5 Features of Google Docs for Business

When it comes to running a business, whether it is small or large, there are a great many tools that can make managing daily tasks easier. Here on my blog I like to share many of the tools that I find with my readers and while they may not always be “new” tools, they are always tools that I find helpful in making the day to day activities of business ownership go much more smoothly.

Why Google Docs Is Good For Business Management

1. Document Sharing

The document sharing feature has to be one of my favorite features of Google Docs because it allows for me to invite specific contacts to view a document that I have been working on. This feature makes working with employees that are out of my local area much easier since I can keep tabs on what they are doing through a shared document, as well as provide explicit instructions for projects that need completing. Document sharing is also a good way to keep tabs on the progress of a “to do” list that has been assigned to a contracted employee such as a web designer or contracted contributor to a blog.

2. Tabbing

Google Docs provides the ability to create numerous tabs which is another feature that comes in handy when managing contracted employees and providing “to do” lists to employees. Tabs can be used for organizing data in to categories or assigning tasks by employee on a shared project. Tabbing also makes for a great way to keep track of “time sheets” for contracted employees who can utilize new tabs weekly to create a compiled “time sheet” file detailing their work history.

3. Excel Functions

Most small business owners out there understand the importance of utilizing Excel or a similar software to make calculations easier. Whether you are working on a projected budget or whether you are planning out dimensions for a new project, the excel functions that are available in Google Docs makes these tasks much easier. No one wants to spend hours adding up figures from a grid and by utilizing the functions of Google Dogs this task can be completed in seconds without the added stress of trying to track individual cells in the worksheet.

4. Download Ability

All documents created within Google Docs are available to download and save and or print off for every member of Google Docs that has privileges to share the document you are working on. This gives all users of a particular worksheet the ability to keep hard copies of data as well as have mobile access to information as well.

5. Mobile Access

What piece on Google Docs would be complete without mentioning the mobile access factor? A large number of software companies have been making it big with services that allow remote access to desktop computers from remote locations; however, Google Docs allows for this service without having to purchase a software subscription service. Anywhere with access to internet services allows for access of Google Docs making this free service ideal for traveling business owners who like to have constant access to files. Certainly there is the option to keep backups of data on a laptop; however, were that laptop to succumb to a virus or experience a technical failure there is no ability to access that data. Google Docs ensures that no matter where a small business owner travels and no matter what computer system they utilize, they have access to all of their data with one easy to use, free website.

Parting Shots

There are plenty more reasons why I choose to implement Google Docs in to my every day business plans, but those listed above are just a few that I think all small business owners could benefit from.

Your Turn

What is your favorite feature of Google Docs? If you haven’t used it yet what feature would convince you to utilize it in your business? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

Tagged as: blog, blogging tips, Business, business tips, extreme john

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