The Pluses and Minuses of Google Plus

Killer? More like a mild distraction.

But, beyond the hype, there might be something to say about Google+ as a tool for your business. Note – As I am writing this post, Google just announced that G+ will offer business pages. You can read more about that new development on their blog.

Here are a few ways to determine if the tool is right for you right now, or if you should hold off until later. If you answer “yes” to at least five of these questions, Google+ is worth checking out:

• Are your clients tech-savvy, thought leaders?
• Are your clients active in the social media space?
• Do you work directly with consumers and entrepreneurs?
• Do you want to position yourself as a social media, technology or Internet expert?
• Does your company have time, manpower and resources to invest in another social network?
• Do you already have a presence on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as other industry-specific social networks?
• Do you like talking to yourself?

If you answered “yes” to fewer than five of the above questions, you might want to focus on some sites with more active engagement. However, there are a number of reasons to stay tuned about Google.

Although it might not turn out to be the Facebook killer, there are a few features of Google+ that make it worth watching:

• Google is more than a search engine — it’s a way of life. If you’re plugged in with Google’s other tools (like Gmail, Reader, Docs…) Google+ is an interesting extension of what you’re already doing. It adds to your ability to share and curate useful information.
• Tracking key influencers – there may not be 800 million people on the site, but many of the people on Google+ are key influencers in the social media and technology spaces. If you’re interested in that type of information, it’s worth “circling” them and staying up-to-date.
• Organization – the level of organization (and the ease at which you can achieve it) is something that makes G+ stand out from the crowd. If you’re overwhelmed with following multiple Twitter lists or the prospect of segregating the friends, family, coworkers, clients and acquaintances that you’ve accumulated on Facebook, the simplicity of Google+ circles might be right for you.

There’s no right or wrong answer when selecting a social presence for your business. No matter where you make your presence, be committed, provide quality information and engage with the community.