Supercharge Your Slack Productivity

David Markovich

• Publisher: Packt Publishing
• Year: 2021
• eBook ISBN: 9781800565333
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Computer Science
• Subtopic: Desktop Applications
• Index: Computer Science

Build Slack bots to automate your work and enhance your team's productivity with Salesforce-powered Slack in a faster, better organized, and more secure wayKey Features• Get to grips with setting up and creating Slack bots for your organization• Integrate Slack with tools such as nTask and Tettra to manage all your applications in one place• Understand when to buy and when to build botsBook DescriptionSlack is an online communication tool that allows workplace teams to collaborate efficiently, effectively, and securely. It's the leading channel-based messaging platform used by millions to align their teams, unify their systems, and drive their businesses forward. As a developer, you can use Slack to create tools such as bots that handle and maintain routine and time-consuming tasks. If you're looking to set up a Slack workplace or build a Slack bot or app, this is the book for you.In this book, you'll explore scenarios that show you how to set up a Slack workplace, build a Slack bot, or integrate your favorite tools. You'll also learn how Slack can help you create a more collaborative, efficient, and coordinated work environment from any location. As you advance through the chapters, you'll find out how to manage your tasks and boost your business productivity by automating the trivial tasks. You'll also cover more advanced features such as using a Slack bot to complete tasks, including automating message responses and accessing personal reminders.By the end of this Slack book, you'll have learned how to use Slack effectively to communicate with your team and build bots and have gained a solid understanding of how the platform can help you to progress in your industry.What you will learn• Understand how to set up a Slack workspace• Migrate existing workspaces to your organization• Explore expert tips and techniques for using Slack effectively• Improve collaboration within your team by integrating multiple apps with Slack• Find the right bots and apps to use for your workspace• Discover how to build your own Slack bot• Explore the right channels on Slack to improve your presence in professional communities• Find the best solutions for automating your work directly through SlackWho this book is forSupercharge your Slack Productivity is for professionals in organizations, businesses, or communities who are already using Slack or looking to use it for improving communication. With this book, you'll understand how Slack can make your work life simpler by automating routine tasks and managing all the tools you need in one place for working with or managing remote teams efficiently.

Section 1: Slack Overview

Slack is an extremely useful tool for any member, at any level, in any area of any industry. The communication platform allows users to interact, communicate, and share information, skills, and files all in one unified place. This section focuses on the basics of the application, as well as developing a general understanding of what Slack is and how it can be beneficial to you and your team.

We will first look at how to approach the app itself by getting started with your Slack workspace. We'll break down the basic terms and features to familiarize you with the application. Then we'll set up an account and profile and invite members of your team as well as external members, such as guests, clients, and partners, to join. Let's get started!

In this section, we will cover the following chapters:

• Chapter 1, Getting Started with Slack
• Chapter 2, Setting Up Your Slack Workplace
• Chapter 3, Slack Features, Tips, and Tricks
• Chapter 4, Onboarding Your Team to Slack
• Chapter 5, Using Slack Externally with Live Chats, Guests, and Partners

Chapter 1: Getting Started with Slack

Does a coordinated team, moving in unison, sound like something you need? In order to build this type of team structure, you need a supportive communication and collaboration tool where your team can streamline conversations and push development forward. Slack is the platform that allows for that type of top-notch conversation, and this book will show you the ins and outs of bringing that to life.

This book is organized in a way that allows you to first master the basics before diving into technology that you didn't even know was accessible to you. Each chapter is meant to push you to a higher level of understanding of Slack technology so that you can build a Slack workspace that is unique to you.

Chapter 1, Getting Started with Slack, will get you familiar with the platform and its functionality. After you have built a deep understanding and familiarity with Slack, you will be ready to build your Slack workspace and create the type of real-time communication that your team requires. So, let's dive right in and start your journey.

This chapter will cover the following main topics:

• What is Slack?
• Slack versus other tools
• Slack versus email
• The pros and cons of Slack
• Slack versus Microsoft Teams

What is Slack?

That is the ultimate question, isn't it? What is Slack and how does it pertain to you? Slack is a business communication platform that allows you and your company to communicate through easily accessible channels and threads to create a simple and efficient working environment.

