Add tot that the interaction G+ creates on the platform and with other websites and you know that Google has a big winner. But even though the site is grwoing at breakneck speed, still not everyone is convinced, especially when you enter G+ and nobidy you know is there it's still a bit strange. That's why I have 7 tips on how to behave to make the G+ experience a fun one.
1. Start adding people
Going to a bar which is empty is not much fun. So you have to add people. G+ will give you suggestions when you go to circles, also you can look in the connections other people hava and add them. Google also identifies in the suggestions if someone is relevant to you. Don't be scared to add too much people. There are lots of ways to tweak and tune the information you get. It is wise to think a little about you Circles, but the standard structure will work well for most. Don't get hung up on it, G+ is a social communication tool, not a library tool to categorize your relationships. You will notic that the more people you add, the more fun it will be and that you will meet people that you somehow never met on the other social networks or in real life either.
2. Talk to people
Often I see someone new on G+ start his first post in this way: "I'm here, but I don't see what the big deal is. There's nobody here." Well first go to step 1. Then ask yourself who is going to talk to someone who steps into a bar and says: "It's boring here." It's not really a killer opening sentence is it? Maybe it would be a better idea to look at what others are doing and add comments to their posts first. Thanks Jan Seurinck for the bar metaphor.
3. Share
Even better that commenting on others is sharing stuff via your own posts. Share interesting things only you know about. Share your expertise and interests. Write a story, a review, show your pictures, art cooking. Don't be shy about it.
4. Tell
Explain why you're sharing. Just dumping a link is not enough to creat interaction with the people who are following you. The more you can explain and tell about why you are sharing something, the more interesting and relveant it becomes to the people you are sharing it with.
5. Be opinionated
The bar metaphor I mentioned at number 2 doesn't mean that you can not be critical. If you don't agree with something or if you want to state your opinion use the space on G+ to explain it. Unlike twitter, facebook or LinkedIn space on G+ is unlimited in theory. So make use of it. Show that you have an opinion AND that you can back it up with facts and arguments.
6. Give credit where it's due
It's not about you, it's about sharing and interacting. If all you want to do is grandstand and toot your own horn G+ is not the place for you. When sharing something that was first shared by someone else, or when you see a good idea, mention that person in your own post.
7. Listen!
People can comment on you and share their idea's with you. I am very happy with the amount of interaction on G+. I mentioned this once and a lady said that's because there are much more men than women on G+. Thanks Ursula Wenzel for that one. That was a joke of course, but you will notice that you will be rewarded for interacting on G+ with lots of comments and idea's when you participate. Thanks to Denis Labelle for the listening metaphor, because this happens on G+ more than on the other social networks.
8. Your tip could be here
As you may have noticed these are not practical tips, but more behavioral tips. There is already a heap of info to find on how to use G+ in the manual sens. But this is advice on how to behave and how to get the most out of the social aspect of G+. Mind you they are not rules! They are tips on how to participate and make use of G+ the best way possible as they work for me. If you have any other tips pleas let me know!
Reacties