[techtalk] Why Use Google Alerts

Wed Nov 27 15:10:57 PST 2024

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Set up alerts to stay informed

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[An hourglass with blue sand sits on a laptop keyboard, symbolizing the passage of time or deadlines in a digital context.]<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019ORr_VJ2eJ7roomY6sHxaP3fgWZUMMsMVfu1m0LOxeEzkKlWLwI-nn960mMl0bLBZ5j8ulIOCYqAWclTwanQNHx8qchU41I07omUtMojwrBsugJp5cPRHepplpZHPd7bEEotwVzyyohK5Ctxmxgrg7U9AC60CQAn3tmjRWkfoVurpqS_0PotESdfFhde9n-5&c=2MC3Mge0kijnQHJq9Pdqda6gI-mQ_kwjIbOBSRmDHptkdYqT3mwQDg==&ch=QZ5wfkNgnmUbyBp8rT9vVDCwfT-8gGYKiqmq7y_dRai2svy_2iVoIw==>

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019ORr_VJ2eJ7roomY6sHxaP3fgWZUMMsMVfu1m0LOxeEzkKlWLwI-nibfmW-z1PVeSRSnX2SHEjPTS6DRrHaf6yVM6M4QW1Cd94BNmOwS-OQpnbKG7VvRgSo-dOQrGszt-Nia8ZwkM0yOaIuIlb-Dq0YrDaGTeeEg4ITUdtyLobs3lW0EwoufUbrNSBF3YAZ_81RURzil7z5PAJzNdftheIknxcqhBg8wK_aDtv-gjr89k7qQuho7gX2a0ahrmG2pPrj6x6OHC7HZAAunb55tUQ==&c=2MC3Mge0kijnQHJq9Pdqda6gI-mQ_kwjIbOBSRmDHptkdYqT3mwQDg==&ch=QZ5wfkNgnmUbyBp8rT9vVDCwfT-8gGYKiqmq7y_dRai2svy_2iVoIw==> on Unsplash<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019ORr_VJ2eJ7roomY6sHxaP3fgWZUMMsMVfu1m0LOxeEzkKlWLwI-nn960mMl0bLBwu-XdFjfdbLx_MoSotkoGtNDRvbMfhTXcJgIU6Q9s31vOKyFZ6d7z_DlTovbze8ZQ9JfpNSUX-F5YRyxmBmJOSGiyH_9z9wR781PCFq9ytXwirCxht9sV0ixmmTJtyDCbFuhKsYbVVCjQqhL45BxwmhzYDewFL2D5KZsi6dVtXDKhEEGYg3J-rcQQOosRlYrPmUgbWW1QLPPEPHIsaQqlMWms2bjiUOnoF2hNOxalTe0p-M0HJNvDw==&c=2MC3Mge0kijnQHJq9Pdqda6gI-mQ_kwjIbOBSRmDHptkdYqT3mwQDg==&ch=QZ5wfkNgnmUbyBp8rT9vVDCwfT-8gGYKiqmq7y_dRai2svy_2iVoIw==>

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Webinars for You

NOTE: Most webinars begin at 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 Noon PT and are one hour long.

Dec 4: [GOOGLE] Navigating Google Drive - A "Getting Started" Webinar.

Why attend? You're new to Google or need better understanding.

Dec 18: [GRAPHICS] Finding No-Cost Copyright-Free Images, Videos and Music Why attend? Save money with these resources.

Jan 8: [MOBILE] WhatsApp: Stay Connected with This NO-Cost Mobile App. Why attend? Learn how this app can be a communications tool.

Jan 22: [EXCEL/G-Sheets] 9 Powerful Chart Types to Tell Your Story Why Attend? You want to spruce up your spreadsheet data with visuals.

View Webinars and Register Here<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019ORr_VJ2eJ7roomY6sHxaP3fgWZUMMsMVfu1m0LOxeEzkKlWLwI-njuAkDnr0y5-sICKs3OuSAVfc5gyexeRpiREfEZurMvd0abu6-0PlWbbMQmxj1mxOJx3cxV82D5VLk6kaKUZ-0hlY1hA57BVG2FZRcCO9o0azPupmOIqdTs=&c=2MC3Mge0kijnQHJq9Pdqda6gI-mQ_kwjIbOBSRmDHptkdYqT3mwQDg==&ch=QZ5wfkNgnmUbyBp8rT9vVDCwfT-8gGYKiqmq7y_dRai2svy_2iVoIw==>

[GOOGLE/INTERNET] Why Use Google Alerts

Novice

Have you ever wondered what is being said on the Internet about you or your organization? Perhaps you've launched a product and would like to know how many news services and blogs have picked up your information.

[Google Alerts logo with a yellow bell icon.]

Wouldn't it be cool if every time you, your company or your product were mentioned on the Internet, you got a message in your inbox giving you links to all the items? And wouldn't it even be better if this service were free?

