Slack connect partnerships and integrations

In business, there is no room for mishaps in communication with external partners.

Coordinating with vendors, customers, or other businesses; for all this - smooth communication is the biggest key to getting things done. And that’s where Slack Connect comes in.

It’s a Slack feature designed just to make collaboration with people outside your organization (like partners) just as easy as working with your own team.

Along with that, Slack Connect can help you get more done, faster by bringing all your tools and conversations together in one place.

Why Slack Connect?

Let’s face it—email chains are a hassle for external communications.

Messages get lost, threads get tangled, and before you know it, you’re buried under a pile of replies. Slack Connect changes all that.

Instead of sifting through endless emails, you get a secure, organized space where you can collaborate in real-time to share ideas and make decisions without the back-and-forth.

Closing deals faster, reducing unnecessary meetings, and speeding up approvals—Slack Connect can help you do all that and more.

Essential Slack Integrations For Collaboration

To really take your collaboration to the next level, you’ll want to some key Slack integrations for Slack Connect channels. Here are a few that can make a big difference:

1. Calendly: Take the Hassle Out of Scheduling Meetings

Trying to find a time that works for everyone can be a nightmare. Calendly makes it easy. With its Slack integration, you can share your Calendly link directly in a channel, so external partners can see your availability and book a meeting without the usual back-and-forth. It’s a real time-saver.

Key Features:

• Share Calendly links right in Slack.
• Add a personal touch with customized messages.
• Make scheduling meetings a breeze for everyone involved.

With Calendly in Slack, setting up meetings is quick and painless. Forget endless email chains—just a few clicks, and you’re all set.

2. Google Drive: Share Files Instantly

When you’re working with external partners, sharing files is often a big part of the job.

Google Drive’s Slack integration makes this super easy.

Share documents directly in channels or direct messages for instant access.

Don’t switch to email or any another platform—everything you need is right there on Slack.

Key Features:

• Instantly share Google Drive files in Slack.
• Collaborate on documents and review them by commenting directly within Slack threads.
• Create and import new files without ever leaving Slack.

3. Zoom: Seamless Video Meetings

A quick video call is sometimes the best way to hash things out - DMs can only get you so far.

With Zoom integrated into your Slack, you can start or join meetings directly from your channels and keep your communication in one place.

Key Features:

• Launch Zoom meetings right from Slack.
• Share recordings and transcripts in the channel afterward.
• Follow up on meetings with action items shared in Slack.

With Zoom in Slack, you’ll never miss a beat, and your meetings will always be just a click away.

4. Crossbeam: Better Together with Collaborative Selling

When you’re teaming up with partners or affiliates on sales opportunities, keeping everyone in sync is crucial.

Crossbeam’s Slack integration can map accounts, share opportunities, and coordinate efforts in real-time.

Divide and Conquer - That’s how everyone is on the same page and close deals efficiently.

Key Features:

• Share account mapping and sales data directly in Slack.
• Get notifications about new opportunities in shared channels.
• Use the /crossbeam command to check for account overlaps instantly.

Crossbeam in Slack helps you and your partners sell big and work together like a well-oiled machine.

Getting Started with Slack Connect Channels

Setting up a Slack Connect channel is simple and quick. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Create the Channel: Go to your Slack workspace, click the "+" button next to Channels, name your channel, and choose your privacy settings.
2. Invite Your Partners: Enter the email addresses of your external partners and hit Invite. Depending on your settings, the invite might need approval from an admin.
3. Manage Permissions: As the channel owner, you’re in control of who can add apps or new members. This helps keep your information secure and ensures that only the right people have access.

With these steps, you’ll have a Slack Connect channel up and running in no time, ready to facilitate smooth collaboration.

For more detailed instructions, consider exploring resources on managing shared Slack Connect Channels.

Security Matters: Keeping Your Collaboration Safe

Security is a big deal when you’re working with external partners, and Slack Connect doesn’t skimp on it at all.

You’ll have high control over what gets shared and who has access, down to the smallest detail.

For example, you can limit external users from adding apps or inviting new members if you’re concerned about whether sensitive information stays secure.

Unlike emails that are prone to phishing attacks and data breaches, Slack Connect channels are highly secure, with granular control over what is shared and who has access.

Key Security Features:

• Control what profile information is visible to external partners.
• Restrict external users from adding apps or new members to your channels.
• Set message retention policies to control how long messages can be stored.

Collaborate with the confidence that your data is protected.

Why Slack Connect Beats Guest Access

You might be familiar with Slack’s guest access feature, sure, it’s great for short-term engagements.

But when you’re in it for the long haul, Slack Connect offers a much better experience.

Unlike guest users, who have to be constantly managed and have limited access to apps, external users in Slack Connect channels can even install and use their own apps.

It’s a better solution for long-term collaborations that require more flexibility and functionality.

The Power of Slack Connect

After integrating tools like Calendly, Google Drive, Zoom, and Crossbeam into your Slack Connect channels, you can run partnerships with amazing success.

Manage slack channels to keep communications streamlined with partners and keep projects moving forward.

Schedule meetings, share important documents, and strategize on sales opportunities ~ Slack Connect with a few integrated apps can easily be your go-to solution for success.

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