How to Use Google+, Even If You’re Not a Geek ~ A Book Review

Book: What the Plus! Google+ for the Rest of Us by Guy Kawasaki
Genre: Social networking
Publisher: McGraw Hill
Publication date: 2013
Pages: 197

Source: Library

Summary: The social media platform by Google, Google+, once the domain of engineers and other geeky people has a cheerleader in Guy Kawasaki. What the Plus! is  his first product-oriented book since The Macintosh Way was published in 1987.

Thoughts: What the Plus! begins with a helpful concept of how to choose which tool for the job you want done in social media.

• Twitter is for real-time perceptions.
• Facebook is for connecting with people you know.
• Pinterest is for pictures (natch).
• Google+ “enables you to pursue your passions with people you don’t know.” (page 8)

You have passions, right? Then, there’s a place for you on Google+. I know it has a reputation for having fewer friendly faces than Facebook and being slower-paced than Twitter, but that’s what makes it different and useful. You’ll make new virtual acquaintances among people who share your passions and have interactions that are as thoughtful and as detailed as they need to be.

My favorite chapter was written by a guest writer, Peg Fitzpatrick: How to Be a Little Fish in a Big Pond. Because, let’s face it, you and I are never going to be a fish as huge as Guy Kawasaki. As Peg points out, that’s going to make our experience on any social media platform very different from his. She counsels patience and engagement by writing comments, sharing, and being generous with the +1 button.

If you’re a book blogger, you’ll want to begin by joining the community Book Bloggers Do It Better. And, by adding the book bloggers from the Book Bloggers’ Circle to your own circle. Guy Kawasaki says the fun starts on Google+ when you’ve circled 50 or more people — the Book Bloggers’ Circle currently has 157 people so you’ll already be way ahead on that. If you add me to a circle, and it’s clear from your profile that you’re a book blogger, I’ll add you to this circle and share it again.

If you’re a woman over 40 with a blog, join the Women of Midlife community. I’ve made a circle of 134 of these ladies: Midlife Women. I’ll update this circle, too, if your profile indicates you belong to this group, but don’t make me judge by your photo!

Complaint: Why do techy people think that books don’t need indexes? If it’s in print, it needs an index, guys. Think of it as the book’s search engine.

Appeal: Anyone who wants to make more meaningful on-line connections.

Challenges: This book counts for Nonfiction November, hosted this week at Sophisticated Dorkiness.

Are you using Google+? What are your successes and challenges in that space?