Two hats, one tool to empower and collaborate with clients

Expected and unexpected benefits of Dropbox

It quickly became clear that Dropbox would be useful beyond file storage. I expected that worries about slow performance or running out of storage were a thing of the past. What I didn’t expect was just how much Dropbox could improve communication and sharing media. 

Dropbox provides a simple process for clients to access files, review content and coordinate changes. I can send an audiobook project chapter by chapter, so clients have the flexibility to listen and leave comments over time instead of all at once. When I make changes, I can rely on reviewers’ detailed directions, which they can add at the exact places where changes need to be made.

These streamlined communications have helped to move projects forward faster. Dropbox is easily accessible from any device, and because everyone can leave comments and notes in Dropbox, there’s less confusion and miscommunication about edits. Everyone is happier with the final result. And my audio book clients, like Nilgiri Press, love it.

Celebrating the human moments

When I’m not producing audio, I often don my hat as a humanist celebrant. I create ceremonies and rituals for people who don’t necessarily ascribe to a particular religion or faith. As part of this work, I develop and share scripts with clients to get their feedback when creating a ceremony. Shortly after, I realised Dropbox’s potential for audio content, I also started using the platform in my humanist work.

When I meet with clients and discuss what they’re looking to get out of their ceremony, I’ll often take handwritten notes. It’s usually a fairly intimate conversation where people share personal details, and from that, we create one-of-a-kind events. Before using Dropbox, I was stuck with a pile of paper after those conversations. But now, I can take a picture of my notes and upload them to Dropbox where all parties involved can access that file throughout the process. 

Recently, I began using Dropbox Paper, which has given clients more agency in the work as it evolves. They’re more willing to jump right in and provide feedback. In Paper, clients can edit sections and add other materials, even photos, in real time. The result is a more collaborative process that leads to more personalised and creative ceremonies. 

Cloud features that combine flexibility and security

Working on multiple devices has become the norm, and now that I use Dropbox, I can stay efficient while moving freely. Because everything’s in the cloud, anyone can access the files they need from wherever they are. Even if I only have a few minutes here and there, I can make small changes or review my notes. 

This has also become useful when I encounter referrals. I have nearly 7,000 files of my previous events and ceremonies. But when someone contacts me and mentions a particular speech or oration from a friend’s funeral or their sibling’s wedding, Dropbox’s simple interface allows me to open up the file on the spot. I can connect with people quickly and begin to identify their likes and preferences.

People want a celebrant to be a safe pair of hands. Since they trust me with personal, sometimes sensitive, information I can assure them that Dropbox fulfils encryption and data security requirements. I enjoy that it’s separate from growing privacy concerns with the larger providers. Since I pay for the service, I feel in control of the content, making it both functional and reassuring.