Your remote team is struggling to communicate effectively. What telecommunication tools can help?

1 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

One of the most essential telecommunication tools for remote teams is VoIP, which allows you to make and receive phone calls over the internet. VoIP can help you reduce your phone bills, improve your call quality, and integrate your phone system with other applications, such as email, chat, or CRM. VoIP also enables you to use features such as call forwarding, voicemail, conference calls, and video calls, which can enhance your collaboration and communication with your remote team members and clients.

2 Instant Messaging (IM)

Another telecommunication tool that can help you communicate effectively with your remote team is IM, which allows you to send and receive text messages in real time. IM can help you exchange quick updates, feedback, questions, and reminders with your team, without interrupting their workflow or waiting for an email response. IM can also help you create a sense of community and rapport with your team, by using emojis, gifs, or stickers to express your emotions and personality. However, IM can also be distracting and overwhelming, so you need to set some ground rules and expectations for using it.

3 Video Conferencing

A third telecommunication tool that can help you communicate effectively with your remote team is video conferencing, which allows you to see and hear each other through a live video stream. Video conferencing can help you build trust and rapport with your team, by allowing you to observe their body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Video conferencing can also help you conduct more engaging and interactive meetings, presentations, trainings, and brainstorming sessions, by using features such as screen sharing, polls, whiteboards, and breakout rooms. However, video conferencing can also be exhausting and frustrating, so you need to plan and prepare your video calls carefully and respect your team's time and attention.

4 Cloud Storage

A fourth telecommunication tool that can help you communicate effectively with your remote team is cloud storage, which allows you to store and access your files online. Cloud storage can help you improve your data security, backup, and recovery, by protecting your files from loss, theft, or damage. Cloud storage can also help you enhance your collaboration and communication with your team, by allowing you to share, edit, and comment on your files in real time, without creating multiple versions or sending attachments. However, cloud storage can also be confusing and risky, so you need to organize and manage your files properly and follow the best practices for data protection.

5 Project Management

A fifth telecommunication tool that can help you communicate effectively with your remote team is project management, which allows you to plan, track, and manage your tasks and projects online. Project management can help you improve your productivity, efficiency, and quality, by setting clear goals, deadlines, and responsibilities for your team. Project management can also help you foster your communication and cooperation with your team, by allowing you to monitor, update, and report on your progress, issues, and achievements. However, project management can also be complex and cumbersome, so you need to choose and use the right tool for your needs and preferences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?