Communication is an integral factor in any working community. Moreover, in a time where face-to-face communication is not always possible, Slack is a quick and easy way to connect all members of your organization through one simple tool.

Why communication spells success

Whether you are a founder with a small team, a leader with several hundred employees, or a freelancer with dozens of clients, the chances are you that are searching for a better way to keep everybody connected.

You've sat through various TED Talks, MasterClasses, and keynote speeches about leadership that all share the same message: communication is the key to success. There is an excellent reason why this message appears repeatedly. So, let's start this book by stating that communication is the foundation to your success.

Living in the 21st century means that you are continually bombarded with digital communications. Your phone lights up with every notification from a friend, team member, or brand trying to get in front of you. You've been annoyed by receiving the short "OK" messages that seemed pointless to receive. In team communications, that annoyance can quickly permeate a negative culture and breed disassociation across the team. This is the exact opposite of what you want and what this book will teach you.

A simple restructuring of the preceding statement is needed to ensure that digital communications carry importance and value connectivity; that is, intentional connections are the foundation to your success.

Do you want to be the next Steve Jobs and take over a market? How about taking over your street block with a booming small business? You need to nail intentional and consistent communication in order to do all of these things. It's good that you have powerful technology at your fingertips to make this process seamless – after you learn the basics, of course.

The digital communication tool you need

Slack has become a standard tool that is mentioned in every entrepreneurial ecosystem you are likely to come across. It has even taken on cultural significance as the brand name is used as a verb (for example, "Let me slack you when I'm done" or "I'll slack that link over to you"). A tool taking on this kind of importance deserves its own book to explain why and how a platform can be so powerful at keeping people connected.

Voila! The book is resting in your hands now.

Having found this book means that you've heard of Slack. You know it's defined as an online communication tool that allows workplace teams to collaborate with each other. You might even have a Slack profile for a workplace somewhere. But there is so much more to Slack than a high-level glance will show. Slack is the tool that will help you to build the next Facebook, Nike, or Apple.

You can build your company's very culture by utilizing Slack and creating a bustling ecosystem that is unique to the needs and desires of your company. Through customization, team members can feel the mission and values of their company come to life. Through the integration of tools, a team has the information they need at their fingertips. Through the creation of bots, an organization becomes more coordinated than ever.

There is power in having a comprehensive digital workspace that keeps remote and in-office personnel connected. Slack is that comprehensive tool, and, when done right, your team will be one that prioritizes communication for the broader success of your company's vision.

Understanding the platform

Slack is a channel-based messaging platform that connects teams and systems so that they operate more efficiently and effectively. This digital communication tool helps build a company's ecosystem by streamlining communications and processes across the organization to drive the business forward.

Simply put, Slack is the digital communication tool that keeps companies growing and scaling successfully. Take it from the following major brands who utilize Slack to keep their team connected:

• Airbnb
• Lyft
• Pinterest
• Amazon
• BuzzFeed
• Salesforce

Have you ever wanted to implement a piece of software into your team's processes to keep everything together? For instance, a storing ground for files, past messages, notifications, and more? Slack is the organized portal that gives you answers with the click of a search button.

Slack is not just useful for the major brands we mentioned earlier (and thousands of others not listed here). Many early-stage start-ups use Slack as the primary communication hub for their thriving ventures, and solo contractors apply its functionality to stay in touch with clients around ...

Table of contents

• Supercharge Your Slack Productivity
• Contributors
• Preface
• Section 1: Slack Overview
• Chapter 1: Getting Started with Slack
• Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Slack Workspace
• Chapter 3: Slack Features, Tips, and Tricks
• Chapter 4: Onboarding Your Team to Slack
• Chapter 5: Using Slack Externally with Live Chats, Guests, and Partners
• Section 2: How to Use Third-Party Applications and Bots
• Chapter 6: Your Workspace Slackbot
• Chapter 7: Integrating Your Favorite Tools
• Chapter 8: Automate Your Workflow with Zapier
• Chapter 9: Slack API, Webhooks, Block Kit, and Sandboxes
• Section 3: How to Build Your Own Bots
• Chapter 10: Building Your Own Bot
• Chapter 11: Buying, Building, and Outsourcing Your Bot
• Chapter 12: Distributing Your App in the Slack App Directory
• Other Books You May Enjoy