Google Reader is an automated way to get your news and blog updates in one place, and it's free with a Google account. It's a way to subscribe to online feeds and have them delivered straight to your email.

Instead of having the daily paper delivered to your door step, have the news and updates on subjects of interest to you delivered to your email where you can peruse them at your convenience.

1. Subscribe to the news feeds and blogs you want, then read the new postings and updates at your leisure.

2. Google Reader makes it easy to keep track of the feeds you have already read.

3. Take advantage of keyboard shortcuts to share any key items you find useful with others in your network.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get started with your free Google Reader account

You can sign up for a free Google Reader account in a matter of minutes. It is done through Google and is quite simple.

I recommend: Sign in to Google Reader with your Google username and password. If you don't already have a Google account, you can set one up on the spot. You can get help with Google Reader by searching Google Reader Help.

Find the Google Reader training you need

Google strives to make its interfaces as user-friendly as possible. There are help files and step-by-step instructions which enable you to get set up and working. You may want or need more in-depth instruction in order to feel you are fully utilizing Google Reader, so take advantage of tutorials and other training.

I recommend: Get a hands-on introduction to Google Reader by going through the Google Reader Tour. Visit the handy Newbies Guide that walks you through the basics of Google Reader and RSS feeders; it includes shortcuts and scripts.

Delve in with more Google Reader information and helpful resources

Hire a Google Reader consultant for Google Reader advice and the application setup help you need. You'll pay for their services, but it may be worth it to your company to have professional Google Reader advice on how best to utilize this RSS feed organizer.

I recommend: Webshare is an authorized Google Consultant agency with people available to assist you with any Google Reader questions and concerns you may have. Check out TechRepublic's resources for Google Reader to see if any of the applications can enhance your Google Reader usage experience.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Set up a Google Reader feed for anything you find interesting, whether it is business-related or personal. If after a couple of weeks the content isn't grabbing you, simply unsubscribe.