How do you pick the perfect team collaboration software for your business, hobbies store owner Ned from California asks? Ned has been planning to integrate a collaboration platform for his employees to further improve the revenues of his business as well as effectively delegate tasks to his staff using online and mobile channels. The thing is, he does not know where to start.
“Hello! I am currently looking for a team collaboration software program that will really amplify the potential of my business as well as improve task management in my team. With so many options available, I have become more confused instead of enlightened. Can you tell me, how do professionals choose the perfect team collaboration software for their enterprise? I have read reviews and check some comparison sites but there is too much information to digest and only a little have managed to come through my skull. Thanks!”
Hi Ned! It is true that there tons of team collaboration software available today and they come in different types. Some are cloud hosted while others are web based. Some are designed for small business to medium sized enterprises while others are built for a large organization.
Although reading reviews and checking out tech sites for more insight and information can be helpful to your search, asking people who have firsthand experience on team collaboration software can be quite effective in filtering your choices and help you come to a more informed decision. As they say, nothing beats experience as a teacher.
Tip #1: Look for a platform that signs you to multiple apps
Most collaboration platforms allow users to sign in to multiple suites and applications from within. That means users can sign in to several messaging sites and social media networks such as FaceBook, Instragram, and Twitter, without going out of the software. Dan Latendre, CEO of Igloo Software, says that his product does all of that and more.
“Now, all of these disparate tools are together in one place. They now have an information portal where employees can access all of these different applications,” Latendre states.
Tip #2: Always determine the needs of your business first
Long before you check out and evaluate collaboration software vendors, it is best that you start to list down the needs of your enterprise and look for apps that can address such needs. Is your group more of a sales team? Or focused on marketing activities? Latendre says that before you pick a team collaboration software program, you must “understand the business problem you are trying to solve and why you want to solve it.”
Tip #3: Accessibility is a key feature
You and your team must be able to access the platform and other data whenever and wherever you are. Subrah Iyar of WIRED writes that people should go for collaboration software programs that allows access via a string of devices whether mobile (Android or iOS, tablet, etc.) or via desktop (personal computers and laptops).
Tip #4 Pick one that allows communication between team members
“Conversing is the heart of true collaboration,” says Iyar. “Without a chat feature, personnel won’t be able to efficiently collaborate on projects.” On top of the chat functionality, Iyar encourages users to be on the lookout for platforms that have real-time notifications and desktop sharing features.
Tip #5 Real time meetings is an absolute must have
Users should be able to hold meetings within the software as group discussion is essential to the success of any team collaboration. Iyar says that real time voiced discussion function and content sharing not only allow for successful communication between members, but create an avenue for every team member to present new ideas to the table, work and develop on existing concepts, and just plain discuss the project right at the comfort of their mobile devices and PCs.
Ultimately, you pick what is the best for your business. Reading reviews and gathering information from reputable sources will aid you immensely. In the end, it is you who make that decision. And in that moment, it is best that you do what your common sense dictates because gut feel is sometimes the best advisor.
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