Do you find yourself on the road every now and again? Have you come to find that it can be a challenge to stay in touch with your team while you’re away from the office? Is this beginning to have a negative impact on your company as a whole?
Even if you are part of one of the best companies to work for, nothing changes the fact that things can fall apart when you’re away from the office. This is why it’s so important to have a strategy in place for staying in touch with your team when traveling.
Take for example a company like Taft Clothing, which is well known for providing high quality products to the end consumer. If you’re part of this type of organization, you know that there may be times when you’re on the road, such as to source new products or obtain feedback from consumers.
If you’re seeking better ways to stay in touch with your team when traveling, here are several ideas to take to heart:
- Text Messaging
This is an obvious solution, as most people in today’s world are carrying a smartphone. With this technology, you can send and receive messages in real time.
It may not be the only way to stay in touch with your team, but it’s something you should definitely consider. In many cases, there is no better way to communicate.
Despite the fact that other forms of technology are becoming more popular, you’ll always be able to benefit from the use of email.
For example, you could be standing in line at the Empire State Building while checking your email on your smartphone. Even better is the fact that you can reply to messages from almost any device imaginable.
So, even if you consider email an “old school” communication tool you should continue to use it to your advantage.
- Instant Messaging
If you require a powerful tool for staying in touch when traveling, this is where you want to start.
With an instant messenger by your side, you gain access to a variety of high end features. For example, you can use voice and video chat to personally speak with your team. Or maybe you want to use group chat to get everyone together on a particular project.
Tip: If you’re in the process of choosing an instant messenger, pay close attention to the features that you get for the money you spend.
- Phone Calls
Yes, this is still one of the best ways to stay in touch when traveling. Even though you may rely on other forms of technology, there is no replacement for being able to hear the other person’s voice.
It’s not the most convenient approach at all times, but there will be situations in which making a phone call is an absolute must.
- Fax
There are still times when you may need to send or receive a fax. It doesn’t come about often, but you’ll want to keep an open mind.
If you think you may need to send a fax from the road, make sure you choose a hotel with a business center. This will ensure that you have access to the equipment that you require.
Tip: If there is any way to avoid using a fax machine you should probably do so. It’s not nearly as efficient as it used to be, now that there are other forms of technology at your disposal.
Final Thoughts
Technology has made life much easier on anyone who travels. One second you can be talking to your team on an instant messenger and the next you can be taking online electric guitar lessons.
If you need to stay in touch with your team, don’t hesitate to take full advantage of the many forms of technology that are now available.
What strategy do you follow to communicate with your team when you’re on the road? Do you have a system that works for you? Is there anything in particular that you try to avoid in regards to communication? Share your personal thoughts and advice in the comment section below.