Web Tool Review: Google Notebook

Google Notebook is now available to use for free. I will let Google define Notebook and then I will talk about how small businesses can benefit:

"With Google Notebook, you can browse, clip, and organize information from across the web in a single online location that's accessible from any computer. Planning a trip? Researching a product? Just add clippings to your notebook. You don't ever have to leave your browser window."

Picture an online filing cabinet that has unlimited storage and doesn't take up any space. Each row of cabinets is called a "notebook." Your notebooks contain what notebooks often contain - notes, ideas, things to remember, clippings, phone numbers, pictures, etc. - the stuff you jot down or need to keep close-by and have ready at moment's notice. If your small business had a filing cabinet (Notebook) called "Sales," then that Notebook may contain sales leads you've jotted down, an article from the online edition of your local newspaper's business section, directions to your post-lunch sales meeting, etc.

OK, now that you have some idea of what Google Notebook is, let's briefly explore how it works and then look at actual benefits (the whole reason this darn post exists!)

You'll need a free Google account to log-in and use Notebook. Once you're properly outfitted with your new account, you can log-in and let the fun begin. Adding things to your Notebook is simple, with fast, single-click, intuitive steps and a super-clean-and-crystal-clear interface. You can take notes from a call, grab that link you've been meaning to save or just write down that great idea you had earlier today! Notebooks can be organized into sections, for example, your Sales Notebook may have sections for Leads, Clients, Marketing, etc. Notes, sections or entire Notebooks can be deleted and added. You can also share any of your Notebooks, if you choose, by making them "public."

So, what can Google Notebook do for you? Well, the Sales Notebook example is a good one. I've used Notebook today to take notes during a conference call today. I also made a quick list of file attachments I needed to send to a colleague. Later, I saved a few links for a large project I am working on and published the links to my team by making the Notebook public. While browsing this evening, I had a brainstorm and typed some quick notes in my Ideas Notebook. I can now access those ideas (and all of my Notebooks!) from any computer, share them with the world and best of all...these online filing cabinets never need to be moved.

(The true genius of Notebook is the ability to automatically add things to your Notebooks directly from your web browser without having to go to the Notebook page and log-in to your account as usual. This is done via an "Extension" to your browser. More on Extensions coming soon.)

Tonight, I set up Notebooks for my business, my family and even my golf game. They all contain easy-to-organize and easy-to-find links, articles, notes, ideas and helpful information I may need anytime. Google Notebook is a very handy tool for small businesses that I would recommend trying to see whether its for you. It still has some room to grow (import/export functions, labels or "tags" for Notebook items, being able to add to your Notebooks via email), but as with most Google products, it will probably get better with age.

Are you using Notebook? Leave your comments and let me know you like it, how you're using it or any other thoughts regarding Google's newest product.

Comments

[Tanny]

Have given it a try - really great for making notes while researching the web. Another great thing is that is not limited to just your PC or laptop but can be accesses from any PC

[Cortland Coleman]

Tanny,

Notes and other things you need close by are SO easy to handle within Notebook. The "any PC" feature is a core strength. I also like the feature to create Sections within Notebooks and the ability to publish entire Notebooks. Plus, Notebook is just 1 day old. Google will continue to roll out Notebook features, making it a more compelling service and, eventually, a 'must-use' tool for web-savvy small businesses.

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