How Microsoft Teams Can Make Your Nonprofit More Productive?

Nonprofit organizations face a number of challenges specific to the space in which they operate. You just don’t have huge surpluses of cash waiting to be spent on IT tools. Instead, you have to make every dollar count. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stay current. In this article, we will look at why instant messaging as a communication platform is a good choice for non-profit organizations.

Microsoft teams

Why your nonprofit should use instant messaging?

Nonprofit organizations are often slow to adopt new technologies for a very pragmatic reason. New technology usually requires investment. What you may not know is that there are several instant messaging apps that are completely free.

Instant messaging is faster and more efficient

Email was a giant leap forward for business communication. It is much faster than classic mail. But instant messaging is even better. Just like email, you don’t have to wait. Your message is sent as soon as you type it. However, unlike email, IM messages tend to be short, to the point, and direct. As a result, you are likely to get answers much faster. 

Instant messaging is not location bound

Very few non-profit organizations operate from one location. Sure, you may have a hub for the organization, but you probably also have volunteers and staff scattered around if not all the time, then certainly when you host events and fundraisers.

Instant messaging is conversational, lively and collaborative

People will interact with your instant messaging app just like they interact with others. This instant understanding means everyone is immersed in the conversation and responding, which in turn encourages real-time collaboration.

Why microsoft teams is a great instant messaging app for nonprofits?

Integrated with the rest of microsoft applications

Teams isn’t the only instant messaging program that integrates with other Microsoft apps, but it certainly has the smoothest and most intuitive integration. Share files, collaborate and chat easily with a single instant messaging tool.

Accessible from any device

You can use Teams from your computer, and there are also apps for Apple and Android. This kind of flexibility means you can easily stay connected whether you’re working at your desk or at an event. In addition, your team both staff and volunteers can easily access important information easily and without delay.

Keeps getting better

Microsoft is committed to improving Teams. This makes sense because Teams is designed and marketed for large enterprises. The benefit to your nonprofit is that you get a top-of-the-line tool at literally no cost.

How to use microsoft teams to increase productivity?

Use all the features that are part of teams

Teams is not just an instant messaging app. It has several other key features like group chat, voice calling and video conferencing. Use them all depending on what works best for the type of communication you need at the time.

Advantage of the rich integration with office 365

Share the documents you’re working on, upload the files everyone needs to Teams for quick and easy access, and record calls and video conferences for team members who need to catch up later.

Set teams as your default communication platform

When you do, we recommend that you make it your default internal contact method. Avoid email whenever possible and opt for chat conversations instead.

Conclusion

To get started, download Teams, ask other employees at your nonprofit to do the same, and start using it. And if you’re working with a managed IT service provider, it’s a good idea to check with them to see if there’s any additional IT support or training, they can provide.