Google is a lifesaver. There are no two ways to do it. As a professional, Google has invaluable features including but not limited to its search function, actions, and its advertising clout. However, there is so much more to it than it is capable of, that most of us are barely scratching the surface.

Here are some nifty little hacks we’ve collected over the years:

1. Type using your voice (No more tense fingers)

Sure, we’ve all used Google search on our phones and know that it has a fantastic voice search feature. But, this feature can do much more. Google Docs (the cloud-based version of a text editor) is getting more powerful every day and includes voice-based typing as part of its features. With a few weeks of practice, the AI ​​is capable of perfectly understanding human speech, whatever its accent. As a fun fact, this article has been written using voice typing!

2. Timer: know when to come back after a break

Google has a calendar that professionals use a lot. However, in its bid to replace offline apps with cloud-based real-time systems, the software giant has introduced a small but extremely useful widget in the form of a timer feature. Capable of counting down, it is useful for keeping track of time leading up to a meeting or restarting a professional appointment after a break. Just search “Timer” in the Google search bar to access this feature.

3. Calculator: Calculate on the go

Another applet introduced by Google is the calculator function, which eliminates the need for an external application. Simply Google the calculation you need to do, and the website is capable of handling arithmetic, percentages, or just about any other calculation done by professionals.

4. Conversions: Convert on the go

Dealing with international transactions is often a troublesome affair, due to the simple reason that currencies fluctuate in value relative to each other. Google offers real-time conversion from one currency to another. Let’s say you need to know the value of £16.50 in US dollars. All you have to do is type “Convert 16.5 GBP to USD” in the search bar.

5. Make perfect drawings: you don’t have to be an artist

Autodraw.com is a nifty little website for when you want to illustrate your articles, but just can’t find the right clip-art/stock image. By drawing a very rough version of the image in mind, you’ll end up with cute little clip art that will fit your purpose perfectly.

6. Language Translation: Be a Pro in Multiple Languages

Google translate is already the most trusted option for tourists in a foreign country for native language translation. However, most of the professionals have not yet realized that this software has an extremely important application in their respective fields. It provides a fast and efficient way to translate any blog/article that has already been written, into another prominent language, like Spanish for example, greatly expanding the target audience.

7. Store documents: without fear of the disk crashing

We all keep important documents and drafts on our computers or hard drives. However, there are significant risks in doing so. Loss or damage of the storage media will also cause data loss. Therefore, a widely recommended software today is Google Drive, which is a cloud-based document storage medium. You don’t even need the storage medium to work with the documents, as it can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. As a bonus, it makes sharing any of these documents incredibly easy, and all you need to know is the recipient’s email address.

8. Set Reminders for Special Days – Save Your Marriage

As part of your calendar app, you can easily set reminders for the future from the Google app (for mobile devices) or the website. All you have to do is type (or say out loud), “Set a reminder for” and enter the name of the reminder and the time you want to receive the reminder.

9. Flowchart – Don’t worry if you don’t have MS Visio

Free software is great, right? However, there is a small problem. There isn’t much of that on the internet. We’ve often been asked by aspiring BAs and others if they have to buy flowcharting software. The good thing is that Google Docs takes care of all that. It allows us total freedom in the design of the graphics, and it is a fast and efficient way to make them. Here is a link that gives detailed instructions on how to make flowcharts using Docs. Here is quite an interesting video for the same https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=asNa86jsWmc.

10. Mind maps: impress your colleagues

The same happens with mental maps, another resource widely used by graduates and other professionals. Fortunately, Google Docs is our savior once again. Here is the link with all the details. https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=ILCLo2v_9eQ

Oh Google, what would we do without you?

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