Introduction
Slack, the popular team collaboration platform, allows seamless communication and collaboration between coworkers within the same company. However, what if you need to add someone from a different company to your Slack workspace? Whether it’s for a joint project, partnership, or just to stay connected, adding someone from another company on Slack can be a great way to enhance productivity and foster collaboration.
In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to add someone from a different company to your Slack workspace. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be able to invite outside collaborators, partners, clients, or freelancers to join your Slack channels and participate in discussions and project management.
By extending your Slack network beyond your own company, you can break down communication barriers and foster a more inclusive and productive work environment. So, let’s get started and learn how to add someone from a different company to your Slack workspace!
Step 1: Identify the person you want to add
Before you can add someone from a different company to your Slack workspace, it’s important to first identify the person you want to invite. Make sure you have their correct email address, as this will be essential in sending them an invitation to join your Slack channels.
If you are adding someone from a partner company or a client, you may already have their email address in your contacts or project documentation. If not, reach out to the person directly or consult your team members or project manager to gather the necessary contact information.
It’s important to ensure that the person you want to invite is open to joining your Slack workspace. Consider the purpose of the invitation and how the person will benefit from being part of your channels. If the person has expressed interest in collaborating or staying informed about your team’s activities, it’s a good sign that they will be willing to join.
If you are adding a freelancer or contractor to your Slack workspace, make sure you have established a working relationship with them and have communicated the need for collaboration using Slack. This will help ensure that the person will be ready and available to connect with your team using this communication platform.
Once you have identified the person and have their email address, you’re ready to move on to the next step: opening the Slack workspace.
Step 2: Get the email address of the person
In order to add someone from a different company to your Slack workspace, you will need to have the person’s email address. This is the primary way to send them an invitation and allow them to join your channels.
If you already have the person’s email address in your contacts or project documentation, you’re one step ahead. However, if you don’t have their email address readily available, there are a few ways you can obtain it.
First, you can reach out to the person directly via email or another communication tool to request their email address. Explain the purpose of the invitation and why you would like them to join your Slack workspace. Be sure to provide any relevant context or information that will help them understand the value of joining.
If you are adding someone who is part of a partner company or client, you can check with your team members or project manager to see if they have the person’s email address. Collaborative projects often involve cross-company communication, so your colleagues may already have the necessary contact information.
Another option is to search for the person’s company email format. Many companies follow a standard email format, such as firstname.lastname@company.com or firstinitiallastname@company.com. By knowing the person’s full name and their company name, you can try different permutations of their email address until you find the correct one.
Lastly, if you are adding a freelancer or contractor to your Slack workspace, make sure you have already established communication with them and have their email address on file. This will ensure a smooth process when sending them the invitation to join.
Once you have obtained the person’s email address, you’re ready to move on to the next step: opening the Slack workspace.
Step 3: Open the Slack workspace
Before you can invite someone from a different company to join your Slack workspace, you need to ensure that you have access to the workspace and the necessary permissions to invite new members. Here’s how you can open your Slack workspace:
1. Open your preferred web browser and go to the Slack website (www.slack.com).
2. If you already have an account, click on the “Sign In” button and enter your login credentials. If you don’t have an account, click on the “Get Started for Free” button to create a new account.
3. Once you are logged in, you will be directed to your Slack workspace. If you are a member of multiple workspaces, make sure you are in the correct workspace where you want to add someone from a different company.
By opening your Slack workspace, you are now ready to proceed with the next steps of inviting the person and sending them an invitation to join.
If you encounter any issues accessing your workspace or need assistance with your account, Slack provides helpful documentation and support resources to guide you through the process. Take advantage of these resources to ensure a smooth experience when adding someone from a different company to your Slack workspace.
Now that you have successfully opened your Slack workspace, let’s move on to the next step: navigating to “Team Settings.”
Step 4: Go to “Team Settings”
In order to invite someone from a different company to join your Slack workspace, you need to navigate to the “Team Settings” section. This is where you can access the necessary options to invite new members. Here’s how you can get to “Team Settings”:
1. Once you are in your Slack workspace, look for the name of your workspace in the top-left corner of the screen. Click on the workspace name to open the drop-down menu.
