitesize chunks of training – such as a daily video or exercise – that feels manageable yet builds knowledge and confidence.
4. Set clear guidelines
Safety first. Educate your employees about data security. Set clear guidelines around privacy, security and responsible usage of AI.
Cloudwell’s Copilot for Microsoft 365 Readiness Services
We’re here to help you maximise the benefits of Copilot. Together, we can define robust short and long-term strategies. We’ll prepare your business landscape for a safe, secure and efficient rollout of Copilot.
How Cloudwell helps SMBs adopt Copilot for Microsoft 365:
Copilot readiness assessments – licensing, data, security, compliance
Deployment and enablement – integration with Microsoft 365
Staff training – educate users to boost uptake and confidence
Governance support – ensure safe and strategic AI use.
Become a Copilot for Microsoft 365 early adopter
Whilst Copilot adoption is still early in the SMB space, it’s growing quickly. The first movers will benefit most. Don’t remain inactive and risk being left behind by your competitors.
With the right partner, Copilot doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re here to help you get ready for this new way of working. Get in touch with our team today to discuss a Copilot for Microsoft 365 consultation for your SMB.