3 easy ways to keep in touch with your Team

We all know that email kills productivity.png

If you read THIS blog post, then you’ll know my #2 tip for bringing on a new team member is giving the new team member access to the team communication channel/worksheets!

The powerhouse channels look different for each team, but here are my 3 favorite communication channels.

#1 - A task management tool

My favorite is Asana; my type B personalities like Trello, and Monday (paid option) is a beautiful hybrid if you like color, visuals, and a whole lot of freedom in design!

This is the tool I use for task management, document links, and an easy way to keep up to date on running/recurring tasks on our team. At first, it’s just a great way to keep your ideas digitally, but on a deeper level you can create recurring tasks, assign projects to team members, and just keep up with an ever-growing to do list digitally!

I like using a task management system because it shows me where my team is getting stuck in their work or where they need help from me.

#2 - A voice communication channel

Sometimes an email just isn’t worth sending, so I love a voice communication channel where you can ask quick questions on the go. Isn’t it easier to ask if the blog post is ready to go live over a voice text instead of writing an email? We’re all bombarded with too many emails, and it’s too easy for those details to get lost in the shuffle. Voice communication tells me my team needs something more urgently, or needs to work through the roadblocks over voice.

Voxer is more of a walkie-talkie app (great for wild hair days) and Marco Polo is more like a Facetime approach so you can see the other person’s face + emotions. I recommend that you pick one (not both) of these channels based on what they like to use!

#3 - An instant messenger and/or project collaboration tool

When I say an instant messenger tool, I don’t necessarily mean a tool that interrupts your flow, but one you can plug into a few times/day or as your team needs your feedback (+ it also emails you if you have unread messages)! My team uses Slack, but you could also use a tool like Basecamp.

Although Slack (personally) isn’t my favorite tool, I’ve come around to it, and it really works for my team and there are tons of integrations/enhancements to help you fall in love with Slack!

Honestly, it’s probably not my favorite just because you can do so much with the system and it feels overwhelming at first → but I’m calling this a “my team knows best” system!! Slack is basically an instant messenger for team collaboration, but you don’t have to keep the program open 24/7 to receive messages. This platform can make sharing files, getting input and getting the job done easier since multiple parties can participate, without needing to send a million and one messages on editing that newsletter (or blog post).

I hope this gave you some insight on ways you can communicate with your team outside of email. And when you can close your email but still get work done → that can be some of the most productive blocks of working time to focus on your business instead of working in your business!