It’s a hot technology, a buzzword and a phrase that gets misused in countless different ways – I’m talking about “the cloud.” Whether this concept inspires you, humors you or just plain confuses you, it’s one that is worth getting to know and ultimately embracing.
Cloud technology has already proven to be the present and the future of how we interact with each other on a daily basis. You may be using cloud technology without even noticing! Now I don’t claim to know much more than the Average Joe on the particular topic of a hosted private cloud; however, a topic I do write about frequently is time management. For me, better time management and working “in the cloud” are closely related.
In an infographic created by SingleHop.com, you can get an idea of just some of the ways in which people are using cloud technology to streamline work and take social life and entertainment on the go.
I now want to share with you six key ways in which I personally utilize cloud technology in both my social and professional life to increase efficiency and decrease costs. Let’s take a look…
- Access files on the go
This is likely one of the biggest and most common uses of cloud technology, so I would imagine many of you can already speak to this benefit. I store all of my client documents, personal documents, photos etc. on DropBox.com. I don’t require much space, so I still qualify for the freebie account, which is an added bonus (because I love a good deal).
By keeping my files in “the cloud,” I can access them anywhere, anytime on my phone or with other devices like my iPad. I can’t tell you how many times this has made me look like some uber sophisticated consultant in a client meeting when I can reference spreadsheets or pull up design proofs at a moment’s notice. It’s also been a great tool to improve efficiency because I can send (and re-send) a document to a client even when I’m out of the office all day.
- Replace the need to email myself notes, reminders, files, etc.
If you have ever emailed yourself a file or photo so that you could transfer it from one device to another, raise your hand. I’m going to assume you are all raising your hands. I’m guilty too! It wasn’t until I embraced cloud technology that I realized there’s a far better way to do this. If I want to take a photo from my phone and transfer it to my computer, I simply upload it into my cloud (there’s an app for that) and it appears in its proper folder in mere seconds.
- Share big files
Luckily, I don’t have to deal with sharing large files often, but I’ve learned that with cloud technology what was formerly a BIG inconvenience of a BIG file is now just one more step in the process.
After an event, I often have a slew of photos to share with a client. Even the highest resolution images can be plopped into a folder, put in my cloud and then shared with the client (who is enabled access to just that folder and not my whole computer). Even my least tech-savvy clients have no trouble clicking the link and accessing the materials. This has been a big headache reducer and time saver!
- Reduce physical file storage – and costs
Late last year, I upgraded my work laptop (which was as beneficial for workflow as it was for tax deductions). Like any new “toy,” I wanted to keep it as clean as possible for as long as possible without junking it down with old files and photos from my old computer. I’ve been able to selectively decide what I keep on my hard drive, because everything else can…you guessed it…go in my cloud.
Furthermore, the cost of purchasing more physical storage for your computer is a greater investment than paying for more cloud storage.
- Plan for growth
I’ve strategically built my business to be flexible so it can accommodate growth as well as slow seasons. The use of cloud technology is just one more way in which I accomplish this. I can quickly expand into more storage space if ever and whenever I need it. For now, that’s not a forefront issue, but in the future it might be. I like knowing that the possibility is always at my fingertips with a simple upgrade that doesn’t require a professional IT person installing pricey hardware.
- Gaining peace of mind
Finally and most importantly, cloud technology gives me the peace of mind that my files are stored somewhere other than physically on my computer. Heaven forbid a cup of coffee should make its way onto my keyboard or a small house fire should take place. But if Murphy’s Law proves true, I like knowing that I can hop on another device and access my insurance policy, among other documents…while pouring a new cup of coffee, of course.
Again, here is the infographic produced by SingleHop.com that I referenced above. If “life in the cloud” still seems like a far-fetched reality for you, take a closer look at some of the ways in which you can begin to use this technology for personal and professional benefit.
What are some other ways you keep your “head in the cloud” on a daily basis and use cloud technology to make your life easier? Share your ideas by commenting below!
