How can Google Docs help boost productivity?

How can Google Docs help boost productivity?

via Expert Data Labs Blog by EDL Admin on 3/18/11

Google Docs is a cool tool that many of us are familiar with. Its professional uses are constantly expanding, and the most recent updates only increase its business benefits.

The commenting feature in Google Docs saw some big changes this week. Some of the most substantial updates include:

• Timestamps and profile pictures on comments
• The ability to edit and resolve comments
• Implementation of email notifications via @mentions

The email notifications feature is by far the most useful of these upgrades as they let you bring new people into the discussion as needed.

Since the notification will include the text of the comment, the team member does not need to have immediate access to Google Docs. He or she can simply reply to the email notification, and it will show up in the conversation.

In addition to the email notifications, the ability to edit and resolve comments will likely be very useful. Before, Google only allowed you to delete comments once an issue had been resolved. Now, you can “resolve” the comment and it will still be available for review. Now, you can check back and make sure that everything has been completed properly.

If distributed teams are working on a project, it can sometimes be difficult to make sure everyone is on the same page. Collaboration tools like Google Docs make it much simpler. The email alerts will let your team members know as soon as you need their help on a project and keep everyone in sync.

Having several people working on a document at the same time from different locations can get quite confusing. It’s easy to lose track of edits and it can be difficult to make sure you’re incorporating everyone’s input. These collaboration tools make the process much more streamlined.

If you’d like to learn more about the recent changes to Google Docs, take a look at this article.

Posted via email from Expert Data Labs

3 tips for conducting virtual meetings

3 tips for conducting virtual meetings

via Expert Data Labs Blog by EDL Admin on 4/15/11

While many prefer face-to-face meetings, virtual meetings are a popular part of today’s business environment. It is important, however, to remember certain things when you’re conducting these meetings.

Proper etiquette is critical to the success of a virtual meeting. Many people treat virtual meetings as more laid-back than face-to-face ones, which is not always appropriate. Etiquette can go a long way in making participants view you as competent and an authority on the issue at hand.

Here are a few additional tips that can help you carry out more effective and professional virtual meetings.

1. Be prepared

Preparedness is essential for any meeting, virtual or not. When you’re conducting a virtual meeting, it can be easy to forget who your audience is. You want to be sure that the information you’re presenting is appropriate for each participant.

Also, ensure that everybody invited to the meeting has the appropriate login information. If the invitees can’t actually access the meeting, the overall purpose is lost.

2. Engage participants

Although it might seem normal to jump right into the presentation, taking a moment to introduce participants can go a long way. This helps build relationships, and makes the meeting feel less rushed.

Though it may seem cliché, having everyone give a little information about themselves, like their favorite food, or the highlight of their weekend, could be a great icebreaker. It allows everyone to see the other participants as more than just a face on a computer screen.

3. No side conversations

Side conversations can be unbelievably distracting to all participants, even if you’re not on screen at the moment. Not only can side conversations grab the concentration of the presenter, it can distract other attendees and deter from the point of the meeting.

There are many things you can do to produce a more effective and productive virtual meeting, and these are just a few of those. For more ideas, check out this Inc. article.

Posted via email from Expert Data Labs

4 ways to keep employees motivated

4 ways to keep employees motivated

via Expert Data Labs Blog by EDL Admin on 4/8/11

Inspiring employees can often be hard to do when you’re running a small business. Funds are typically limited and there is not a lot of time to spare. Keeping your employees motivated, however, is critical to the success of your business.

There are plenty of ways to motivate employees that don’t include big bonuses or costly benefits. A hand-written thank you letter can go a long way when it comes to showing employee appreciation. Here are a few other ideas:

1. Ask for input

By asking for employees’ opinions, you are demonstrating that their ideas are valued. Employees are sure to be more inclined to work harder when they feel that their actions and opinions truly influence the company overall.

2. Change it up

Boredom can be one of the biggest de-motivators out there. Fortunately, there are a great deal of simple ways to derail boredom. Mixing up projects and responsibilities in an effort to allow employees to display their talents, even if they’re not completely work-related, can help inspire employees to work harder on all of their projects.

3. Focus on a great company culture

People really like working for companies that they feel are unlike the rest. Setting your company apart by integrating unique ideas into the company culture can help you find and retain great, motivated employees. Things like complimentary professional massages once a month can go a long way in creating a unique company culture.

4. Recognize people for a job well done

Working hard on something often feels like it was pointless if you are not acknowledged for doing it well. That’s why it is so essential to show some sort of recognition for your employees to keep them working just as hard.

Something as simple as a company-wide email highlighting their accomplishments can re-ignite motivation and make employees want to continue working hard. Although the attention may embarrass some, many people like to know that others recognize their effort.

All of these techniques are simple, affordable and can do wonders when it comes to motivating employees. Explore one or two of these ideas to see how they may affect employee morale and motivation.

For more employee motivation techniques, check out this article.

Posted via email from Expert Data Labs

How can Google Docs help boost productivity?

How can Google Docs help boost productivity?

via Expert Data Labs Blog by EDL Admin on 3/18/11

Google Docs is a cool tool that many of us are familiar with. Its professional uses are constantly expanding, and the most recent updates only increase its business benefits.

The commenting feature in Google Docs saw some big changes this week. Some of the most substantial updates include:

• Timestamps and profile pictures on comments
• The ability to edit and resolve comments
• Implementation of email notifications via @mentions

The email notifications feature is by far the most useful of these upgrades as they let you bring new people into the discussion as needed.

Since the notification will include the text of the comment, the team member does not need to have immediate access to Google Docs. He or she can simply reply to the email notification, and it will show up in the conversation.

In addition to the email notifications, the ability to edit and resolve comments will likely be very useful. Before, Google only allowed you to delete comments once an issue had been resolved. Now, you can “resolve” the comment and it will still be available for review. Now, you can check back and make sure that everything has been completed properly.

If distributed teams are working on a project, it can sometimes be difficult to make sure everyone is on the same page. Collaboration tools like Google Docs make it much simpler. The email alerts will let your team members know as soon as you need their help on a project and keep everyone in sync.

Having several people working on a document at the same time from different locations can get quite confusing. It’s easy to lose track of edits and it can be difficult to make sure you’re incorporating everyone’s input. These collaboration tools make the process much more streamlined.

If you’d like to learn more about the recent changes to Google Docs, take a look at this article.

Posted via email from Expert Data Labs