I love Google Hangout.
Honestly, I’m a big fan of Google+ in general but Google Hangout is by far my favorite feature (If you’re not familiar with what Google Hangout is read Google Hangouts for Business by Social Media Examiner).
Even though I love Google+, I have been a little concerned about the social network based on some of the “A-Lister” articles I’ve been reading lately about inflated user numbers and lack of main-stream adoption.
But then again maybe reading A-Lister blogs is the problem in the first place (Unless you consider me an A-Lister… Then yes read and believe everything I write)…
Why I Love Google+
Very simply… Here are the reasons I love Google+:
- Clean and simple design
- Versatility to use as short-format, long-format or visual media sharing tool
- Intuitive commenting, sharing and acknowledging (+1) system
- Shared content given Google Search priority
- Ability to go live video chat at anytime (Google Hangout)
- Integrates with YouTube seamlessly
- Encourages ongoing conversation
- It’s Google
Why I Love Google Hangout
I’m going to gush a bit here but it’s just awesome. Ten people on video discussing topics in an understandable format with the ability to transition to any participants screen at any time while maintaining a test chat… And that’s just the base model.
There are an ever growing number of applications being developed including a App for Slideshare that just released which I am very jacked up about. Now I can develop a presentation for group I’m speaking to discuss the slides with event organizers in real time before we go live… For free.
I could go on and on but Google Hangout being awesome isn’t the point here.
Why Google+ Matters
I’m part of this insurance marketing mastermind group and every month we meet in a Google Hangout to discuss different marketing strategies and help each other grow our Online presence (Technology is amazing).
So last month we’re doing our thing, chatting about insurance marketing Online and all the sudden we get a random addition to our Google Hangout. Basically some guy drops into the Hangout and we had no idea who he was…
It turns out to be Robert Anderson, a technology entrepreneur who had a few questions about the insurance industry and social media. He saw our open Hangout and logged in.
His questions were great and we were happy to answer them (This is what social tools are for right… Communication and Idea Exchange).
Then he dropped a little nugget of knowledge that at the time he probably didn’t even realize was as powerful a statement as it was:
“…Google doesn’t care right now that Google+ hasn’t achieved mainstream adoption. They’re building a platform so much bigger than simply Google+ at it’s base level…”
(In doing a little background on Robert he certainly has the contacts and credentials to make such a statement)
Google+ Is Now a Priority
When I heard this a little light went off in my head… Google+ with as many people as have already taken to the social network (which is a significant number) is only in it’s infant stages.
[stextbox id="warning" image="null"]That means opportunity exists in Google+ as an early adopter… Click to Tweet[/stextbox]
A random pop-in to a Google Hangout changed my entire perspective on the future of the social network. Yes I loved it but I was concerned about viability…
No longer… Rock on Google+ and Long Live Google Hangout!
I’d love to Connect with you on Google+.
Thank you and Good luck!
Ryan H.
SPEAK YOUR MIND: Do you use Goolge+? Do you agree with my opinion on the future of Google+?
Really Ryan, Google Hangout is amazing feature in Google+ and I have not seen such powerful video chat platform ever before. It really offers cool experience of video chat. Anyway, whatever reasons of loving Google+ that you listed here are truly obvious. As far as I know Google+ has become very popular within very short time as compare to other social platforms and still Google is working to make it more popular.
Allen… Now that Google+ can be recorded as well… You simply can’t beat it.
Thanks!!
I have registered my account in this Google+ , even though I am new to this, all I can say that I consider Google as the best Social media site, a great competition against the famous social media site called the Face-book. but the problem many internet marketers encounters the changing of Google’s Algorithm.
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That is a HUGE problem Kate. One that I think only keeping up with the latest information can solve.
Thanks!!
Ryan,
Thanks for the post. I’ve been wanting to do a hangout but frankly have been busy elsewhere so haven’t taken the time to figure how to find good ones going on. If you pull the tribe together for a hangout I’ll do my best to attend. I’m on pacific time if you schedule it for after noon EST I’d be appreciative!
