10 Cool Uses for Google Docs and Spreadsheets

Information Archiving Applications

1. User IDs and Passwords

I have one doc for work related logins and the other for personal logins. For extra security, I write in my password reminders instead of actual passwords. I just list the application name, URL, user name and password reminder.

2. Insurance Details

It gives me piece of mind knowing that important insurance policies are listed in one place. I just list the type of insurance (e.g life, home, care), company, account number, coverage amount (if applicable), toll free number to call.

3. Birthdays

Although its good to also list these on whatever calendar application you use, I find it helpful to list them in one simple document sorted by date.

4. Resume

Even if you're not actively in job search, placing your resume in Google Docs comes in handy. No matter where you are, when opportunities exist, your latest resume can be send from any internet enabled PC or device.

Collaboration Applications

5. Kids athletic schedules

Yes, I know that Google Calendars or other personal calendaring is best for this, but I find it difficult sometimes to find the time to type each practice and game. Posting the schedule as a Google Doc is a quick way to get the entire on your "radar" very quickly. If the schedule changes, either my wife or me changes on the Google Doc and we are set.

6. Car Care

This is a good one for a Google Spreadsheet. Just do a simple spreadsheet record of the maintenance items performed on your car (oil change, tune up, tire rotation etc.). I keep it simple and only include a few of the basic pieces of information (maintenance description, date, approximate mileage, provider).

7. Recipes

We're doing this as a Google Spreadsheet. We have different worksheet tabs for each major food category (Meals, Appetizers, Desserts). This makes it easy as there is only one document for Recipes. Family members and friends who are invited to this document share their special recipes. I always know where to go to learn how to make grandma's special Norweigian pancakes.

8. Movie Recommendations

I'm always on the lookout for less known movies to enjoy. Friends belonging to this shared doc have the opportunity to list a movie they liked. I use Google Spreadsheet with a tab for Action, Drama, Commedy and Kids. A person listing a movie just types in the movie name, why they liked it and their own name. Others in the shared doc can add a posting under an existing movie with their agreement or disagreement.

9. Home Maintence Vendors

This is a great one to include a few neighbors in. List the names and telephone numbers of especially helpful home maintenance vendors. Have entries for plumbers, electricians, painters, general handy work, landscaping etc. Encourage those who list vendors to supply a short blurb on why they recommend the vendor.

10. Baby Sitter List

Another great neighborhood application. List the names and phone numbers of your favorite baby sitters and invite your neighbors to do the same. Even sharing this list with just 3-5 families can produce a nice list of trusted baby sitters.

Looking for something else cool? Turn Outlook email into a sales productivity tool!