Google+ Hangouts for Business

Everyone at BlackBoxSocialMedia is excited about Google+’s public launch, and folks have been raving about Google+ Hangouts for business.  Let’s explore some of Google+ Hangout’s new features and ways that you can use Google+ Hangouts for business.

Google+ Hangouts for Business | Ways to Implement

There are a number of ways that you can use Google+ Hangouts for business including video conferencing, up-to-the-minute collaborations, and online presentations.  Here’s four ways you can implement Google+ Hangouts for business provided to us by PCWorld’s article on Google+ Hangouts for business:

1. Simple Video Conferencing. You don’t have to be in the same room, or even in the same city to work together. If your company, or at least your team, are all on Google+, you can use a Google+ Hangout for business impromptu video conferencing. You can make it even simpler by creating a Circle comprised of the company or team so you can just invite that Circle to the Hangout.
2. Collaboration on the Go. One of the changes that Google has introduced for [Google+] Hangouts for business is that you can now participate in Hangouts from your smartphone. The mobile Hangouts feature is available for Android now, with an update coming soon for the iOS Google+ app. Participating in Hangouts requires a smartphone with a front-facing camera, but with this change it is even easier for team members to jump onto a quick video conference session no matter where they are.
3. Webcast Platform. Hangouts On Air turns the Hangouts feature into a tool for broadcasting online to the general public. The Hangout can still only have a total of ten engaged participants, but with Hangouts On Air, an unlimited number of users can view the session. You can also record the Hangout so that those who can’t attend live might still be able to benefit from it.Google is also working on Hangouts On Air with Extras which adds Screensharing, Sketchpad, Google Docs, and more for real-time online collaboration. This feature can be useful for presentations to the whole company, or for conducting webinars for partners, or customers.
4. Messenger (Huddles) with Pics. Google has renamed the Huddles feature of the Google+ mobile app to “Messenger”, and added the ability to share photos as well. The group chat capabilities of Huddles (Messenger) are a great tool for businesses to collaborate and work together as a team any time.

Google+ Hangouts for Business | New Features and Predictions

We think that the most innovative new feature for Google+ Hangouts for business is definitely “Hangouts On Air,” and many users have already been using the feature to create their own tv shows, game shows, and other broadcasts according to SearchEngineWatch.

For all of you small business owners, we think that “Hangouts On Air,” is something that you should familiarize yourself with.  You could broadcast a product launch with several of your top employees involved and let your followers in on your brand-spanking-new products and services.  You could also use this as an opportunity to get feedback from your customers on certain ideas and products by allowing them to have a bird’s eye view of your creative process.  That’s why we think “Hangouts On Air,” is the most phenomenal features of Google+ Hangouts for business.

We’d love to hear what you have to say about Google+ Hangouts for business, so don’t be shy and share your two cents in the comment section below!

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