Every decision we make in our business starts and ends with information. We need data, communication, and a plan to move our business forward. Without the right communications in place for you, your team and any remote or freelancer workers - there will be things that get lost. No business can afford to suffer through bad communication. So how can you have unified communications, and what are the benefits of making this a focus?
Accessibility
What if only 75% of the team have access to the information? Or what about only the project leader and no one else? Much of the working hours can be taken up by emails and unnecessary calls, repeatedly asking for the same thing. If there is a single point for all the information, and everyone who needs it can access it, that is one of the most effective ways to streamline. Google Drive is one of the most used options to keep all files available no matter where you are, but there are others. A key factor in making this work is to ensure that all the files are correctly named at all times.
Key People
Where there are whole teams of people working on the same projects, it can be easily assumed that someone else is doing the thing that needs to be done. Unfortunately, this often leads to the outcome that no one was doing the thing because no one had been assigned to it. While it is important that you check from time to time how the project is going - there should be someone assigned to the project to make sure it is moving along, and goals are being reached. It also means that there will be a single point of contact for updates.
Task lists
There should be one dedicated larger task list for the project and then a list of smaller tasks assigned to each of the team members. This offers transparency for everyone involved and can help to ensure that everyone stays on track. The task list should be created in a place that everyone can see, but only team leaders or the key person has the ability to add or remove. Each individual task list should have the ability to be modified by the person doing it, but nothing is deleted or removed. This kind of transparency offers a level of trust and can ensure that everyone is focused on what they need to achieve. The goals and desired outcomes should also be included.
Newsletters
Does everything need to be a call? Most likely not. Create a culture that appreciates the humble newsletter. Newsletters can be a swift delivery system that lets everyone know the same information at the same time. You can share updates, new work, new clients, say well done, show off great work and more. Internal communication that is fast and effective. Suppose your company communication leaves a lot to be desired, and you know that you and other team members are regularly missing vital data. In that case, it’s time to get your communications streamlined.
Often communications start to get shaky as smaller businesses begin to grow; if that sounds like you, then here are some more tips: Taking Your Business To The Next Level: The Things To Consider.