2. In the drop-down menu, scroll down and click on “Settings & administration.” This will open a new menu with various options.
3. In the menu, locate and click on “Workspace settings.” This will take you to the “Team Settings” page.
Alternatively, you may find a gear or settings icon next to the workspace name. Clicking on this icon will also lead you to the “Team Settings” page.
By navigating to the “Team Settings” page, you are now ready to proceed with inviting someone from a different company to your Slack workspace. This section provides you with the necessary options and functionalities to manage your workspace and invite new members.
If you encounter any difficulties finding the “Team Settings” section or need further guidance, Slack’s support documentation and help center can provide detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips. Take advantage of these resources to ensure a smooth experience as you add someone from a different company to your Slack workspace.
Now that you have successfully accessed the “Team Settings” page, let’s move on to the next step: inviting new members to join.
Step 5: Click on “Invite New Members”
Now that you have accessed the “Team Settings” page, it’s time to invite someone from a different company to join your Slack workspace. To do this, you need to locate and click on the “Invite New Members” button. Here’s how:
1. On the “Team Settings” page, you will find a navigation menu on the left-hand side. Look for the section labeled “Members & Permissions” or a similar name.
2. Within this section, you should see an option called “Invitations” or “Invite New Members.” Click on this option to proceed.
3. Clicking on “Invite New Members” will open a new window or dialog box where you can enter the email addresses of the people you want to invite. This is the place where you will send the invitation for someone from a different company to join your Slack workspace.
If you don’t see the “Invite New Members” option or encounter any difficulties, make sure you have the necessary permissions to invite new members. Depending on your Slack workspace’s settings, there may be restrictions on who can send invitations. Consult with your workspace admin or team leader for assistance.
It’s worth noting that Slack provides various membership options, such as single-channel guests or full workspace members. Consider the level of access you want to grant the person you are inviting and select the appropriate membership option while sending the invitation.
By clicking on “Invite New Members,” you are now ready to enter the email address of the person you want to invite. In the next step, we will guide you through the process of entering the email address and sending the invitation.
Now that you know how to click on “Invite New Members,” let’s move on to the next step: entering the person’s email address.
Step 6: Enter the person’s email address
After clicking on “Invite New Members” and opening the invitation window, it’s time to enter the email address of the person you want to invite from a different company. Here’s how you can do it:
1. In the invitation window, you will see a text field or input box where you can enter the email address. It may be labeled as “Email” or “Enter email address.”
2. Type the correct email address of the person you want to invite into the text field. Make sure to double-check for any typos or errors to ensure the invitation reaches the intended person.
3. If you want to invite multiple people, separate their email addresses with commas or use the designated input fields for each address, depending on the invitation window’s design.
4. Some Slack workspaces may provide additional options or fields where you can personalize the invitation or add a custom message. Take advantage of these options to provide context or instructions for the person you are inviting.
5. Once you have entered the email address/es and customized the invitation if desired, review the information to make sure it is correct.
6. Finally, look for the “Send” or “Invite” button in the invitation window and click on it to send out the invitation to the provided email address/es.
After sending the invitation, Slack will send an email notification to the person with instructions on how to join your Slack workspace. The person will have to click on the provided link and follow the prompts to complete the joining process.
Now that you have successfully entered the person’s email address and sent out the invitation, let’s move on to the next step: following up with the person to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
Step 7: Send the invitation
Now that you have entered the email address of the person you want to invite from a different company, it’s time to send out the invitation. The process of sending the invitation may vary slightly depending on your Slack workspace’s settings, but here are the general steps to follow:
1. Double-check the entered email address to ensure accuracy. Confirm that there are no typos or errors that might prevent the invitation from reaching the intended recipient.
2. If your Slack workspace offers the option to customize the invitation or add a personal message, take advantage of this opportunity to provide any necessary context or instructions for the person being invited.
