Mavenlink Blog Posts

What is an easier way to "Go Green" than by moving your business collaboration to the cloud? With many companies creating products that make life easier by working online, headlined by none other than Google, it does not only make sense for business, but allows you to be environmentally responsible at the same time.

I occasionally write and tweet about this specific product when discussing online business tools or working in the cloud, but today I am going to focus solely on Google Docs.

Now, I am not going to get all "tree hugger" on you, but I am going to point out several reasons why you should utilize Google Docs and how it can help you work more efficiently with five key points:

First, you can share Google Docs online. No need to print anything. You can simply add users with view or edit capabilities, plus you have a unique URL for the document, which you could send in an email or chat. In addition, you can share images and embed video into your presentations to really help your business efforts. Also, did you know you can publish Google Docs as a web page?

Second, you can edit documents with whomever you are working with. No need to meet in person, print anything, or red line and reply. Just markup the document or presentation online with everybody you are collaborating with in real time. Sit at your desk at work or even your couch at home and work together. Are you in California and working with people in the Philippines, Canada, or Florida? Say goodbye to the planes, trains, and automobiles. Location doesn't matter.

Third, with many companies integrating the cloud products you already use with the Google Apps Suite, you can easily post or attach the documents without ever having to download anything. Why fill-up your hard drive when you can have Google take care of it all? They must be doing something right, since they just reported a 32% profit rise this past quarter in a sluggish economy.

Fourth, you can search for specific keywords across all documents. How many times have you been looking for a file, whether it is on your computer or somewhere in your office, and you can't find it? Well, you use Google to search for everything else. Why not let them find all your work and emails?

Fifth, Google keeps improving their Docs Suite everyday. It doesn't have the depth of Microsoft Office Suite, but you don't always need to get that complex. Especially when dealing Word and PowerPoint documents, go to the cloud.

So along with creating an easier way to work, we eliminated printing, along with its cost of paper and ink, the headache inducing search for lost documents, and unnecessary in-person office visits across town, plus more. Sounds good to me. How about you?

Also, check out a more recent post titled: 7 Google Docs Tips & Tricks You Should Know

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Do you work with Google Docs? What other cloud products do you use? We like to hear how people get creative, whether they move towards a more green work environment or location independence, so please tell us about it.

posted by Casey Armstrong