Why Hang-Outs on Google Plus Are a Great Business Tool

What So Special About Google Plus?

Are you on Google+ yet? Recently I was asked by a client what I felt was the most important feature that made me prefer Google Plus over all other social media sites. I started explaining about the communities with all the special interests groups available, the ones that I was in and how you can start your own interest or business community group. Suddenly extreme clarity crossed my brain waves and made me realized the most important feature wasn't the communities - it was the hang-outs. They are better than Skype," Go to Meeting", or webinars.

Why Should You Be On Google Plus? 

There are numerous reasons to be on Google Plus check out our article, “Love That Google+!” for all the features and benefits.

What's A Hang-Out?

It's a super duper communication conference tool that allows you to connect with family, friends, or business associates. You are able to see and talk with 9 other people in a group setting who may live anywhere on this planet. You can share your screen to show others a page that is on the computer or watch a video together in real time. If you want to record your hang-out like a webinar that is also an option.

It saves everyone time and the hassle of traveling to meetings when everyone can just go to their computer. No more having to pay money to rent a meeting room either. If it is an event, some can come and see it live and the rest can view it either as it is being filmed or later at a convenient time on their own time schedule.

How Do You Start A Hangout? 

Each person who will be hanging-out will need a computer with a web cam and an Internet connection. If the webcam doesn't come on your computer, you can buy one separately to attach it to use with your computer. Next you will need to open a separate Gmail account to get and receive messages. You may already have one, but unlike Facebook, all your Google Pus messages will go into this account and rather than mix it with your regular Emails, you will be glad you have set up a separate account as it will fill up quickly. You need to join Google+, add your profile picture, and basic information like you have on Facebook.  All the people you wish to hang-out with need to also have joined Google Plus. Arrange a time for everyone to meet there and decide who will be the host (the one who invites people and starts the hang-out).

The first time you hang-out your computer will automatically know if you have the Google video and voice plug-in application in place or not. If not, the automatic sequence needed to get this on your computer will appear for you. It is a free download, but allows time for this to take place before you hang-out.   

All the people who will be hanging out will go to their Home page on Google Plus. On the left side of the screen are a series of vertical icons starting with Home. The icon you look for is on the right and is orange. It has a graphic of a camera and is labeled "Hangouts".  Just click on it and up will come the Hang-out page.  All the information you will need is on this page. There is a list of hang-outs in progress and future hang-outs to watch.  

 If it's your first time and you feel you need more information, just press the blue "learn more" button on the "What's a Hangout?" icon that is below. Google has a short video that explains details.

To start your own Hang-out, just click on the red button labeled "starts a hang-out". Type in the names of people you wish to hang-out with. If you are an invitee - just wait and an invitation will appear on the right side of your Home page. Click on "join the hang-out". It takes a view seconds for a sequence of setting you up to happen.

So What Do You Do On A Hang-out?

You will see all the attendee below. Click on one of them and their face will be on the main screen. You can click from person to person, even yourself. If someone is doing a screen share of a page on the computer or video, just click on their picture and it will be the main screen. It enlarges to the point of being able to read details. There is a chat to click on the left. On the bottom right is a little chat box you can type in and above that you can read what others in the hang-out are typing in (chatting). Make sure the microphone is on (if it goes mute it turns red). Now enjoy your group hang-out.

Hang-outs are a great alternative for a webinar and are much more interactive. You could use it for meetings and events. You can use it for live classes, review study sessions, and even a virtual office. You can even have family reunions.

Your Turn ...

Have you some tips to add about Google Plus hang-outs? If so, please comment below.

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