And in case you missed it, last week Google launched the Small Business Blog which is worth subscribing to in your Google Reader or email.

Step 5 of the DIY Google Apps Migration Workshop

Step 1: Domain Confirmation & Migration Workshop Overview
Step 2: Google Apps Registration & Domain Verification
Step 3: Google Apps Configuration
Step 4: Migrating Mail, Contacts & Calendar

• One-time switch to Google Apps configurations

• How to go get the details you’ll need to migrate existing mail, calendar and contacts.

• Third-party application and device configuration i.e. Outlook, Apple Mail, BlackBerry and iPhone

Step 4 of the DIY Google Apps Migration Workshop

If you’re just now joining the workshop, you’re just in time! Using the tutorials I’ve prepared, you should be able to get Google Apps up and running for your domain this weekend. The consolidated view of the steps we’ve covered is right here or check out a specific video below.

Step 3: Google Apps Configuration
Step 2: Google Apps Registration & Domain Verification
Step 1: Domain Confirmation & Migration Workshop Overview

Subscribe to the RSS feed or check back on Monday for the final step of migrating to Google Apps!

• Adding Additional Applications

• Update User Profile

• Domain Settings

• Email, Calendar and Mobile Settings

Step 3 of the DIY Google Apps Migration Workshop

In the event that you’re just now joining the workshop series, you can take a look at the previous steps by going to Google Apps Migration or clicking one of the links below.

Step 2: Google Apps Registration & Domain Verification
Step 1: Domain Confirmation & Migration Workshop Overview

Check back in the next day or two or just subscribe to the RSS feed

• Register for the 30 Day Free Trial of Google Apps Premier Edition requires a credit card. Google will not bill you until the 31st day and during that time you can cancel or downgrade at anytime. The Premier Edition also gives you access to several of the migration tools that will make your life much easier.

• When registering your administrator account, I strongly recommend using Admin@YOUR-DOMAIN instead of your existing email address.

• Leave a comment on the video site if you get stuck along the way.

Step 2 of the DIY Google Apps Migration Workshop

Look for the next step tomorrow or just subscribe to our RSS feed

Step 1 of the DIY Google Apps Migration Workshop

Look for the next step in the next day or two, just subscribe to our RSS feed

Who is best suited to participate in the Google Apps Migration Workshop?

People from small businesses/organizations that are not currently using Google Apps.

What is the DIY Google Apps Migration Workshop going to cover?

While I tagged it DIY (Do It Yourself) you wont be alone. I’ll be guiding you through every step of the way. We’ll cover every and I mean everything, that you’ll need to get Google Apps setup for your domain.

When is it taking place? What if I can’t attend?

We’ll start the first step today, Monday, July 12th after 1PM PST.

Where will the workshop take place?

I’ll be posting the workshop materials right here on the Rubis Solutions website.

Why are you holding a free workshop and giving this content away?

I learn something from someone, somewhere online everyday, so I thought it would be nice to share. And then of course there’s the fact (my opinionated fact that is) that Google Apps is the most value added tool for businesses…especially small business, organizations, solopreneurs and hobbiests with a penchant for awesomeness.

Alright folks, it’s a big week coming up. Check back a little later this afternoon or subscribe to the RSS feed for the workshop posts.

After over a year of working with Google Apps, I’ve heard my fair share of frustrated complaints and horror stories about how ambiguous migrating to Google Apps can be. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many distressed phone calls I’ve received after botched Google Apps migration attempts.

From my notes…

• “Nearly a month ago I was setup on Google Apps but I don’t like the fact that I can’t use Outlook anymore.”
• “We setup Google Apps for our business internally but for some reason we’re getting duplicate emails and we can’t share calendars.”
• “Deploying Google Apps is easy, just change the MX record and you’re done.”

It’s not that Google Apps setup and migration is rocket science, it’s just that like any other technology there are several common oversights. Let’s get real folks, in all likelihood you’ll only have to setup Google Apps once. Why not get the right information at the right time and avoid the headache?

Want to learn more?

Check back on Monday or subscribe to the RSS feed.

Recently, while on a business trip, one of our Google Apps users had a bit of a scare. He managed to temporarily misplace his mobile phone. Fortunately, he was able to track it down and it was in safe hands…unfortunately, it was 500 miles away. Here’s something you may have heard about Google Apps or perhaps forgotten. Google Apps supports remote wipes i.e. removing all the data and returning it to the factory settings.

What’s not to like? Is your Google Apps account setup properly?

There are so many time saving nuggets baked into Google Apps that it’s no surprise that you may have overlooked this one. This guide shows you how to save time and increase productivity by using Templates in Google Docs. By the time you finish (5-8 minutes) you’ll see how it can save you time.

Checkout our latest user guide…

Template Creation Basics in Google Docs

Important: Enable new version of Google Docs, see the guide or go to Google Docs > Settings > Edit and enable the new version.