Google Alerts will do that and more! It’s the most simple process ever and, in some ways, is just like having your very own public relations firm and research department. It’s a free Google tool … and it can be used to keep you up-to-date on any area of interest to you.

[Google Alerts page showing alerts for "dealing with difficult people" and "New York Public Library".]

[Colorful flyer titled "Navigating Google Drive" with a Google Drive logo, a yellow folder, and the Tech-Talk logo.]

BONUS! Are you confused when working in the "Google world"?

Join us on December 4th for this webinar:

Navigating Google Drive - A "Getting Started" Webinar

Register Here<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019ORr_VJ2eJ7roomY6sHxaP3fgWZUMMsMVfu1m0LOxeEzkKlWLwI-njuAkDnr0y5-sICKs3OuSAVfc5gyexeRpiREfEZurMvd0abu6-0PlWbbMQmxj1mxOJx3cxV82D5VLk6kaKUZ-0hlY1hA57BVG2FZRcCO9o0azPupmOIqdTs=&c=2MC3Mge0kijnQHJq9Pdqda6gI-mQ_kwjIbOBSRmDHptkdYqT3mwQDg==&ch=QZ5wfkNgnmUbyBp8rT9vVDCwfT-8gGYKiqmq7y_dRai2svy_2iVoIw==>

How to Set Up an Alert

1. First go to www.google.com/alerts<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019ORr_VJ2eJ7roomY6sHxaP3fgWZUMMsMVfu1m0LOxeEzkKlWLwI-nv3aEncV0dJ5ZpanQJ_tBcKI2fvmUDWfcR7prcVRsDNWGbRL5fQ3sKzBEzJuwqR2u1ngjGNGE_e0iwNv618EQ6Uurv95IJVud8jYkHVxCDw-&c=2MC3Mge0kijnQHJq9Pdqda6gI-mQ_kwjIbOBSRmDHptkdYqT3mwQDg==&ch=QZ5wfkNgnmUbyBp8rT9vVDCwfT-8gGYKiqmq7y_dRai2svy_2iVoIw==>. Sign into your Google account to save your history.

[Google Alerts setup screen for "New York Public Library" with options for frequency, sources, language, region, and delivery email.]

2. Then, in the search box, type in the words you want watched and alerts will automatically be sent to you as the material appears.

·     Don't use single, generic keywords or you'll be flooded with non-specific results.

·     Use precise phrases to receive relevant results. Example: Don't use "decluttering". Instead, use "decluttering a home for quick sale."

·     Be sure to put a quote at the beginning and end of a phrase so it will look for the whole thing, not the independent words.

3. Then toggle the Show options window for more choices.

·     How often: 1) as-it-happens, 2) once a day, or 3) once a week
·     Sources: Where should the search be looking? News, Blogs, Web, etc.
·     Language: Select your preferance
·     Region: Any, United States, various other countries
·     How many: Only the best results or All results
·     Deliver to: Your Google email should be displayed

4. Click Create Alert. You will receive email messages based on your specifications.

Once you have the alerts created, you can return to Google.com/alerts to manage them with one click – changing the frequency or type of source you want them to scour.

Other Uses for Alerts

How else can you use this alert feature?

·     Follow a developing news story
·     Keeping current on a competitor or industry
·     Monitor your brand
·     Stay informed on specific topics
·     Getting the latest on a celebrity or event
·     Keeping tabs on your favorite sports team

Get creative – the options are endless!

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Communications: Phone

Introduce yourself first

When you're calling someone you don't know well (a company support center, a gym to make an appointment, a doctor's office) do you just start talking about what you want?

Or do you take time to introduce yourself first? Sure, when you start with your name, there is a strong likelihood that the individual will not "get it" or remember it, but the fact that you did say who you were will pay off.

As soon as you tell someone your name, you will have achieved an incrementally higher level of trust. Think about it. When people call you and just start talking about what they want, your guard goes up, right? "Who are you?" "What do you want?" are the messages your brain will process. You don't begin listening until this info is identified.

Yes, you can introduce yourself to almost everyone ... even people you do know. It's polite and effective.

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[Ask a question]<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019ORr_VJ2eJ7roomY6sHxaP3fgWZUMMsMVfu1m0LOxeEzkKlWLwI-nkrbiUSQyb7b5T2gtDykNFIj_dPlwC_vyG7M0hB3DGEScDoRyp_FinMCMqV579NFyr5QisP48LxdQTrRkQ3OJnZC6ajDYmrR7LVym3nbHRuKCqOzLyee6Yc=&c=2MC3Mge0kijnQHJq9Pdqda6gI-mQ_kwjIbOBSRmDHptkdYqT3mwQDg==&ch=QZ5wfkNgnmUbyBp8rT9vVDCwfT-8gGYKiqmq7y_dRai2svy_2iVoIw==>

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://libguides.osl.state.or.us/conted
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
971-375-3491 | darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:darci.hanning at slo.oregon.gov> | www.oregon.gov/library<http://www.oregon.gov/library>

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