When Google launched their file hosting and synchronization service, Google Drive, in 2012 it was met with anticipation but also a skeptical view from technology journalists and the dominant competitors at the time (including Dropbox, Box and others). Google Drive encompasses not only secure Web-based file storage, but also a set of productivity applications for word processing, spreadsheets, forms/surveys, presentations, drawings and more. What sets Google Drive apart is its feature set that really makes collaboration possible across a wide variety of personal and business uses. For Small Business, Google Drive is a part of the suite of software within Google Apps for Work, and has many features that make it a stellar Small Business asset. In an hourlong Webinar, I gave an overview of the Google Drive product, then walked through the product in detail so you can see how to get around the desktop and Web interface. In this quick-start guide, I highlight what we discussed in Webinar as a companion to the archived recording along with the links to the various items we discussed.
The Webinar, as part of the Beyond Google: Marketing and Managing on the Web series from Virginia Small Business Development Centers, was presented by me, Ray Sidney-Smith, Web & Mobile Strategist, author of SoLoMo Success: Social Media, Local and Web Small Business Marketing Strategy Explained, and President of W3 Consulting, a Web, Social & Mobile strategy, development and training firm helping business owners learn why and how to use Web, mobile and digital technologies for greater marketing and management impact.
