You know when you think you’ve got a good hold on a tool? You’re proficient and use it all the time, feeling pretty good, then BAM! Someone shows you a simple trick that makes it WAY better! Like Instagram filters or no-knead bread.
Well, this week I had the pleasure of learning from Brian Tarallo and Lauren Green of Lizard Brain and they showed me with style and wit that I was missing out on the major potential of one little tool and what it can do for online collaboration: Google Docs.
Here’s what I love about Google Docs:
This tool is free.
It’s easy to use! If you know how to use Word, you know how to use it.
With a great workshop or meeting design, Docs supports highly interactive, relationship-building, actionable meetings.
Here are three take-aways I’m putting into action with my Google Docs right away:
Use Format tools to make navigation easy. Using headers for each section so participants can click on the navigation bar on the left and be able to quickly find and jump to any section. Set the background color to make tables and other images pop out.
Use Add-Ons. Not into drawing but into visuals? Check out the Noun Project for icons and Pixabay for stunning photos. Having trouble staying on time? Use the Meeting Timer to herd your cats and keep things moving. Want to quickly pull themes from text? Try Word Cloud Generator – drop it in and ask for reactions from your group.
No Google Account? No Problem! When sharing your Doc with the group, click “Get Sharable Link” and be sure to set access to “Anyone with the link can edit” -- no need to create an account to join!
Bonus tip: Send people the link ahead of time and ask them to spend 15 minutes familiarizing themselves. That way, you can all jump right in during the meeting!
Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.
Cheers,
Where in the Virtual World is ConverSketch?
Graphic recording for ARS and the Water Research vision for agriculture and sustainability. This is the third remote collaboration workshop we’ve held with over 40 researchers tuning in from all over the country to co-create the future!
Visual coaching and vision mapping with a local start-up focused on facilitating access to local, healthy food that supports equity and disrupts the current industrial food system. Front Range locals, ping me to learn more!
You and your team deserve to make the most of your time. Let’s talk about designing a meeting or workshop that leaves you energized and clear on how to continue moving forward!