How do you stay on top of things and keep yourself organized? Many of us have hacks and workarounds that we've developed over our years in business, and that can make it hard to consider using another tool (after all, you just perfected your "system"). However, if you're looking for a game-changing productivity tool that's actually worth the time it takes to get up to speed, Slack is the one to beat.
I know, I know, you don't have time to figure out yet another app or platform, but Slack is intuitive enough to make it easy to get on board. If you're a team leader or managing broker, it's sure to save time and frustration by keeping your agents more organized and communicative. If you're one of those agents, it's sure to help you CYA by making sure you can always access docs, information, and the most recent contact info for your clients.
To get the most out of Slack for real estate, it helps to take the time to customize it and learn some of the ins and outs of using it efficiently. Here are 25 tips to help you get more out of this leverage-creating tool.
Create Dedicated Channels
Create channels for property listings, buyers, or development projects.
Example: Create a channel for each property listing where you share documents, updates, client feedback, and marketing strategies with your team. Separate channels for communicating with clients can ensure that all relevant information is easily accessible and help you keep track of the frequency of your outreach.
Organize Channels
Create channels for different projects (e.g., #downtown-condos), teams (e.g., #sales-team), or topics (e.g., #open-houses).
Example: Use #client-feedback to keep track of client comments and #marketing-strategy for planning.
Limit Channel Notifications
Manage notifications so that you're only pinged on channels where your input is needed or where you need to stay up to date in order to avoid information overload.
Example: Mute #random-chat if it’s not essential to your work focus.
Use Mentions Wisely
Use @mentions to get specific people's attention without overdoing it.
Example: Use @sarah to ask Sarah for property documents or @channel for urgent, channel-wide updates. Use @here only when you want the attention of everyone in a channel, but use this sparingly (just as you would with an email Reply All).
Pin Important Messages
Pin crucial messages in channels for easy access.
Example: Pin the weekly meeting agenda in #team-meetings for quick reference.
Utilize Threads
Reply in threads to keep the main channel organized and focused.
Example: Start a thread under a listing update to discuss details without cluttering the main channel. Respond to a colleague through a thread for relevant side-chat.
Set Do Not Disturb
Use Do Not Disturb during focus periods or client meetings.
Example: Set Do Not Disturb from 10 AM to 1 PM for uninterrupted client consultations or cold calling.
Integrate Apps
Connect tools like Google Drive, Trello, or Zoom for a seamless workflow.
Example: Use /zoom to start a virtual tour meeting directly from Slack.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Master shortcuts like Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K on Mac) to swiftly jump between channels and conversations.
Example: Press Ctrl+K and type the channel name to switch to #property-listings without using your mouse.
Create Custom Emojis
Add custom emojis for quick reactions and fun interactions.
Example: Create a :sold: emoji for celebrating closed deals and a :open-house: emoji for event reminders.
Use Saved Items
Save important messages and files for easy access later.
Example: Save a link to the latest market report for quick retrieval during meetings.
Star Important Channels
Star frequently used channels and direct messages to keep them at the top.
Example: Star #new-listings and your broker’s DM for easy access.
Use Reminders
Set reminders for tasks or follow-ups.
Example: Type /remind me to follow up with the Smiths at 4 PM.
Create Custom Slackbots
Set up Slackbots for automated reminders or useful information.
Example: Create a bot to remind the team about the daily huddle.
Manage Files Efficiently
Use Slack’s file-sharing and management features.
Example: Share the latest property brochure in #marketing-materials and use the search function to find it later.
Take Advantage of Search
Use Slack’s search to quickly find messages and documents.
Example: Type closing documents or a house number in #transactions to locate specific files.
Use Advanced Search Filters
Apply filters like "from:", "in:", or "has:" to narrow searches.
Example: Use from:@john to find all messages from John regarding a specific property.
Customize Your Profile
Keep your profile updated with your role and contact information.
Example: Add your title as “Real Estate Agent” and a professional photo for easy identification. Consider adding your specialty niche or certifications and designations as well.
Use Status Updates
Set status updates to indicate your availability or current activity.
Example: Set status to "Showing properties" with a house emoji during property tours or open houses.
Leverage Slack Huddles
Use Huddles for quick, informal chats. Sometimes a 5 minute conversation can save you hours of typed back-and-forth messaging.
Example: Start a Huddle in #sales-team for a brief discussion on lead follow-ups. Share screen to walk agents through new data or market stats.
Utilize Slack Connect
Collaborate with external partners and clients through Slack Connect.
Example: Use Slack Connect to communicate with a client’s legal team on transaction details.
Use Workflow Builder
Automate routine tasks and processes with Workflow Builder.
Example: Create a workflow to automatically welcome new clients to #client-onboarding or to remind agents about regularly scheduled meetings, masterminds or prospecting events.
Practice Clear Communication
Be concise, clear and thorough in your messages to avoid misunderstandings and make it easier to search later.
Example: Instead of “Hey, can you send that report?” use “Hey, please send the Q2 sales report by 3 PM.”
Regularly Clean Up Channels
Archive or clean up old channels to reduce clutter while allowing you to refer back to needed information. (NOTE: Know your organization's Slack account settings to make sure conversations and materials aren't automatically deleted after a certain number of days or months.)
Example: Archive #old-projects once the projects are completed.
Regularly Review and Update Slack Settings
Periodically review your Slack settings to ensure they align with your current workflow.
Example: Update settings as your internal role or project focus changes. Update settings during changing market conditions or if you move to a new area of focus in your business.