In just a couple of decades, the internet has become the world’s favorite free resource. With one search, you can find out the highest-selling candy bar. With 140 Characters, you can voice your opinion to millions of people. With all of the resources that are available at the click of a button these days, it’s amazing to think about just how many companies are not taking full advantage of them. And there really are hundreds of free resources for any business to use. Here are a few of the best.
Google Docs
If you are not utilizing this service, not is a great time to start. Now called Google Drive, this service lets you create, edit, and share documents online. You can create any kind of document, be it word, presentation, spreadsheet, form, or even an image. Some aspects are better than others, and the presentation for example is not the best if you want something to look professional. But the beauty of this resource is that you can create documents, leave them, come back to them, and everything is saved automatically. Not only that, but you can share the documents with anybody, either to view or edit, making group projects infinitely easier.
This professional site puts the “network” back into social media. Everyone knows how important professional networking is, and there are a ton of online tools that help you to do so. For a professional setting however, LinkedIn is the best. Now widely used, it is a great resource for both employers and those searching for jobs. You can upload your resume, your employment history, and connect with other people, creating professional contacts. As an employer, you post job openings and connect with potential employees and clients.
Skype/Google+ Hangouts
There is no longer any excuse to miss a meeting, and no longer any need to fly out just to meet with someone. Video messaging is freely and easily available using either Skype or Google+. Skype is the tried and tested option, that always offers good service, and Google offers a place to have multiple videos at one time – basically the conference call of video messaging. It really is amazing that such services are available with no cost at all.
Odesk/Paypal
If you have employees who work remotely, or contractors/freelancers, you can pay them using sites like PayPal or Odesk. There is a lot of skepticism over the use of such sites – people are more cautious when it comes to entering bank details online, but both these sites have been tested and found to be safe to use.
Dropbox
Dropbox is an online storage box that allows you to save files in seemingly unlimited online storage. It is safe, secure, easy to use, and negates the need for flash drives, disks or using up your computer’s storage. You can pay for extra storage, but you really don’t need to unless you have an incredibly high volume of files that need storing.
About the Author: Robert Cordray is a former business consultant/entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. You can find a lot more business help by following that link. Robert currently resides in southern California with his beautiful wife.