Google+ for Business: How Google's Social Network Changes Everything

by Chris Brogan

The Complete Business Guide to Google+, Today’s Hottest New Social Network! Every week, millions more people sign up for Suddenly, it’s today’s hottest new social network. Google+ for Business reveals why Google+ offers business opportunities available nowhere else--and helps you grab those opportunities now, before your competitors do. Top social media professional speaker and business advisor Chris Brogan shows how to get great results fast, without wasting time--and without wasting a dime. Brogan guides you through using Google+ for promotion, customer service, community building, referrals, collaboration, and a whole lot more. You won’t just master innovative new tools like Circles and You’ll use them to generate more customers and more cash!

Genres: Business, Social Media, Buisness, Technology, Nonfiction

225 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Chris Brogan consults and speaks professionally with Fortune 100 and 500 companies like PepsiCo, General Motors, Microsoft, and more, on the future of business communications, and social software technologies. He is a New York Times bestselling co-author of Trust Agents , and a featured monthly columnist at Entrepreneur Magazine. Chris’s blog (http://www.chrisbrogan.com) is in the Top 5 of the Advertising Age Power150. He has over 11 years experience in online community, social media, and related technologies.

Reviews

[Ryan Manganiello · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the first few chapters I was dead set on giving this book a three star rating, because most of it pertained to stuff I already knew. This obviously would not be a problem for anyone who might be unfamiliar with the young and potentially super successful social media platform, or for those who have yet to venture into the realm of Google Plus.

After reading further into this little gem I quickly found out just how insightful and entertaining it really was, and was totally hooked from then on out. I will also admit that there was something technical about Google Plus of which I did not know, which was the fact that we can actually send non Google Plus users electronic messages directly through our posting platforms.

Chris really does a great job explaining why Google Plus is something that should not be ignored by anyone, and why it’s so important for anyone who might be intent on completely owning their market by way of search domination. He also explains how the biggest search engine on the planet is planning on developing their new algorithms based off of Google Plus interactions, which would hopefully filter out the crappy content found in most of our searches over a long period of time, by using real humans that vote on content via the Plus One scoring system.

Well I can really go on and on about how great this book is, but I will spare you the ramble and let you read it for yourself. One more thing… I especially enjoyed the bit at the end, and being that Tolkien is my all time favorite author, I really loved it!!!

[David Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important Lessons Far Beyond How to Use Google+

Don't think "Google+ for Business" is a good book because it teaches you how to use G+, although it does. And don't think it's good because it has dozens of useful case studies, though it does that too. No, know that Chris Brogan's latest work is good because it teaches you an entirely new skill: how to strategically embrace, experiment and discover value in the first social network to debut in the post-Facebook/LinkedIn/Twitter age. G+ won't be the first major new network to come knocking on company's busy and well-oiled social media operation. So knowing how to answer the three questions below is pretty darn useful:

-How do I use a tool strategically when its value is unknown, unmeasured and unpredictable?
-How do I fit this channel into to my ecosystem when I'm already so busy?
-My business goals are clear (the usual: grow revenues and margins, lower cost of recruitment, etc.), but what should my objectives for this network be? Do I want lots of followers? Just the perfect few?

Beyond the strategic value of the first 11 chapters, chapter 12, titled "Setting up Your Business Page" is a solid primer on how to get your company (or clients) rolling on Google+. Definitely worth the read, though better as an e-book than print because you'll want to highlight and later easily find the case studies.

[John Jeffcoat iii · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers an interesting look at how Google Plus differs from Facebook, in that Google Plus is more business-friendly (like Linked In). Also, because of its association with the main search engine of the Internet, Google, having a presence on google Plus can help boost your website's search engine ranking. Beyond that, however, it seems that Google Plus is in its infancy, particularly regarding the usefulness and practical value of its platform for putting up a page for your business, rather than just for your personal profile. I have a business presence there as "Greatsite.com Rare Bibles" (The Bible Museum, Inc.) at:

https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/1073398...

