We use SharePoint a lot at imason.  One of the more minor [but very useful] ways we use it it to access a common set of powerpoint slides for use in the dozens of presentations we create every week.  Here's how it works at imason...

Install the template:

1.  Go to {insert location of template document library}

2. Click on “imason standard powerpoint template”

3. At the prompt, choose to open it in read-only format

4. Save the powerpoint as a template



IMPORTANT:  The file location should be something like C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates.  If it’s not, change the “Save as type” to “Powerpoint Presentation” and then back to “PowerPoint Template”.  This should set the path properly.

5. Once saved, close the template.

Hook up the Slide Library

1. Open up PowerPoint.

2. Go to “File | New|

3. Then go to “My Templates”

and select “imason standard powerpoint templates”

4. On the Home tab of the ribbon, select “Insert Slide” | “Reuse Slides”

5. This open the Reuse Slides taskbar.  For the slide library select {insert location of your slide library}.  This opens up a super slick slide library where you can grab ‘stock’ slides that imason uses.  Be prepared to be amazed!  Select a slide and wham-O, it’ll be in your deck.

6. One additional trick – select “group by presentation title” – this will organize slides into logical groups like “Company Overview”, “Consulting – UE”, “Consulting – Process” etc…