Including external contacts in Microsoft Teams allows for efficient communication and collaboration with partners, clients, and stakeholders. In this guide, I will walk you through the process of adding external contacts and provide some personal advice and tips.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Teams
To start, open Microsoft Teams on your desktop or mobile device. If you don’t already have it installed, you can download it from the Microsoft website or your device’s app store.
Step 2: Access the Contacts Tab
Once you’re in Microsoft Teams, navigate to the left sidebar and click on the “Contacts” tab. This tab is where you can manage your contacts and add new ones.
Step 3: Find the “Add Contact” Option
Within the Contacts tab, you will see a search bar at the top. Click on the search bar and type in the name or email address of the contact you want to add. As you start typing, Microsoft Teams will suggest matching contacts from your organization.
If you don’t see the contact you want to add in the suggested list, press Enter to execute the search. Teams will then display contacts both within and outside of your organization that match your search.
Step 4: Add the Contact
Once you’ve found the correct contact from outside your organization, click on their name to open their profile. In the profile, you will see an option to “Add to Contacts.” Click on it to add the contact to your personal contacts list.
Now that you’ve successfully added the contact, you can easily find and communicate with them within Microsoft Teams.
Personal Touches and Commentary
Adding contacts outside of your organization in Microsoft Teams has been a game-changer for me. It has allowed me to seamlessly collaborate with clients and partners without the need for external communication tools.
One tip I have found helpful is to save a contact’s email address or phone number in the contact details. This way, you can easily reach out to them through other communication channels if necessary.
Additionally, when adding a contact from outside your organization, it’s important to consider privacy and data protection. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions and consent to add and communicate with external parties within your organization’s guidelines.
Conclusion
Adding contacts outside your organization in Microsoft Teams is a straightforward process that enhances your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can expand your network and streamline your interactions with external partners. Remember to always prioritize privacy and data protection when adding and communicating with contacts outside your organization.