- Remote workers have pushed companies to adopt collaboration and online communication tools quickly.
- These cloud-based tools enable colleagues to collaborate easily regardless of their location.
- Other solutions are available, in addition to Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Technology has made communication with clients and employees easier than ever, whether it’s via online video conferencing or in-person meetings. There are many collaboration tools available for small businesses, whether you use software, a mobile application, or social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. This article was written for small business owners who want to use more top communication tools in their daily operations.
Collaboration in the age after a pandemic
Technology is so helpful in today’s business transactions that When large swathes of the American workforce were forced to relocate and work from home to save their lives, many people were able to adapt quickly thanks to key downloads and hardware upgrades, and powerful internal communication tools at their disposal.
These top communication tools, which are not in any particular order, have proved to be very useful in helping teams operate, regardless of where they may be located. These tools are not meant to replace close-knit colleagues, but they make it easier for small businesses to keep their teams connected via the internet.
Top 10 Communication Tools
These communication tools are powerful and affordable options for small businesses looking to keep employees and managers in touch.
1. BlueJeans by Verizon
Everybody has their preferred method of attending online meetings. BlueJeans is a cloud-based video communication platform that allows attendees to join video conferences via a web browser or desktop app. It also makes meetings more productive by offering a variety of collaboration features across platforms. You can host meetings in conference rooms, town halls, or share screens. You can also record meetings.
BlueJeans makes it simple to combine workflows. BlueJeans makes it easy to combine workflows. For example, you can set up meetings using Outlook and Google Calendar. You can also integrate the software with popular business apps and services. All content is transmitted using AES-GCM256-bit encryption. Conversations can also benefit from BlueJeans’ real-time closed captioning for the hearing impaired. Callers who do not have audio or video capabilities can join meetings by calling in.
BlueJeans Meetings plans start at $9.99 per host/month if you bill annually. If you bill annually, the Pro version supports up to 75 participants and costs $12.49 per host per month. Video conferencing could be a benefit to your business.
Also read: Top 10 Remote PC Access Software for 2022
2. Windstream Enterprise OfficeSuite UC
Are your employees always on-the-go? OfficeSuite UC is a cloud-based UCaaS system (unified communications as a Service) that is 100% accessible from anywhere, anytime. OfficeSuite provides unlimited nationwide calling, free toll-free phone service, and digital faxing. You can also use it for mobility: hotdesking to allow incoming and outgoing calls from any telephone; mobile twinning that makes all incoming calls ring both your desk and your mobile phone simultaneously; virtual voicemail that allows you to receive messages and notifications from any phone, online or via email.
Integrations with third-party apps like Salesforce, Skype, and Google’s G Suite are built into OfficeSuite UC. UC offers contact center services that allow users to create queues for calls, chats, and live and historical agent activity. Users can also record calls. For pricing information, contact Windstream Enterprise
3. Cisco Webex
Full-featured business communication software is essential for businesses that heavily rely on meetings. Cisco provides HD video conferences with collaboration and file-sharing capabilities for all types of meetings including sales demos and presentations. It also offers remote tech support and web-based events.
Webex can be accessed on mobile devices using the Webex mobile application for iPhone, iPad, and Android. Webex Basic is free. Webex Basic is free and can support up to 100 participants. However, it is limited to one user and meetings can last only 50 minutes. Premium versions cost $14.95 per month and offer phone calls, file transfers, 5GB of cloud recording storage, and 24/7 support.
4. ClickMeeting
ClickMeeting offers many tools that can be used by businesses hosting many webinars. Your branding, slideshows, and screen sharing can be used to plan your webinar ahead of time. To invite everyone to your webinar, you can create custom invitations or registration pages.
During the presentation, you can add polls and use a Q&A chat to create calls to action. You can also save the webinar for later viewing. ClickMeeting costs $25 per month, billed annually. This includes support for up 25 participants in meetings and six hours of recording storage.
5. TeamViewer
Remote support is a far cry from the days of users communicating their problems over the phone. TeamViewer allows anyone to access desktops, apps, and data. This makes it easier for users to avoid explaining problems and helps reduce miscommunication.
This program is available 24/7 and does not require installation from your company. It offers remote support as well as an online collaboration platform that allows you to hold meetings, and presentations, and train your staff. TeamViewer costs $49 per month per licensed user. A multi-user option costs $99 per month, while a team-oriented option costs $199 per month.
6. Google Meet
You can make voice or video calls, chat with your colleagues, and even send multimedia messages. Google Meet makes communication between employees easy regardless of where they are located.
Meet, like other components of G Suite, features improvements from Google Hangouts, the previous top-of-the-line team communication tool. Meet allows you to make voice calls directly from your computer (calls within the U.S. are free), and hold video conferences. You can also Livestream events and meetings. A unique meeting number is available for users who do not have an internet connection or a computer.
The Business Starter Tier starts at $6 per month. It includes a custom email address for your business, 100 participants in video meetings, 30GB of cloud storage per user, standard support, and standard email addresses. You can also choose from higher service tiers with more features to match the higher price tags.
7. GoToMeeting
LogMeIn’s GetToMeeting is a simple, yet powerful web conferencing tool. It allows you to set up meetings with one click using integrations with Microsoft Office 365 and Slack.
GoToMeeting provides many useful tools that can make meetings more interactive and productive, in addition to HD video conferences. These tools include screen sharing, web audio, drawing tools, and the ability to record meetings.
GoToMeeting costs $14 per month per user (billed annually) and supports up to 150 participants. The Business plan ($19 per month billed annually) allows for 250 participants. LogMeIn can also provide an Enterprise plan that allows for up to 3,000 participants. However, this will require a custom quote. You can get a 14-day free trial
Also read: Top 10 Cold Calling Services for Business
8. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft’s powerful video conferencing and chat tools are available to businesses that subscribe to Office 365. Microsoft Teams has effectively replaced Skype for Business as the company’s main team communication platform. It offers powerful features such as screen and file sharing and shared apps and workflows. There is also a visual style called Together Mode, which makes it appear that everyone is in the same place.
Up to 300 people can join Teams for free until June 30, 2021. You get many features in the free version, including screen sharing and collaboration tools, custom backgrounds, unlimited chat messaging, unlimited chat messages, collaboration in Microsoft Office, and scheduling tools via Outlook. Microsoft Teams is available in all Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
9. Zoom
Zoom is a collaboration tool that is all-in-one and enterprise-level at a low price for small businesses. Zoom was the recipient of our Technology Bizzy 2021. It emerged from the COVID-19 shutdowns in the U.S. as a viable tool. Zoom offers video and web conferencing solutions as well as file-sharing and cross-platform instant messaging.
Zoom allows users to hold any type of online meeting, including one-on-one video conferences, town-hall meetings, and training sessions. Zoom can be used from desktops and mobile devices as well as your company’s conference and video room systems. Zoom features such as voice and video sharing can be integrated with existing apps through a developer platform.
Zoom offers a basic plan for free that allows you to have one-on-one or group meetings with up to 100 people. Unlimited paid plans starting at $14.99 per month for a license offer admin tools, customization options, and additional integrations.
10. Zoho Meeting
Web conferencing is more than just for staff meetings. Zoho Meeting allows businesses to hold live meetings online, allowing them to show prospects their products and provide remote support.
Sign in using your Google, Facebook, or Yahoo account. You can also sign in via Google Apps. Or, you can enter a meeting ID from any Windows, Mac, or Linux device. For easy access, you can embed meetings onto web pages, blogs, and wikis. Zoho Meetings costs $2.50 per host per Month if you bill annually for 10 participants. There are three pricing options for additional participants and higher price tags.
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