Top Digital Tools for Virtual Teams

Just because you're situated in one time zone and your associate is halfway around the world doesn't mean you can't get business done. We are truly in an age of instant global interaction. Everything from a conference call to design planning to video chat sessions can be conducted through cyberspace. Here are some terrific digital tools for virtual teams:

Scheduling

Before you can set up that cross-country meeting you need to know when everyone on your team will be available. 

Doodle lets you survey the group for the best time and day for a meeting. You don't have to register with Doodle and you can get it up and running in a few mouse clicks. 

Timebridge takes virtual scheduling to the next level by letting you set the best time but also an agenda, action items and allows for notes. If you'll be using audio-conferencing then Timebridge lets you attach the numbers via freeconferencecall.com.

Working Together

Once the meeting has been set, you might find he need to go over documents together or brainstorm in a creative session. To accomplish that you'll need to create a virtual environment where you can share a "cyber whiteboard" along with the ability to chat in real time. Here are some wonderful collaboration tools:

Join.me lets you have an ongoing teleconference while sharing desktop documents or programs.

Speek is a 100% online conference without a phone number or pin. Team members will go to a designated link to join in the call. There is even an option to send a text to that link and get in on the discussion.

MeetingSamurai sets up a virtual version of a board meeting that offers terrific note-taking features. You'll be able to vote on measures and then "park" agenda items to deal with later. All of this plays out for all the participants to view in real time.

Google Drive was formally known as Google Docs and is a very popular option among business professionals. What many users don't even realize is that there is a chat feature which is perfect for conference calls. This is great for those much-needed brainstorming creative sessions.

ConferencePad is perfect for the iPad users on your team who want to opt for remote collaboration. With this app you'll be able to view and make notes on any document presented to the logged in team. Even if you're in the same conference you can plug into this app and forego all the cumbersome power point presentation equipment. Everyone can just look at their pads!

Advantages of Co-working Space for Startups

Where should you develop your startup company? Should it be in a traditional office? In a loft or garage? Or at home? The choices are numerous.

We all require the social interactions and energy that an office can bring us, however many start-ups simply don't have the budget to rent out office space. But there is another option.

With an eye on their wallets, many startups are turning to co-working spaces to develop their companies.  These offices allow freelance contractors, micro-businesses and startups to share an office, with fully functioning conference rooms, photocopiers, and most importantly access to other entrepreneurs and peers.

For contractors and startups, co-working can provide a great opportunity to work with peers, develop a support network, have office space to show off during sales meetings, and all without the cost of a more expensive lease.

Here are some advantages to a co-working space for your startup:

1. Saving your money.

It can be costly to rent an office for a new startup – especially if you’re bootstrapping. You not only have to account for the rent but all the utilities and extras that you will need as well.  This can take a large bite out of your company’s budget. 

 Co-working office spaces reduce your need to sign an expensive lease or buy office equipment, such as photocopiers and fax machines, as they are shared at a fraction of the price.  Rent is cheaper too, as you will be sharing the cost between all of your co-workers.

 2. Networking, collaborating, and making friends.

The most praised benefit of a co-working space is the ability to network and build strong relationships with the people you work alongside. You will learn about your co-workers’ background and skills, sharing business experiences and even new ideas. 

Working with other entrepreneurs and freelancers will put you in proximity with individuals who could help your business. You could meet new clients, prospective investors, or you could even meet your next partner.  

3. Creative collaboration and problem solving.

You will be working side-by-side with a broad group of entrepreneurs in the office. If you ever have a challenging problem that you can’t solve, you can easily have a conversation with someone who may have faced the same issue.

You can discuss your ideas with others who have different skillsets and possibly can provide you with an alternative view. The combination of different experiences, approaches and personalities often provide new ideas and solutions that you simply couldn't have come up with on your own.