I subscribe to one of Chris Brogan’s email lists, and I received an email from him at the end of December. It was about how he chooses three words to keep in mind throughout the coming year, to keep him focused and give him perspective.
He invited me to read his book Google+ for Business and, as an “ethical bribe,” offered a 3-part mini-course about the book business.
I admit to being more interested in the bonus than in the book, but the book was a cheap way to get the course. So I bit.
The world’s worst social media user
That’s me. I’m terribly inept on social media.
Oh, I connect with friends and family on Facebook and know enough about Twitter to use it for research. I have a pretty good LinkedIn profile, but does LinkedIn really count as social media? I think not.
So I’ll admit I’ve got some work to do.
Learning from the real deal
Chris has been very involved in social media for a long time. He considers it his job to be there in a big way.
I didn’t expect much from his Google+ for Business, because it was written when that platform was still brand new. What could he possibly know about something that new?
As it turns out, some of the most interesting people in the business world had been invited onto Google+ early. So they were mixing it up, sharing ideas, and figuring out what to do.
Of course, Chris was right there with them, learning by doing. When it comes to social media, Brogan is the real deal.
What’s it like?
Google+ shares some of the characteristics of the big three—Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn—but seems more open and flexible.
Here’s one big advantage: the Google search engine indexes the Google + content. That’s a nice little bonus.
First things first
So I’m going to work on my social media chops by jumping onboard. If you decide to do the same, you might want to pick up Chris’s book by clicking HERE. (Not an affiliate link. I’m not that organized.)
If you don’t have a Kindle, here are a few basics you can do while you wait for your supersaver shipment to arrive.
1. Fill out your profile – You’ll need a free Google account. From there, click the Google+ menu option and start setting up your profile.
Chris suggests that you not make it as formal and complete as your LinkedIn profile. Just write something that makes people want to say hello.
2. Create some circles – Don’t worry, you can refine your circles as you go. Just don’t go crazy adding people to your circles until you figure out a few strategies.
The search bar will help you find friends to circle (that’s what we kool kids on Google+ do; we circle people. If you’re a kool kid, they may circle you back.)
3. Read some posts – Posts will show up for those you circle. One way I want to use my account is to curate great content. You are known by who you hang out with (kool by association.)
When you find a post you like, you can share it, comment on it or just +1 it (kools kids +1 good stuff.)
Okay, as of this writing, I still haven’t done any of this stuff. But hey, we’re learning together, right?
There’s lots more to do on Google+ including video hangouts, chat, and posting in the stream. We’ll talk more about them as we get more involved.
Power tips from power users
In his book, Chris interviews some high-profile power users and describes some of their strategies for using this new platform.
He also imagines some strategies and tactics that could be useful in certain specific types of business. It gets your imagination going.
My brush with greatness
In Chris’s original email, he invited us readers to reply. I hit the reply button (why not?) and wrote a few lines about my thoughts for 2012. And I shared with him my 3 words: Execute | Notice | Influence.
One of my comments was about me playing trumpet. Chris was nice enough to reply and let me know he plays guitar and played sax in high school.
That’s the nice thing about social media. You never know who you might connect with.
Invitation to old friends and new friends
If you’ve read this far, maybe you’ve been thinking of getting a little more involved on the Google+ platform. If so, look me up and say howdy.
But maybe you’re way ahead of me. If you’ve picked up a good tip for using Google+ please post a comment. Let us know how you plan to use it for business or just to make new friends.
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