When Basic Search Comes Up Empty
"A detective finds what's there. A ninja finds what's hidden."
Case Study: The Vanishing Vendor Mystery
The Request: "We need Flipgrid for video discussions!"
The Problem: Searching "Flipgrid" returns zero results.
The Detective: Gives up, tells teacher "not available."
THE NINJA SOLUTION:
- Knows Flipgrid was acquired by Microsoft
- Searches "Microsoft" instead
- Finds the agreement that covers ALL Microsoft education products, including Flipgrid
- Teacher gets approval in 5 minutes
Your Ninja Search Arsenal
🔮 WILDCARD MASTERY (*)
The asterisk () is your expansion tool. Can't find "Edpuzzle"? Try "Ed" to catch variations.
Example: Micro* finds Microsoft, Microbit, Microphone apps
🔗 BOOLEAN OPERATORS
Combine terms with AND/OR logic to cast a wider net or narrow results precisely.
Example: (Google OR Alphabet) AND Classroom
🎯 SMART FILTERING
Use state, date, and type filters to find relevant agreements when drowning in results.
Example: Filter by "Your State" + "Last 6 months"
🏢 PARENT COMPANY INTEL
Many apps get acquired. Quick Google search: "[App name] parent company" reveals the truth.
Example: Flipgrid → Microsoft, Clever → Kahoot
✏️ EXACT SPELLING
Your search field might be very strict. Often the Exhibit E search asks for exact spelling to find the correct product.
Example: Class Dojo vs ClassDojo
The Ninja Mindset
"Zero results doesn't mean 'not available.' It means 'search differently.'"
Every vendor is findable if you know how to look.
Next: The 5-Step Protocol for solving any edge case