What’s All the Fuss About Google Plus?
I had the pleasure of addressing a very social media savvy crowd at MEEX3, a business networking event that draws professionals from different fields.
My topic: What’s All the Fuss about Google Plus? I gave an overview of G+ with particular focus on business applications.
At the beginning of the presentation, I asked for a display of hands to see how many had opened a Google+ account.
Nearly everyone.
This was a bit surprising. Cool. I’ve got a bunch of converts.
When I then asked how many are using it – the chirping of crickets filled the room.
I wasn’t surprised. It happened with me on Twitter and with Facebook. My hard drive is filled with dumped social media platforms and apps.
Google+ is less than 6 months old -give it AND us a chance. It’s not just another pretty Facebook, you know.
Back to the Presentation -
Much of the discussion that evening centred around the new Google+ Brand pages.
Google+ just rolled out it’s Pages a little over a week ago, so there’s a lot of theorizing about how companies are going strategize their presence there.
My response to that inevitable question is to point out two decisions from Google that indicate where I think they’re going with pages.
1. You can’t run contests or promotions on Pages – no “like” us for 20% off, no welcome tabs etc.
2. You can’t circle anyone unless they circle you first. BUT, once they do, you’re free to interact with them as you like (as long as they don’t “un-circle” you.)
This leads me to believe that Google wants Brands to behave like “people” on Google+.
So when the question came up as to how brands were supposed to get followers without the help of contest and such, my answer was to build a following like you would on your personal page.
Or as you would on Twitter; find people with similar interests; follow them, follow their friends, interact and share great content.
Below are my slides followed with a list of notes.
I want to give a big thanks to Andrew and Luis at Kai Design for organizing another super event. I was also very happy to have shared the stage with Micheline Bourque who gave a very thought provoking presentation on Marketing 3.0.
This was my first experience building a presentation with Keynote (new iMac guy) so it was quite an experience. (Happy to talk about it over a beer sometime.)
Why All the Fuss About Google Plus?
Presentation Notes:
| Slide# | |
| 1 | NewRayCom works with people to make their companies more social through the use of social media. Companies are people. Unless people enjoy using social media, it won’t be used effectively. |
| 2 | There’s lots of social platforms, why the fuss about Google Plus? ‘Cause it’s from GOOGLE.Google Failures – Buzz, Wave, Catalogue etc.
People love to watch Giants fall. |
| 3 | NewRayCom works with people to make their companies more social through the use of social media. Companies are people.Unless people enjoy using social media, it won’t be used effectively. |
| 4 | First reason I fell in love with Google+ – CIRCLES |
| 5 | Lots of ways to find people: findpeopleonplus.com, womenongplus.com, gpeep.com … Strategy is like Twitter – follow interests, interact, share |
| 6 | It’s not G+ vs FB. It’s not a revolution…. |
| 7 | It’s an evolution! |
| 8 | G+ a “social Layer” built upon whole ecosystem of Google products. |
| 9 | Facebook is an ENCLOSED system. Rely on third party developers to keep people in their house. |
| 10 | My profile page on Google+ Note similarities to Facebook – but it’s only skin deep. |
| 11 | Inside one of my Circles – Montréal Social Club.Layout very blog-like. Can follow complete stream or just inside any of your circles. |
| 12 | Facebook is being at home chatting with people you know… |
| 13 | Google+ is for people who want to connect with people who share interests. |
| 14 | Last month G+ opened Pages. Different from FB – no contests, can interact on followers circles |
| 15 | Very similar to personal page Google wants you to be human. No contests, no promotions, no welcome tabs. |
| 16 | Reasons Google+ Pages is smart for business |
| 17 | slide |
| 18 | slide |
| 19 | …but all users who come to Google every day. |
| 20 | Google’s hit the spot with a single digit: |
| 21 | Thank you. |
| Video Links: Google Videos used in presentation | |
| 1 | Google+: A Quick Look |
| 2 | Google+: Explore Circles |
| 3 | Google+: Explore Hangouts |
| 4 | Google+: Pages |
Have you opened a Google+ account then abandoned it? Why?
Photo by Kai Design & Communication
Great post! I like the quote you've included: "Follow your heart, but take your brain with you."
Oh, and don't forget "courage" ;-)
Great Job Ray! I suspect you have a pretty 'big' heart! I think that you message also resonates with consumers in general. People are searching for authenticity, transparency, and want to know that if they are going to invest in a company or brand social-media wise, there's got be a true connection and in true connections, you're going to find a heart.
Thank you so much, Micheline. That's very kind. And you're right, people want to connect with people in an authentic way, whether those people represent themselves or companies. This is a hard thing for business to understand. Sentiment and empathy has been relogated to sentimental and manipulative advertising for so long, real connections with their clientele have been avoided. Kind of a "I gave at the office" type of thing.
Wow. This is fantastic. Do you mind if I link to this page on my Resources page? I could use some Google+ links :)
By all means ;-)
Have a great day.
Excellent, Thanks!
Thanks, Dave. I'm going to give it a try. Certainly no shortage of tools out there.
The calendar is the hardest, because it takes the most time up front, but it saves tons of time in the long run. It also helps maintain posting consistency as you're not struggling with finding something to say each time you want to post.
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