One of the missing pieces when most people start thinking about using SharePoint is how to get started. I am finishing a set of worksheets that are consolidated into one Excel book that will give beginning Site Administrators worksheets and check sheets for starting a new site.

I think SharePoint 2007 is a bit overwhelming for the beginning site manager because of the depth of the applications and what is available out of the box. The worksheets help Site Admins focus on critical information, leaving out very low level detail such as site columns. This can be worked on once the major site architecture has been established.

The sheets are in this order:

1. User Analysis
2. Content Analysis
3. Site Objectives
4. Site Map
5. Library Specs
6. List Specs
7. Blog Specs
8. Wiki Specs

I should have the first draft posted by the middle of this week.