In this era of digital communication, where we are always connected to the internet, mobile phones, and speaker/mic/line-of-sight away from them, there is a need for collaboration tools.
A tool can make it easier to: 1) Create an environment that is conducive to working together; 2) Create a forum or channel for discussion; 3) Manage projects and groups of projects; and 4) Review completed projects and determine next steps.
There are several common applications that are used in the corporate world, such as: 1), 2), and 5). Most app developers offer free trials so that you can see if it will fit your needs before you pay for it.
Some apps have dedicated web sites where users can access and use them in concert. This helps reinforce the project culture that is needed for success.
Contents:
Document creation
Now that you’re ready to start using collaboration tools, the first step is to create a document. A document can be a memo, proposal, article, or any other piece of content that needs to be organized and shared.
Most platforms have an outline tool that allows you to organize your text into different sections, and quickly preview and share your ideas. The ability to mark important information and easily access it is also critical to using a tool effectively.
How You Use Your Tool
You might think that you can use your favorite piece of software for this, but it actually comes down to having enough patience for its slow processing speed and/or not needing the features that software does have.
Document sharing
Collaboration tools have made it easy to exchange information and collaborate on projects. Many of them offer features that make it easy to create collaboratable documents such as outline, memo, or note. These collaboratable documents make it easy for others to add input and contribute to a project.
There are also tools that support the creation of collaboratable documents through software, making the process of collaborating easier. This is important, because even though there are people involved in a project, there should still be a clear sense of individualism in a project.
By having an individual contributor with a specific role in the project, there is still a sense of individuality. There are also people who can help gain knowledge and experience for their own projects which can help develop strong personalities in the group.
There are several reasons why collaboration tools are important for organizations today. Without them, creating individual projects with clearly defined roles would be difficult.
File storage
Collaboration tools such as Filera, Box, and other file storage platforms make it easy to collaborate, store information safely, and easily access and use your data.
However, there are still benefits that only make sense when used in conjunction with other apps and services. For example, the convenience of the Filemaker Pro app when working with other apps and data.
Even though these applications are powerful enough on their own, they provide additional benefits when used in conjunction. This is what makes them valuable commodities: value added features that come along with collaboration tools.
Value added features that come with the app are what help improve productivity and create a more seamless experience between collaborators. These can be simple fixes or full-on updates to the tool alone.
A good example of a value added feature is an accessibility fix that fixes a problem for one group of people but not the other.
Online Meeting Rooms
A collaboration tool is also a good option for holding a meeting. Meeting rooms can be booked through companies, and they offer you different styles of spaces to host an event.
Many of these spaces have demonstration days where you can try out the system before making a commitment. Sunday afternoons are popular for meeting room use, as people can then plan their events around that.
The Thursday night event planning broadcasts are also popular, as people can easily find good events to plan with friends. Sunday morning meetups are another favorite, as people can get things done quickly on the first day of being active in the space.
By having these tools available, you have plenty of choices for holding an event.
Collaborative whiteboard
Recent technology developments include whiteboard devices and software that allows users to collaborate virtually. With virtual whiteboard technology, you can attend a meeting or conference series with your phone!
Whiteboard devices make it easy to create and share whiteboards. Many prominent institutions offer their users this capability as part of their software or platform.
These electronic whiteboards are designed to be used on a desk, table, or counter. You can either purchase a desktop version that is connected via cable or phone line or computer hardware that is connected via the network connection.
The difference is that the desk-style hardware has a stand for positioning the device properly and for use. The mobile-friendly desktop-style hardware does not require a stand because it is used on the floor or tabletop degreely.
Audio call
Having a voice is important, even if only for greeting friends and family. Having the ability to share your voice with others gives them a chance to hear you and respond to you.
A phone or computer is also useful for planning events and contacting people when needed. Even if you do not plan many events, the fact that you can contact someone when needed is valuable.
A computer or phone is also useful for logging Internet usage and communication offline. If you need to keep track of things while using a less-known website or app, a computer or phone are yours!
Having a voice is important, even if only for greeting friends and family. By sharing your name and telephone number with them, they can easily get in touch with you.
Video call
Having video chat is a necessity when using collaborative tools. Most popular applications for video chat are through the web or via app, however both of these options require a smartphone or desktop to function.
Mobile devices can be difficult to use without a special app. Some apps have an automatic connection feature, which is awesome! You do not have to set up a phone call as soon as you need it!
Many people use videoconf with their colleagues and/or with personal friends they may know from work. It can be fun to get together and talk over the chat. People may also use videoconf with their doctors or health care professionals who may not have access to the phone for video chat.
As previously stated, most popular videoconf apps require a phone call in order for people to use them.
Spreadsheets
Having a document tracking system such as a spreadsheet allows for easy collaboration. With the right tools, and the right people, you can quickly create a support team to help with any questions or situations.
This is particularly valuable for large organizations that need help managing their teams, projects, and information. With the proper tools and resources, this assistance can be provided more frequently than one might think.
Many collaboration tools have features that allow you to create shared sheets. These shared sheets allow you to save multiple things without them having to be synced together. This is helpful when you want to share some of these things but do not want your colleagues or clients to have access to them.
Having access to shared sheets helps facilitate effective communication between all parties involved in an interaction. They also allow you to track information alone as they are helpful for planning sessions or getting feedback on what people do.