Got Google? I Do!

Recently, I have found myself acting as an Evangelist for everything Google. Google, a major player in Internet services in several ways has saved my business. Most of us are aware of Google as a search engine; however, I only recently learned within the last year that Google is so much more. Google owns YouTube and a variety of other services. I have owned/operated my own business (an organization offering Social Workers professional employment placement assistance and counseling support) for approximately 6 years.

Recently, due to the poor economy the office building in which I rented space and hired staff to answer my business phone calls closed. As you might imagine, I engaged in a great deal of research and attempted to find a replacement for the staff and office space I lost. I was faced with having to decide if I would remain a bricks and mortar business or move my business online. Google helped make my decision less expensive and less stressful. I learned that Google offered a series of products, one called Google Voice. Google Voice allowed me to select a new (FREE) telephone number unique to my business. Armed with my new phone number I moved my business entirely online, I revised my (FREE) website which is actually a Blogger account also owned by Google.

As a result of Google's services, my business has had very little interruption in service. I recently posted a "Tweet" and asked followers to provide me a  invitation to join Google + while it was still in test phase. Armed with Google + I plan to use the Hangout function in my work with clients, fellow coworkers, and in my research. I have already been using Google Docs for over a year, and it has proven to be a tremendous resource in helping me maintain organization.

I also use Google Alert to track online comments about me and my business, so whenever a comment is posted about me/my business online, I receive an email alert from Google detailing the comments. Google has really been a life preserver for my business, as many of their services are FREE! I would encourage anyone and everyone whether a business person or a layperson to Get Google, I did!