Today, sharing information has become second nature thanks to a long list of online social services. One often underused service that can make a big difference in terms of time-saving is Google's free personal profile page.
A Google Profile can be set up easily and will develop into something you'll wonder how you ever did without. It's a handy business card, personal launchpad/start page and bookmark service all in one.
Here are handy tweaks to make your really Google Profile work for you:
You need a Gmail account of course, and I recommend registering a name you’d prefer in your profile URL; for example http://google.com/profiles/XXXXX
When later linked to your free Google Reader, this will automatically be your site name, i.e., "XXXXX Shared Items on Google Reader."
1. Using Sidewiki
My Google Profile has come alive with Sidewiki. My profile isn’t merely a convenient launchpad, it’s become a blog and sharing station all in one.
2. Gmail Widget
You can use a Firefox add-on called Blank Canvas Gmail Signatures and then embed your Google Profile at the end of each email you send. This way, people can get a better idea of what you're about, especially if your Google Profile is really slick.
3. Google Reader Shared Items
I’ve set up my Sidewiki with Google Reader, so you’ll find you’re able to use your Google Reader Shared Items ‘blog’ more intuitively too. Toggle on the setting to show Google Reader Shared Items when you set up your Google Profile.
4. QR Codes in Place of Photos
This is a bit of fun but could be really handy. Upload QR Codes for your sites and then they may be used to reference other links. QR Codes can be scanned by cell phones and then reveal links to Web pages.
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