3. Read through the invitation message one more time to ensure it is clear, concise, and friendly. Make any necessary edits or adjustments to ensure a positive and welcoming tone.
4. Locate the “Send” or “Invite” button in the invitation window. Click on this button to initiate the sending process.
5. After clicking the “Send” or “Invite” button, Slack will generate an email with the invitation details and send it to the provided email address. The person you invited from a different company will receive this email in their inbox.
6. The email will contain instructions for the person to accept the invitation and join your Slack workspace. It typically includes a link that directs them to the appropriate page where they can set up their account and join your channels.
7. As the inviter, you can also receive a notification or confirmation that the invitation has been sent successfully. Keep an eye out for any messages or updates related to the invitation status.
Remember, the person you invited may need to perform several actions to complete the onboarding process, such as setting up their profile, choosing a username, and accepting the terms and conditions of Slack. Encourage them to complete these steps promptly to ensure they can start collaborating and communicating with your team without delay.
Now that you have successfully sent the invitation, let’s move on to the final step: following up with the person to ensure a smooth transition into your Slack workspace.
Step 8: Follow up with the person
After sending the invitation to someone from a different company to join your Slack workspace, it’s important to follow up with them to ensure a smooth transition and address any questions or issues they may have. Here are some steps you can take to facilitate the onboarding process:
1. Send a welcome message: Once the person has accepted the invitation and joined your Slack workspace, reach out with a warm welcome message. Let them know that you are excited to have them on board and provide any necessary information or resources to help them get started.
2. Introduce them to the channels: Depending on the purpose of the collaboration, introduce the person to the relevant channels in your Slack workspace. This will help them navigate and participate in the discussions related to their area of involvement.
3. Offer assistance: Let the person know that you are available to help if they encounter any issues or have questions about using Slack or navigating the workspace. Offer your support and guidance to ensure a smooth transition and make them feel comfortable.
4. Provide resources: Share any relevant documentation, guidelines, or resources that will help the person familiarize themselves with your Slack workspace and understand the team’s workflows and expectations.
5. Encourage engagement: Encourage the new member to actively engage in discussions, share ideas, and contribute to the overall collaboration. Promote a positive and inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.
6. Follow up regularly: Check in with the person periodically to see how they are adjusting to the Slack workspace and if they have any feedback or suggestions. Address any concerns or issues they may have promptly to ensure their integration into the team.
By following up with the person you invited to join your Slack workspace, you can foster a sense of belonging, engagement, and effective collaboration. Building a supportive environment will help the new member feel welcomed and motivated to contribute to the team’s success.
Now that you have completed all the steps, you are ready to enjoy the benefits of collaborating with someone from a different company in your Slack workspace!
Conclusion
Adding someone from a different company to your Slack workspace can significantly enhance communication, collaboration, and productivity. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this article, you can successfully invite and onboard individuals from other organizations, whether they are partners, clients, freelancers, or contractors.
First, it’s essential to identify the person you want to add and ensure that you have their correct email address. Then, open your Slack workspace and navigate to the “Team Settings” section. From there, click on “Invite New Members” and enter the person’s email address. Make sure to send out the invitation and follow up with the individual to ensure a smooth transition into the workspace.
Remember to provide a welcoming environment, introduce them to relevant channels, and offer support and assistance as needed. Encourage active engagement and provide resources that will help the new member navigate the Slack workspace and contribute effectively to the collaboration.
By extending your Slack network beyond your own company, you open up possibilities for cross-company collaboration, partnership opportunities, and enhanced communication with external stakeholders. Utilizing Slack as a platform for collaboration can streamline workflows, promote seamless communication, and facilitate the exchange of ideas and information.
Continue exploring the features and functionalities of Slack to make the most of your workspace and ensure effective teamwork. Regularly check in with the added members to address any concerns, cultivate a positive work environment, and foster strong working relationships across companies.
Now that you have learned how to add someone from a different company to your Slack workspace, start expanding your network, promoting collaboration, and maximizing the potential of your Slack workspace for enhanced productivity and success.