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Tom,
This is something I’m definitely going to try to do in the next Month or so… I’ll let you know.
Thanks
Ryan thanks for sharing this! I definitely felt your enthusiasm for Google+. I’ll be honest and say that I have not gotten into the whole google+ thing but I may just have to after reading this post. Added you too sir!
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Hector,
I think that time put in on Google+ now will pay huge dividends down the line.
Thanks!!
I see Hangout as one of the key features to making G+ a primary tool for all business peeps. It ‘s great for collaborating internally with team members or groups. Some people are actually generating revenue with G+ hangouts…think cooking classes etc.
The opportunities are endless!
Thanks for sharing your experience Ryan!
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Chris,
I couldn’t agree with you more dude… There are so many fantastic uses for the service.
I’m hoping to utilize it more and more the deeper I climb down this Social rabbit hole.
Thanks
The whole idea of Social Media having business value is so new to me. I’m a young guy, all the local businesses started creating Facebook pages and asking for Twitter follows… I always thought it was just so they could pass on a weekly exclusive to just their online following.
After spending some time reading Ryan’s articles, and learning about the real value that an online presence give you…. I feel a little silly that it took me so long to realize it! The brand recognition alone of having a large onine presence is value, but you really can build relationships through interaction as well.
Jacob,
It’s all about relationship brother. That is the whole deal… The exposure, the followers, everything is about building up a relationship (obviously different degrees of relationship with different people) over time.
And when the time is right asking for the business.
Thanks!!
Ryan H.
I seriously LOVE G+. But not hangouts. I don’t know, I just keep having technical difficulties. I don’t know if it’s a bandwidth thing or what. So I’ve had to stay with Skype for the time being.
But, yeah. It’s short-sighted to avoid Google just because of poor adoption. Not only is it becoming a huge tech and business hub, it’s full of genuine interactions. People can’t autopost, so you can have an actual conversation on there. Not to mention SPYW isn’t going to go away anytime soon…
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Shanna,
You’re right on the button with avoiding Google+ being short-sighted. I could not agree with you more.
I’m surprised you have trouble with the Hangout from a technical aspect. You’re the first person I’ve heard say that. Hmmmm I wonder if that’s more common than I think.
Thanks!!
I needed this post, I have been rubbish on Google but i am determined to hang out more there and make it work for me!
Have circled you!
Gemma Thompson ( wants you to check out… Is Your Business Website Legal?
That’s great Gemma! I think that you’ll love Google+ and You’ll definitely love Hangouts!
Hi Ryan,
You’re right, Google+ and the opportunities it offer are just starting to emerge. If you get in now and do it well, you can expect it to create great results in the future.
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No doubt Peter… Look at the early adopters of Twitter… They have enormous followings right now.
If utilized properly that can be a huge business asset.
Thanks!
Hi Ryan,
I like that part of the story when a light went off in your head when you realized the possibilities and opportunities that exists in Google+. For someone who already loves Google, that realization must have reinforced it.
I also like Google and I use it a lot in my work. I’ve created a profile in Google+ ages ago when it first came out to check out the circles but I’ve only been back a few times since then. I’ve never tried to use Google Hangout but your enthusiasm for it is catching.
I hope Google continues to provide us with amazing products.
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Theresa,
If you for no other reason definitely check out the Hangouts… Such an amazing feature for sharing information. I think you’ll love it!
Thanks!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing that story with us! If you care at all about SEO, why would you ignore a Social Media network built by the World’s most popular search engine? I too love Google+ and the ability to be an early adopter. Thanks for the head’s up about the app for slideshare. As a Speaker I can see great use for it
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Steve,
Do you share the slides of your presentations after you give them?
No, my slides for my keynotes have very little text / content on them and I use very few actual slides. Mainly pictures to illustrate my points, or a big bold quote, or a chart / graph, etc…
I still might suggest uploading them to Slideshare and emailing that link to your Host after the presentation as a Value Add.
Just a thought (my presentation style is very similar).
