Google is a household name when it comes to Internet search engines. Many people are familiar with Google's gmail. Most American households recognize and/or have heard of Google Maps due in part to the recent use in the news,  yet when you start asking people if they have heard of Google Groups, Sites or Documents not as many people are familiar and even more people are not aware of the customizing features available in designing their own iGoogle page.

You could say that I am one that has jumped on the Google "bandwagon." I have found that Google has many different tools which help ease and clarify communication in an already busy world.  For example, my daughter's soccer team has a Google Site- every parent has access and can find links to all things related to our team in a private environment- our site is only set to be viewable by members. Within the first month of the soccer season all parents knew where to go and how to access information about our team.

Another example of how I have fully embraced Google and all it has to offer is another tool called Google Groups. Our local Girl Scout Service Area team has a group site that is for all Girl Scout leaders and parents in our community. We share service project ideas and maintain a calendar for events happening within our group. The difference between the Google Site and Google Group is that in the Google Group members can contibute content. When content is added or changed on any page an e-mail with updated information is generated and sent out to all members of the group.  Last year was the initial use of Google Groups. Our members spent some time on this group- but it didn't really take off until this year when a larger amount of people within our group became more comfortable using online networks. Our most recent use of yet another Google tool was administering a Google Spreadsheet Template to conduct a Service Area survey. Oh, and I forgot to mention our Google Calendar! What a fantastic tool.  The Google Calendar keeps track of all Service Area events and sends reminders to all leaders about upcoming events and monthly meetings. Google and the many tools available has definitely improved communications with this non-profit group and to top it off all the tools assisted us in accomplishing our goals without breaking the bank.

Want to be supported while off line?  Believe it or not, Google also supports you when you are not online- SMS messaging or GOOG-411 are just some of the ways that Google can support you while accessing your mobile phone. I am amazed that you can find help without even being connected to the Internet. 

So if you have a free afternoon and want to learn about the many awesome tools available free to you, I suggest you explore Google and see what they have to offer.  I would bet money that the time you spend will be time well spent. Don't hesitate, get going now, www.google.com