Google'lize
Simple and Focused gProductivity with Jeff VanDrimmelen
The VerbToday, the verb “google” means so much more than looking up something with Google’s search engine. It now means to look up anything on the Internet. To “google” someone or something, you can use Google or any other search engine. Even when using a competitor’s product, most folks say, “Google it.” It quickly became the generic use, in much the same way that “Xerox®” became an interchangeable verb for “copy.”
Google technologies are tools that are simple, ubiquitous, and flexible, and these three points really describe all Google products. The company works really hard to make sure that every one of their products is easy to use, available on as many platforms and in as many places as possible, and flexible enough to meet everyone’s needs.
I would apply this same freedom to the word Google’lize. There are many products created by people outside Google that also fit these guiding Google principles. I would argue that any technology that is simple, ubiquitous, and flexible could be classified as a “Google” technology in the broadest sense of the word. These technologies work together to help you Google’lize Your Life, and as you’ll learn, Google’lizing your life means greater productivity.
About JeffJeff VanDrimmelen has given technology workshops and presentations from California to North Carolina to New York. His specialty is using technology to manage our time, and also does presentations about building websites and the power of the web.
He has taught at the high school and collegiate level and holds a Master of Arts in German and a MBA with an IT Management Emphasis.
He has consulted with individuals, educational institutions and businesses all over the world about ways they can better use technology including:
- Educause National Conference 1/2 day Seminar Presenter 2009, 2010
- The Korea Society of America
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- American Society for Information and Technology
- Independent Communicators Alliance
He is available for organizational consultations and workshops. You can contact him at jeff@googlelize.com.
