Google+ has been around forever – or at least it feels like it has – and finally it’s starting to get some traction within the business community (round of applause please!) – in fact, after years of being the bottom of the social media barrel, Google+ is set to be the next big thing.

Google+ Hangouts in particular – Google’s unique video conferencing system – is drawing in the crowds like never before. Google+ hangouts is a great way to connect with customers, other business owners, designers, clients and… well anyone you want to really!  We bet you’re wondering how…

The basics

How to find a Hangout

Until you’re ready to host your own – you might like to check out some of the other great hangouts already happening. Hangouts and events are listed on the left side menu on the Google+ site. There is also a G+ Hangouts ‘On Air Community’ which has thousands of members who are always posting interesting new Hangouts to join.

Be on time

There are benefits to showing up on time to a Hangout – if the host user has a free account the first nine people who arrive get to have video access. If the host has a pro account that goes up to 15 – you can still interact via chat (or watch on YouTube), but the video component of Hangouts is worth checking out and remember – first in best dressed.

Be an extravert

The biggest benefit of G+ Hangouts is actually making connections with other people. If you sit in the corner, quiet as a mouse then you’re not going to see that benefit. No room to be timid here – be prepared to speak up – particularly if you’re one of the few linked in via video.

3 hangout ideas

Networking

Hangouts are a great way to attend networking events without ever having to leave your favourite armchair. Do a search and see if there are any Hangouts relevant to your industry and if not, start your own!

Interviews

In G+ Hangouts, the recording software component is free, so if you conduct interviews in Hangouts you’ll have a recording of the interview, allowing you to review candidates or share interviews with the rest of your selection committee.

Webinars

The G+ technology allows you to use ‘Hangouts on Air’ to embed your hangout video on your website, which means a live webinar directly from your website. We think that’s pretty awesome -right?