There is a tool that I absolutely love when it comes to file sharing and that tool is Google Drive. Google drive requires a Gmail account, but it is well worth it. I love how easy it is to create a folder for all my stuff and to share it with other people. I thought this that I would share the benefits of Google Drive for those that don't use it already.
I've used Google Drive a lot recently to work on documents for my podcast with my brother Scott as well as professionally. I've also received files for an upcoming program from a faculty member that is coming from Washington DC in a few weeks to speak to a group of juvenile defenders. There is a lot to like about Google Drive. Here are some reasons.
- Easy to collaborate. It's great to be able to work on a document at the same time as someone else. Scott and I both work on topic ideas and expansions for our podcast episodes of "Life As We Know It"... (shameless plug... check it out on August 5, 2015). As I edit, I can see his curser and edits that he is also making at the same time.
- It's free! Who doesn't love a free tool that is functional? No one. The idea that we don't have to pay for this service is fantastic and important since we're just podcasting on the side.
- Permissions. If you want someone to be able to see the document, but not edit it you can grant a person certain permissions. You can be assured that your work is safe and cannot be edited without your knowledge.
- Cuts down on email. This goes hand-in-hand with the collaboration. Rather than email a document back and forth and wonder if you're working on the latest version, you already know the latest version is saved on the shared space of Google Drive.
- Stores big files. This feature is great because sometimes our files become so large that we are unable to send them via email. Dropping them into Google Drive is a great way to get the files to someone without having to compress them for email size.
- Functions like office. What I mean by this is Google Drive has its own web-based version of Microsoft Office. It has Google Docs (Word), Sheets (Excel), and Slides (PowerPoint). If there is a drawback it's that these versions aren't identical to the functionality of Microsoft products. There are some limitations there, but for a web-based program that is free, we make it work.
If you haven't used Google Drive I encourage you to give it a shot.
How about you? What event tool do you love? Email me at eventssimplifieddr@gmail.com.