Technology continues to revolutionize our workflow and how we are able to receive information. These changes are happening quickly and the largest barrier to entry is sometimes only the time it takes to get on board.

Sure, you know how Skype works and you've attended a webinar or two by now but do you have a team collaboration plan for your company?

If not, start by identifying your needs. Think about what gets lost in translation when communicating with customers, colleagues, vendors and other partners. Now ask yourself what services you can benefit from and what you stand to gain. These services provide many advantages for small to medium sized businesses.

• Audio and video conferencing - Skype is a well known service provider but there are many IT services available for voice and video interaction. This is particularly helpful in forging healthy business relationships, building camaraderie and trust between team members. You feel as though you've met in person. The fact that you were never in the same place at the same time is inconsequential.

• Web conferencing - Host or attend a meeting via the internet. This service allows participants to simultaneously view and collaborate on a presentation or any other computer based document. Attendees are literally viewing your computer screen under your keystroke control. Then pass the baton instantly to let someone else have a turn and a hand in the success of a project. Two heads are better than one, three are better than two and so on.

• Instant Messaging - Don't wait for an email response. Message someone instantly for a quick and easy answer. This is especially beneficial for simple back and forth exchanges including yes/no and other informal correspondence. Try it. You'll likely get your answer before you can pick up the phone and dial a three digit extension. This is multitasking at its best. There are numerous free services available. You're employees are probably already instant messaging (IMing) others so encourage them to IM each other for work related issues even if they are all in the same building.

• Document sharing - Store everything online and still have control over who has access, in what capacity and when. For instance, share a read-only document to the group while also granting edit capabilities to only a select few. This is the ultimate share drive without sabotaging server space.

Depending on your needs you may be able to take advantage of some free services. If your requirements are more robust you will want to look at various paid services. However, small monthly fees make it easy for you to figure it out along the way and add and subtract what you need. A professional IT or computer support company can help you assess your needs and implement services and computer programs based on those needs.

Don't delay. Transport your team into the next realm of communication with team collaboration.