... but at this point I really question what value it provides, as I certainly do not have time to be posting a steady stream of comments and customer interactions there. Just running my business and answering email takes up most of my day. For now, it will have to be a glorified online business card presence. If you are interested, my main website is at: www.GREATSITE.com

[Stan Skrabut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving Google+ another look because of what I read in Chris Brogan's book Google+ for Business: How Google's Social Network Changes Everything*. The title is a little deceptive because I believe this book would be enlightening for everyone interested in how to get the most out of Google+. Read more

[Julia Doherty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will certainly add this book to my list if recommended books. It's a good introduction to Google plus but also includes some great tips on general social networking practices. I picked up some great new stories and analogies that I can use in my workshops. He talks about building a community as a "camp fire". Love this phrase.

The only thing I was perhaps a little disappointed with was the limited instructions on how to use G+. If you want a step by step guide then this book is not for you. If you want a book that inspires you to get into Google plus then it's a must read.

I'm a convert now!

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great guide for starting from scratch with G+. Chris Brogan's voice made the book an easy read, and I especially liked the specific examples in the book. We get to read about exactly what other people have done with their profiles, and day-in-the-life segments. Much more interesting than the typical generic suggestions received from many bloggers and social media writers.
One of my favorite quotes in the book is about taking action: "What do you call a fat person with a gym membership? A fat person with a gym membership." Word.

[g BRETT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good insight into the nuances of Google+, and how they could fit into a business strategy. The key point that Chris comes back to again and again is that Google+ is a key piece of Google's plans (duh), and that this means if you want to be found on search then G+ is the place to be. Especially since Facebook and Twitter are not part of the Google search world.

Actually, some good general insights into how social fits into business overall.

[Kent Winward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Figuring out how to use social media is always a chore for me, being the anti-social nerd that I am. Some nice ideas from Mr. Brogan on how to use social media in general with business and Google+ in particular.

Incorporating this into a legal practice is difficult. Other endeavors seem more promising.

[Doug Farren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit dated (I actually purchased it quite some time ago) but it is still a very useful guide on how to utilize Google+ to enhance your business. Using social networks to your advantage without being a "look at me" ass takes time, something that is in great demand these days. This book will show you how best to use what little time you have available to devote to social networking.

[Suzi Dafnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the first books out on Google+. Had the opportunity to interview Chris Brogan about the book and its content for our small business community (Australian Businesswomen's Network). The book has probably become a little date now, but at the time made a good case for why businesses should use Google+/

[Olwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the Google + interface has changed since Chris Brogan wrote this book, making many of the software instructions redundant, it's still a useful reference. Chris talks about using Google + from the perspective of building relationships. A very worthwhile read about marketing from an inbound perspective.

[Amanda Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't a book just about Google+, it's a book about social media and how to build valuable relationships and do business using social media tools. Follow these instructions on any network and you could find yourself being successful. I'm writing a fuller review for my blog.

[Matt Maldre]

I'm reading "Google+ for Business" for the Social Media Club's bookclub this month (May 2012). Come read it with me!

http://socialmediaclub.org/blogs/from...

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unusual book that contains as much self promotion as wisdom about Google+.

Chris writes in a style that is easy and light with practcally no technical detail.

The examples given in the book are insightful but respective towards the end.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done-simple, straightforward information laid out to help us understand what Google+ can do and the potential for anyone who is interested in getting a foothold on this product.

[James Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to Google+ and nice tips on how to optimise posts for your business.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is a good introductory book to approaches you may want to try out for incorporating Google + as part of your business plan. Easy to follow with lots of examples."

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and simple read on using Google+ for business!

[Carl Macki]

Still reading.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worthwhile information, but nothing here was breathtaking. I imagine a "Dummies Guide to Google Plus" - that's what this book felt like.

[Hampig Minassian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A holistic approach to naturally work inside of google + . Awesome read

[Don Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good solid advice and a plan on how to continuously use G+ in a day to day business environment.