What level of Google Workspace expertise do I need for basic business operations versus advanced automation?
Basic operations like email, file sharing, and document collaboration require beginner-level skills that most users can learn quickly. However, advanced automation with Apps Script, complex permission structures, organizational management, and integrations with other business tools require intermediate to advanced expertise that takes months to develop properly.
How can I tell if someone actually knows Google Workspace well versus just listing it on their resume?
Ask them to explain the difference between shared drives and My Drive, how they'd handle a data migration, or describe a Google Apps Script they've written. Real experts can discuss organizational units, security policies, and troubleshooting sync issues. They should also mention specific advanced features like QUERY functions in Sheets or integration challenges they've solved.
Can Google Workspace replace all our current business tools, or are there limitations I should know about?
Google Workspace excels at communication, collaboration, and basic productivity but isn't a complete business solution. You'll still need specialized tools for CRM, project management, accounting, or industry-specific functions. However, it integrates well with most business tools through APIs and third-party connectors, making it a strong central hub for your operations.
How well does Google Workspace integrate with the other tools we're already using?
Google Workspace has excellent integration capabilities through its APIs, Google Apps Script, and third-party platforms like Zapier. It connects seamlessly with popular tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, and most project management platforms. However, some integrations require custom setup or ongoing maintenance, which is where expert-level knowledge becomes valuable.
How long does it typically take to set up Google Workspace for our business or migrate from another platform?
Basic setup for a small team takes 1-2 days, but complete migration with proper organizational structure, security policies, and integrations typically takes 2-4 weeks for most businesses. Large organizations or complex migrations from platforms like Exchange can take 2-3 months. The timeline depends heavily on data volume, custom requirements, and how much training your team needs.
What kind of ongoing support or maintenance does Google Workspace need after initial setup?
Google Workspace requires regular user management, security policy updates, and periodic optimization of workflows and integrations. Most businesses need ongoing support for adding new users, troubleshooting issues, updating permissions, and maintaining custom Apps Script solutions. Plan for 5-10 hours monthly for a medium-sized business, more if you're heavily using automation and integrations.