I took a pretty long break from posting reviews about the different products I use as a small business owner and blogging ceo. It didn’t take long before other small business owners and entrepreneurs started writing me on Google chat or via my Facebook fan page asking for information about some of the tools I use, especially when it comes to my social media and online marketing strategies. Based on your emails and messages I think it’s about time I start writing posts sharing some of the tools that I use as a small business owner, hopefully the posts will help a new small business owner somewhere.
I recently came across Dropbox, a file storage and file sharing site that also syncs your files across all of your computers. Not to mention you can access Dropbox from any computer by visiting Dropbox.com and logging into your Dropbox account. Tell me that doesn’t come in handy for getting things done when your on the run. If you haven’t already headed over to Dropbox for your free account (2gb free storage) scroll down to see a few screenshots of Dropbox in action.
Dropbox File Storage
Nothing is more frustrating than realizing I don’t have a file with me that I need at any given time, as I’m sure any small business owner can agree with it can be pretty common if you use multiple computers or work between the home and office. With Dropbox file storage I can take my most used images and business logos as well as my most used documents and store them with a few simple clicks on Dropbox.com, by doing this I can access my files from any of my computers or any computer for that matter.
Dropbox File Sharing
There are all kinds of file storage sites on the web that allow you to share videos or pictures and in some cases even documents with others, Dropbox allows you to share all of those things and with ease. Once you get signed up for your free Dropbox account you can select which folders to share with co-workers, project members and just about anyone else you can put on the list. Dropbox has a simple interface that even I was able to figure out
Dropbox File Sharing Request Email
One of the best features about Dropbox is the ability to share files with co-workers, friends, family, etc. You get the picture. After setting up my Dropbox account, something that took all of about 2 minutes I shared one of my folders with Mike so that he can use it as needed when writing posts on the Extreme Tan and Smoothies blog. Above you can see the copy of the email that was sent to Mike, I manually entered his email address btw.
Dropbox File Sharing Email Confirmation
As you can see Dropbox is nice enough to shoot an email out that confirms that Mike joined the shared folder that I requested he join (above).
Dropbox has already done a pretty good job of saving me from extra stress, just the other day I needed to send a file to one of the magazine publishers that we are advertising in and I didn’t have the file with me on my laptop. No biggie, I jumped on and signed into my account and shared the folder containing the files that the advertiser needed within minutes. Dropbox is as simple as installing the software, getting an account and dragging files into a folder. Auto-sync keeps your files the same across the board and you never have to worry about searching for a file, login and your done.
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey great review! Productivity is something I think we can all use a hand with. I’m headed over to get mine now!
Bill Cason´s last [type] ..Did you get your Twitgift?
Twitter: extremejohn
Thank you Bill I appreciate it, I know I am constantly on the look out for tools that can help with productivity.
Let me know what you think.
Dropbox has very nice featues
Twitter: extremejohn
yes Jimmy and simple.
Hey really thanks for this good information this will really help
Twitter: BlazingMinds
I don’t know whether it’s just me, but I’ve always been a bit dubious about sites where you can store your data, do they have a backup system in case of a failure?
Karen @ Blazing Minds´s last [type] ..How To Remove Possible Spammers From Your Twitter Followers
Twitter: extremejohn
I can see being hesitant about online storage sites, all though it’s bad to assume I automatically assume that most companies I deal with online will be gone in a year. At that point, Im on to the next thing anyway.
I guess my thinking is probably a little skewed, I figure I am storing it locally anyway. If I don’t have to constantly move files between the 3 different computers I use at any given time it’s a win, not to mention the ability to share files, etc with my associates. That comes in handy as you can see
Karen,
I have always been skeptical of online backups myself but after reading how they do it I decided to go for it. Like John I have found it to be great. The data is always on your computer and just backed up on their site. It is encrypted moving from your computer to theirs and encrypted while on their site.
Ned Carey´s last [type] ..Is This The Best Baltimore Real Estate Blog
Seems like it would help productivity. I’ve been using an app on my Droid for remote desktop and pull files that way.
Anthony Tori´s last [type] ..What Team USA Can Teach You
Twitter: ShotOfCoffee
So far, I’m really liking it. Which is saying something, since you know me and I hate anything new.
Mike @DailyShotOfCoffee´s last [type] ..Searching For The Perfect Coffee Maker
Twitter: extremejohn
I just figured you had been using it for decades already. Im sure you hate it.
Karen said something very good: do they have back up in case of failure? If they don’t and you store a file that you don’t have local back up for is pretty nasty, don’t you think so?
Thanks for the recomedation john, I just checked out the dropbox website and it looks really useful. will definatly give it a try, thanks
James´s last [type] ..UK Mobile Broadband Coverage Guide
Twitter: extremejohn
The more I use Drop Box the more I like it, it saved me big time yesterday when I needed files on a different office computer… No jump drive, no nonsense. Logged in and was done.
John, I agree the sharing function is great. It is so easy. I share a lot of files that are two big to e-mail. And I don’t have to worry about losing my thumb drive any more. I put it all on Drop box
Ned Carey´s last [type] ..What was that Sound
Dropbox is simply great. It offers some of the best backup features and sharing features available, including an iPhone tool. I am using it now.
Twitter: extremejohn
I agree Jon, I use it on my Droid as well.