That’s a good point. I could probably add content / slides and create a package to send over after. Thanks
Hi Ryan,
I just came across this interview about Daria Musk and how she used Google+ Hangout to build an audience from scratch (she’s got over a million people in her circle now!): http://productlaunchthatworks.com/how-daria-musk-build-a-18000-fan-base-from-scratch-and-launched-her-first-ep-using-google-hangouts-in-3-months-video-interview/
It’s an amazing story we can all learn from.
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Jeanne,
Awesome stuff… Really love the Google Hangout and all that it can do.
Thanks for the share!
Ryan H.
That’s the reason google is at the top of the game…they’re just great. Hangout is one of the best from google.
I’m glad this post could help you define where do we need to focus.
Thanks Becca… For all the hate that Google gets they do produce some amazing stuff.
All the best!
Ryan H.
I like the google + platform, but haven’t spend sufficient time digging around and exploring.
I’m keen to utilize the Hangout function, I just need to find the time to find out how the whole sheebang works.
Thanks Ryan, might catch you in a hangout one of these days
Jackie wants you to check out… Do You Really Need That Mentor?
Jackie would love it if we could pull the comment tribe together sometime for a Google Hangout!
Thanks!
Yep I think that would be pretty cool
Jackie wants you to check out… Do You Really Need That Mentor?
I have used Hangout with friends but never thought it to use for business purpose, will see it in future. Hanging out in Google Plus is great stuff, one of the feature that Facebook lacks
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You are absolutely right… The video component of Google+ makes it a superior tool to Facebook… Especially if your consumers “Hangout” there.
Thanks!
Hi Ryan,
Nice stuff. I’m not a huge fan of Google+, but I love the technology that Google+ is using. Can’t wait to try out Hangouts with my mastermind group.
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Devesh,
The Hangout is a great place to share ideas… Let me know what you think?!
Thanks,
Ryan H.
I’ve created my Google+ account long ago, but hardly used it as my all friends are on Facebook so I have to spend my time there only. However I heard about many good features about Google+ but haven’t experienced them. Now onwards I would give more time to Google+ and would try to influence to my friends to come there so we can actually take full benefit of Google+.
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Aasma,
It’s very possible you would find some new friends and expand your network drastically if you put some time into Google+. Just something to consider.
Thanks!
Well said Ryan. It was awesome to be part of that hangout. Robert Anderson came in and blew me away with his information. It really is a great tool.
No doubt Brent… I really enjoy those sessions we have. That drop-in just reiterated the power of the Tool for sharing and exchanging ideas.
Thanks dude.
One of the most persuasive posts I’ve read on Google+ man.
Excellently done
Thanks Bro…
So I tried to install Google Hangouts… and it… uh… “hung” during install lol.
Install? Doesn’t it just come standard with Google+?
Not for me, apparently
Maybe the video portion?
I think it’s the Google Voice that’s the add-on. Unless you already had a google number, it isn’t installed
Shanna Mann wants you to check out… I’m Broke but I’m Happy, I’m Poor but I’m Kind
I am not a huge user of Google plus and I need to be. I just haven’t found the time lately especially when I am trying to maintain all these other social media centers. It does sound pretty great though.
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Google+ is a great tool and Google Hangouts are wonderful for video conferencing. If you buy software to record even better!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Ryan H.
I am big fan of Google + and hang out which I haven’t tried a lot but certainly has the potential to use for various purposes in business.
Ryan, do you have any idea about the Hang Out On Air Feature? Is that released to every yet?
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Rana… From people I know that have used Hangout on Air they say it’s awesome and has Amazing use and power.
Unfortunately right now it’s still in Beta testing and certain celebrity and high profile users have access.
Thanks!!
I have been very slow to start using Google+ and recently set up a profile but haven’t done much with it. Your enthusiasm for it and insights into Google Hangout has got me wanting to have another go now. Thanks for sharing on Bizsugar.com
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Sian,
Google Hangout is an amazing tool. The video conferencing is so powerful if you’re trying to get personal feel with a conversation that only seeing the person can do.
Thanks!!
Ryan H.