There’s a new button in town! Do you have it? Do you get it?
If you are already a fan of Google, you’ve probably already started playing around with Google Plus 1. If you aren’t using Gmail, don’t have a Google profile or just don’t want to be bothered with another social networking tool, you can stop reading right now.
In one short week, this tool has exploded. People across industries are experimenting with this multifaceted platform. Google is trying to blend the sharing experiences of its users and it goes beyond just content-sharing.
Google + has features of Twitter, Facebook, social bookmarks, and video chatting all rolled into one.
Circles: You can create circles of friends, family, or other groups you regularly want to be connected to and share information
Sparks: Google gathers information on hot topics or topics of interest in this feature. You can specify what sparks your interest!
Hangouts: Very cool feature allows real-time group video chatting with up to 10 people! (Now up to 25 people)
Mobile: Smart phones mean more and more of us are using our phones for everything. We are not locked to our PCs. Mobile allows you to share group messages from your phone using Huddle.
Overviews of Google +
The official low-down by Google. Introducing the Google + Project
Google+: First Tips and Tricks from Social Media Today
Why Google + Is NOT a Good Personal Branding Tool from Personal Branding Blog (by Jacob Share)
Using Google + Features:
HOW TO: Search Google Plus Profiles for People and Companies by AvidCareerist
Video for Business by Chris Brogan
Using Google Plus to Source Ideas by Chris Brogan
Google Hangouts Gives the “Alive Web” a big boost from GigaOm
I think the feature I am most excited about testing is “Hangouts”. What have you started exploring?
Hannah Morgan speaks and writes about job search and career strategies. She founded CareerSherpa.net to educate professionals on how to maneuver through today’s job search process. Hannah was nominated as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Job Search and Careers and is a regular contributor to US News & World Report. She has been quoted by media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, Money Magazine, Huffington Post, as well as many other publications. She is also author of The Infographic Resume and co-author of Social Networking for Business Success.
