In our last blog, we discussed the benefits of Microsoft Teams to improve workplace collaboration. We pointed out that, for SMB owners who need to be efficient in their time management, getting to know how to use a collaborative tool like Teams can be of significant benefit once that tool has been explored. We also suggested that Teams might be seen as a sort of center of operations for a business rather than just a virtual meeting space.
If an SMB is using Teams in this way, a number of apps and features exist that could improve organization and collaboration. For example, the popular note taking tool, OneNote, integrates into Teams, and users can share Notebooks via the OneNote app. The same goes for apps like Visio and Whiteboard. Visio allows users to create complex diagrams and visuals, while Whiteboard operates as a digital brainstorming tool. Both are integrated within the Teams environment, and both can be shared collaboratively with team members across the organization. Even simple tasks can be made simpler, as apps like Approvals allow a unified interface for approval processes integrated within Teams.
Planner is one of several project management tools that could be used within the Teams environment, and which provides users a simple mechanism for keeping track of duties. This can range from simple tasks (which can be private tasks or assigned ones) to more complex project management Plans that help users organize and assign responsibilities and timelines. SMB owners might find something like Planner’s employee onboarding Plan template helpful, instead of having to re-create the wheel each time you hire a new employee (which may not be that often as an SMB owner!).
Not all of these apps will be useful to every business owner. But we point out these basic examples because we know that time management is vital to the lifeblood of a business, and finding tools that automate simple tasks or render more difficult tasks smoother and quicker ought to be at the top of every SMB owner’s To Do List. At the same time, the power and possibility of technology can be overwhelming, and not every tool will improve the performance of a particular business. A tool like Teams focuses the operations of a business in a central, shared area, while also providing versatile and creative ways to make SMBs more efficient.
Taking some time and effort to research the best tools for your situation and industry (and spending time learning how to use the features effectively!) can end up saving significant amounts of time and mental effort down the road.