In case you haven't heard the news, Google has launched a new social network, Google+.
I know what you're thinking. This is just what an over-scheduled small business owner needs, another network to monitor and participate in. I feel your pain, but I am also excited about the possibility of a new network to connect business owners, allow us to share information and help facilitate discussion. This is, after all, an excellent way for small business owners to learn from each other, grow and develop.
The word is that Google will be launching business profiles which will give companies a chance to create a marketing tool for their brands, much like Facebook pages. But this hasn't happened just yet.
Google+ is still in beta mode, and it's way too new to say at this point whether or not it will take off as a social networking powerhouse, but it's not to early to experiment. I compiled a few resources to help you explore Google+, and you can make your own decision about whether or not this network will earn your time and attention.
Google+ Resources:
- What is Google+?
- An Introduction to Google+
- Google+ Tips and Shortcuts
- How to Use Google+ Chat
- Facebook vs. Google+ Licensing Rights
Have you used Google+? What are your predictions on how it will measure up again networks like Facebook and Twitter?
Screenshot © Google