5 Must-Have Tools for Virtual Collaboration
Why Collaboration is Different in a Virtual Setting
When working in a traditional office setting, collaboration happens organically. Physical proximity makes communication seamless, whether stopping by a colleague's desk for a quick update, brainstorming over lunch, or holding an impromptu meeting. However, when working virtually, the lack of face to face interaction can make staying connected and moving forward in a cohesive way difficult.
Thankfully, structured collaboration tools help teams stay connected, organized, and efficient.
For Freedom Maker virtual assistants and their small business clients, digital platforms are the backbone of day-to-day operations. Whether managing calendars, tracking projects, or handling marketing campaigns, the right tool makes all the difference.
Freedom Makers are highly skilled virtual assistants who utilize many platforms that bridge the gap between virtual and in-person work. These platforms allow them to manage their tasks, track progress, and maintain open lines of communication with their clients.
Based on our data and real-world applications, here are the five most commonly used tools by Freedom Makers and how they help clients in different industries:
List of Services
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Google Workspace – The Backbone of Virtual ProductivityList Item 1
Best for: Email, document creation, cloud storage, scheduling, and collaboration.
Google Workspace (which includes Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Google Sheets) is the most commonly used platform among Freedom Makers as they support their clients. It is a centralized hub for information, making it easy to share files, track progress, and collaborate in real time.
Google Workspace offers an affordable entry point for small business owners seeking practical collaboration tools. The Business Starter plan is currently priced at $7 per user per month with a one-year commitment or $8.40 per user per month on a flexible plan. With 30 GB of pooled storage, this plan offers a suite of applications, including Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Chat, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Why It Works: Google Workspace eliminates version control issues and makes file-sharing super easy. The ability to collaborate in real-time on documents and spreadsheets allows Freedom Makers and their clients to stay aligned, no matter where they are working from.
For example, Pua, who supports a client in the tech industry, relies on Google Workspace to handle calendar management, travel planning, and event coordination. Whether booking flights or creating event agendas, she uses Google Calendar, Sheets, and Docs to ensure every detail is accounted for.
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Asana – Keeping Projects Organized and On TrackList Item 2
Best for: Task management, project tracking, and team collaboration.
Asana is an essential tool for Freedom Makers working with clients who need help keeping track of multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines. It provides a visual way to organize work, set priorities, and monitor progress.
Asana provides a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for small business owners aiming to enhance collaboration with their virtual assistants. The Personal plan is free and supports teams of up to 10 members, offering essential features such as task assignments, due dates, and integrations with popular tools like Slack and Gmail. For growing teams requiring more advanced capabilities, the Starter plan is available at $10.99 per user per month when billed annually or $13.49 per user per month when billed monthly. This plan includes additional functionalities like Timeline views, a Workflow Builder, and up to 250 automations per month.
Why It Works: Asana's project boards and task delegation features provide transparency and easy project tracking and communication. Small business owners can easily see what's being worked on, what's pending, and what's completed - all in one place.
For example, Freedom Maker Marija, supporting Jesse in the consulting industry, ensures all internal operations run smoothly by managing workflows in Asana. She helps track SOPs, delegate tasks, and set deadlines, preventing any delays or confusion.
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Slack – Instant Communication and Quick Check-InsList Item 3
Best for: Real-time messaging, team collaboration, file sharing.
While email is great for formal communication, sometimes small business owners just need quick answers or updates. Slack provides a streamlined way to communicate without the formality of emails or the delays of scheduled meetings.
Slack offers a range of plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of small business owners aiming to enhance collaboration with their virtual assistants. The Free plan provides access to essential features such as 90 days of message history and one-on-one audio and video calls. The Pro plan is available at $7.25 per user per month when billed annually or $8.75 per user per month when billed monthly. This plan includes unlimited message history, unlimited app integrations, group audio and video meetings with up to 50 participants, and the ability to collaborate with external partners through Slack Connect.
Why It Works: Slack's easy to use instant messaging capabilities save time and reduce email overload. Channels help keep conversations organized by topic, and direct messaging allows for one-on-one collaboration when needed.
For example, Sandra, who has supported Geneve in the financial services industry, uses Slack to communicate instantly about LinkedIn engagement and client interactions. Instead of waiting for email responses, she can quickly clarify tasks and share real-time updates.
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Canva – Effortless Graphic Design for MarketingList Item 4
Best for: Creating social media graphics, marketing materials, and presentations.
Small business owners often struggle with content creation, especially when it comes to visually engaging marketing materials. Canva makes it easy for Freedom Makers to assist small business owners with their digital marketing to design social media posts, blog graphics, email headers, and promotional materials—even without formal design training.
Canva offers a Free plan that provides access to a wide array of design tools and templates so a virtual assistant can create professional-quality graphics without any initial investment. Then, Canva Pro is available at $15 per month or $120 per year. This plan unlocks premium functionalities such as the Brand Kit, which allows for storing brand assets to maintain consistency across all designs.
Why It Works: Canva's drag-and-drop interface, extensive library of templates, and many collaborative features are game-changers for small business owners who need polished marketing materials but lack the time or expertise to create them.
For example, Freedom Maker Chelsie, who supports Katie in the marketing industry, customizes social media posts for audiologists using Canva. She takes pre-written captions, adjusts graphics to fit brand guidelines, and schedules them for posting.
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Zoom – Making Virtual Meetings More Personal
Best for: Video conferencing, team meetings, webinars, client communication.
Since Freedom Maker virtual assistants work remotely, video meetings are essential for maintaining strong working relationships. Zoom allows both parties to connect face-to-face, host team meetings, and run webinars.
Zoom offers a range of plans tailored to meet the needs of small business owners collaborating with virtual assistants. The Basic plan is free and allows unlimited meetings of up to 100 participants, with a 40-minute limit on group meetings. For enhanced features, the Pro plan is available at $13.33 per user per month, offering extended meeting durations of up to 30 hours, 5 GB of cloud storage for recording meetings, and access to advanced features like streaming to social media platforms.
Why It Works: Zoom fosters a sense of connection in a remote setting. Whether used for check-ins, brainstorming sessions, or training calls, its user-friendly interface ensures seamless virtual meetings and efficient workflow management.
For example, Debbie, who assists Karen in the legal industry, conducts Zoom calls with clients to discuss budgets, expenses, and legal matters. These meetings allow her to provide personalized support while maintaining the flexibility of a virtual work environment.
Why These Tools Matter
Each of these tools plays a crucial role in making virtual collaboration seamless. By taking advantage of what Google Workspace, Asana, Slack, Canva, and Zoom can offer in collaboration, Freedom Makers help their clients stay organized, communicate effectively, keep projects on track, enhance their marketing presence, and build strong virtual working relationships.
When used strategically, these platforms allow small business owners to focus on growing their businesses while their Freedom Makers handle the day-to-day operations.
If you're ready to find a virtual assistant who understands your unique needs and can help you make the most of these collaboration platforms, contact our discovery team today. We'll help you identify the right virtual assistant to support your business.
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