Fundraiser Reveals ‘5 Reasons Why I’m Checking Out Google+’
Marc A. Pitman, of FundraisingCoach.com
I like to think I’m not an early adopter. I tell myself that I didn’t get on Twitter in its first year and ignore that I did join Twitter shortly after the 12 month anniversary. I tell myself I’m not that into Facebook and ignore the fact that when I signed up I still needed a college email to join.
So when I heard about the Google+ Project, I convinced myself that I wasn’t interested. Who has time for yet another social media platform? I am challenged to keep up with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, EmpireAvenue, FourSquare, Klout, and the other networks I’m already on. Why learn a new system on top of all this?
Here are my top reasons.
- TechCrunch makes it sound good
Having tried to get the hang of Google’s Wave and Buzz, I was skeptical. But when I read about Google+ on TechCrunch, it sounded interesting. Google seems to have done a lot of work on this to get it right.
One thing is “circles.” Where Twitter seems like one huge cocktail party, the “circles” in Google+ seem like targeted conversations that I can pop in on. That’s how it feels after playing with the system for a few hours. We’ll see how it develops. If it does help focus conversation and outreach, this could be a lot more effective than Twitter lists. - I’m already using lots of Google services
I spend most of my day with at least two Google services opened on my computer: Gmail and Google Calendar. Three if you count Chrome, the only browser I use. When you add my Android phone and all the Google apps I use on it, I look like a downright Google fanatic.
Ok. I am.
I love collaborating on Google Docs. I love having my GMail contacts synced to my phone. I love chatting with my friends on Google Talk.
So Google+ seemed worth trying. And since most of it is housed in a simple toolbar at the top of many Google sites, it makes it much easier to keep track of than having to check in with Facebook or Twitter. - The relationships are worth it
Everytime I try something new, I associate that service with the people I meet there. Those relationships are special. I like how a new space gives you access to movers and shakers you might not have been able to reach on more established services. And the new-ness of it all creates a sort of bond.
Sounds squishy and feely. I don’t mean that. But I do like seeing my Empire Avenue contacts in this new space. - Google+ seems created for collaboration
I’m really intrigued by the “hangout” and “huddle” aspects of Google+. I can instantly connect with people by video, audio, or simply chat, and hang out. Already, interesting people are doing it.
For more focused conversations, I can have a huddle. My 501 Mission Place colleagues already collaborate on Google Docs. The idea of having them all in a huddle on Google+ seems like stitching our workspaces into one virtual office. Seems like a huge increase on productivity. - It’s what I do
Finally, part of what I do is test out new technology for my FundraisingCoach.com readers and report back on what is useful. Google web searches are providing around 50% of the traffic to my site. I’m sure it’s similar for most of my readers. So learning about how Google is envisioning the evolving web can help my nonprofit readers learn how to fine-tune their internet outreach too.
So there are five reasons I’m jumping on the Google+ train. I like what I’m seeing, but I know we’re still in the honeymoon phase. If you get access to an invite, check it out. I’d be honored to have you add me to one of your circles!
Source: About.com Nonprofit Charitable Orgs
