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.

1. 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.  
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.