How Google+ is Changing Everything

                Google+ is making some incredible changes in the world of social media. It takes some aspects of other social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook, but adds additional aspects that put the site on a level of its own. A big question I asked myself while reading the book Google+ for Business was, “Why should I care about another social media website? I am already a part of three of the biggest social media sites, so is another one really going to benefit me in any way? I use some of these sites for personal use and some of them for professional use.” After reading the first eight chapters of this novel I now have a strong understanding as to why Google+ is changing everything why professionals should care.

                One of the most important factors that puts Google+ in a league of its own is the fact that it is connected with the two biggest search engines on the web to date. Those consist of Google and YouTube. This allows its users to share valuable information with a couple clicks of a mouse. Sharing links and data with people who care about your interests just became so much easier. These search engines are not going anywhere anytime soon, so the fact that Google+ is connected with them makes realize Google+ most likely isn’t either.

                As I mentioned previously Google+ allows you to share data and links with people that care about your interests. Not everyone you follow or become friends with on your other social media sites care about the same things, which makes it hard when sharing information on these social media sites.  Google+ has created something that allows you to categorize your followers and who you follow into groups called circles. These circles might consist of professional groups or personal groups. If you make sure you organize your group neatly, this can be extremely beneficial for your professional career. You’re able to pick and choose what you want certain people to see and read.

                Another aspect that Google+ has integrated into is website is the video chat feature. The video chat allows up to ten people you connect with on the site to have a live chat. This would be extremely beneficial when any kind of professional meeting is needed and you aren’t in the same place, state, or country with the other professionals you need to speak with.

                In the third chapter of Google+ for Business we were introduced to seven very different professionals who all use Google+ to benefit themselves as well as their business. I felt like this chapter was one of the most interesting chapters thus far in the book because it shows how many different features are used on the site by different occupations. Unlike other social media websites who offer just a few tools to enhance your business, Google+ offers an array of features that are all utilized in different ways by different people. This change in social media will be extremely beneficial for anyone in the professional world.

                One of the powerful differences in Google+ is how as a user you are able to integrate your business as well as your personal information with your followers. When it comes to Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin most people have to make a choice of whether their site should be business or personal, but Google+ allows both aspects of your life. This can really help your profession because human qualities behind businesses catch people’s attention more so than just tweets about business.

                Google+ has made some significant changes to social media. After reading these eight chapters I want to start building my brand on this network. This site has the potential to make a significant impact on my future career, so I’m not going to this opportunity pass me by.