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July 10, 2011 By 2 Comments

Google Plus will revolutionize video conferencing

I’ve been using Google Plus (referred after this as Google+) for a little while now and so far I’m really enjoying it. If you are not familiar with it yet, you may want to check out my Introduction to Google Plus video for a basic overview.

Others have written some good stuff about it, including Chris Brogan, so I encourage you to check those sources out. I am finding Google+ to be similar to other social networks in some ways, but with a much better user interface. I like the lack of clutter and I like the way information is displayed. I also find the “circles” concept to be very useful.

However one feature of Google+ really stand out to me and that is Hangouts. A Hangout is a video conference that you start within Google+ that can be shared with everyone, specific circles, or specific people. It’s similar to Skype but with a few key differences.

1. It’s dead simple to use. Starting a video conference is as easy as clicking “Start a hangout” and everything is run within the browser. There is no software to download and install on your computer (except perhaps a quick browser plugin) so everything works seamlessly within the web browser.

2. It’s free. Group video conferencing on Skype is a paid service and while it works well, not everyone wants to pay for this feature. Google+ offers a free alternative.

3. It’s smooth. By smooth, I mean both the technology and the user interface. Video and audio quality are both excellent and I noticed very little delay or choppiness. Conversations happen very naturally and it’s as close to being in the same room as I’ve seen when video conferencing. The user interface is also very cool in that it moves whoever is talking to the primary window. That is a nice effect that helps the conversation flow more naturally.

Individually, these features are not earth-shattering. However, Google has really gotten this right, and the way the whole system works together makes it very easy for just about anyone to enjoy high-quality video conferencing.

When combined with Google+ circles, video Hangouts have potential to truly bring group video conferencing to the masses. The tight integration, the ease of starting conferences within your circles, and the great user interface are very impressive.

What has your experience been with Google+? I would love to hear your thoughts below.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
September 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Business blogging tips

Blogging is a fantastic way to build awareness for your business and area of expertise. Blogging allows your constituents to see the real voice behind your business and demonstrates your knowledge in your areas of expertise. It is also part of your permission marketing channel that can lead to new connections and opportunities.

However, blogging is hard.

Most people I talk to have a difficult time blogging because they are not sure what to write about, how to write, or how to keep up. Here are a few business blogging tips that will hopefully make blogging easier for you.

1. Keep a list of ideas and capture them in real time. If you try to come up with great ideas every time you sit down to blog, it can be difficult to maintain inspiration. However, if you capture your ideas into a list whenever they come to you, it will be much easier to blog when you have the time because you already have a list of ideas ready to go. I use Jott to capture ideas on the go.

2. Blog in a conversational style. Don’t try to use marketing speak or a stuffy corporate tone. Blog as if you are explaining your thoughts to a friend and write in simple, plain language. Content on the web should be easy to read to accommodate the shorter attention spans in this medium.

3. Don’t promote… educate, instead. No one wants to read a blog that blathers on and on about your company and how great your service is. People do want to read things that help them and provide value. If you want loyal readers and content that gets shared, keep it constituent-focused.

4. Don’t worry about word-count. Say what you need to say and stop there. A blog can be 500 words or a single paragraph. Seth Godin sometimes blogs in one sentence.

5. Blog about things that matter to your customers. If you provide marketing services, teach your customers how to market. If you provide health care services, teach your patients how to maintain proper health. If you sell products, teach your customers how to get the most from that product. The possibilities are endless.

Blogging can and should be fun. If you are passionate about what you do and you know what you are talking about, then relax and let the words flow. Don’t over-analyze it. Your constituents will appreciate an honest tone and valuable content. Future customers will take notice, as well.

Filed Under: Marketing, Productivity, Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
August 19, 2010 By 2 Comments

Top 10 reasons to attend my session on becoming an email ninja at Blog Indiana

So I found out this week that my session at Blog Indiana is at the same time as Kyle Lacy’s social media presentation. When I found this out I was, of course, a little concerned. Sure, everyone needs help with their email and pretty much all of us want to lower our stress levels, but Kyle is an awesome speaker and even wrote the book on Twitter marketing. How can I compete with that?

I started to sweat a little. What if there are hundreds, even thousands (or millions!) of Blog Indiana attendees out there who are on the fence and not sure which session they want to attend at 4pm on Friday? Such a quandary! Such angst that must cause!

Well, please allow me to offer you some advice. Here is why I would humbly suggest you attend my session on email management.

10. Sure, you could read Getting Things Done and learn all the stuff you need but as good as that book is, it’s honestly really boring. Wouldn’t an hour with me be more fun?

9. Inbox Zero is endorsed by Lorraine Ball. She even requires that all of her employees learn it!

8. Sure, you could go to another awesome social media presentation by Kyle Lacy but honestly, don’t you already know everything about social media by now?

7. Think of how desirable you will be to your significant other with your new email skills. It’s way sexier than bow-hunting skills…

6. How often does someone email you just to say “did you get my email”? Enough said.

5. There will be ninjas in the room.

4. Because 5,732 messages in your inbox is not good for your liver. It’s true… look it up.

3. Think of how much more productive you will be at work with your new email management skills. You might even get that big promotion!

2. C’mon, does Kyle’s ego really need your help?

And the number one reason to attend “Inbox Zero: How to Become an Email Ninja” at Blog Indiana on Friday:

1. Look at your inbox. Now look at mine. Now back to your inbox. Now back to mine…

See you there!

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Productivity, Technology Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,