Whether you're planning to implement Microsoft Dynamics CRM or bring new users up to speed, you're looking for the best place to get trained and get started. Here is a list of recommended training resources and other sources to bring your organization up to speed as quickly as possible.

Partner Training

Especially for those who are on a short timeline, the fastest way to learn is to get training targeted to your needs. A certified Microsoft Dynamics CRM partner like PowerObjects is a must-have resource for you at this time.

Partners can deliver training with a specific emphasis, such as the Sales area or Service area. However, the most beneficial partner training incorporates your specific processes into the training. It turns out the hardest things to learn when using Microsoft Dynamics CRM are not the clicks. It's really more about teaching users how their clicks fit into the overall processes in your organization including when and why your company needs the data.

Partner training also allows you to train "outside of the box. " For example, the Marketing area of CRM is difficult to learn in a classroom. It is often is better to begin with introduction to the functionality in a class and follow-up with one or two coaching sessions to guide users through what they are hoping to accomplish.

Click here for some sample training agendas for partner training you might find useful.

Classroom Training

The benefit of learning in a class environment is that you typically go through the material very thoroughly, uncovering features you had perhaps overlooked. In addition, interacting with people at other companies during training can help spark ideas for how you can use Microsoft Dynamics CRM to improve your business. Not to mention, getting out of the office is always an inspiring change of pace!

Most major cities have classroom training available for users of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. New Horizons Computer Learning Centers for example, offers classes in the basic Sales, Marketing, and Service areas, as well as classes on Administering CRM. Contact your local office

Online Training (a.k.a E-Learning)

E-learning allows users to study up on Microsoft Dynamics CRM without the time commitment or expense of classroom training. Users can work at their own pace as they have time, and they may find that doing hands-on exercises slowly gives them more insight into how the program works than getting an overview in a class.

The best source for online learning is to start with CustomerSource on Microsoft's website. In order to access CustomerSource, you will need your Microsoft Dynamics ID and your legal company name. You will to use an existing Windows Live ID or create a new one to use CustomerSource.

Once logged in, visit the E-Learning area where you can select from many choices. You can even create a list of courses called "My Learning" and work through them at your own pace. This is a great way to set a new employee on a track to learn Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Training Yourself

There are a ton of great books out there on Microsoft Dynamics CRM for users who prefer to train themselves. The best part is that these books are written by experts who have been working with Microsoft CRM in hundreds of difference company environments since the early days of 1.2. You can't go wrong having one or two books on hand as reference for you and each office using CRM.

Sams Teach Yourself Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4 in 24 Hours by Anne Stanton
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) by Joel Scott, David Lee, and Scott Weiss
Microsoft® Dynamics(TM) CRM 4.0 Step by Step by Mike Snyder, Jim Steger, Kara O'Brien, and Brendan Landers
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Unleashed by Marc J. Wolenik and Damian Sinay
Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 Unleashed by Marc J. Wolenik and Damian Sinay
Working with Microsoft Dynamics(TM) CRM 4.0 by Jim Steger and Mike Snyder