2013 is here! One thing we are all doing for 2013 is getting organized and finishing our goal-setting. I’d like to talk to you about a tool that can help you effectively with that.
The other day I was talking to someone on Facebook and I needed to show her something online. I knew she was on Google+ but when I asked if we could do a Google Hangout, she had never heard of it before! Uhmmm. Shocker!
Later that day, I spoke to a friend, and he too, had not heard of Google Hangout! Finally, someone in my Facebook stream mentioned they were doing a Google Hangout and at least 3-4 people asked ‘What’s a Hangout?’
WHHHHAAT? I’m thinking ‘What in the world is going on here?’ Doesn’t everyone know about Google Hangout? Well, apparently not!
I almost feel silly writing about it, but I know I have to introduce you to a phenomenal tool that you can use for your business and/or pleasure!
What is Google+ Hangout Anyway?
It’s a free video chat service that is I think, by far, the best video chat around! There are also some other awesome Google+ tools within the Hangout that you can use as well.
Our Google Hangout
Yes, there’s Skype, which is great, but I stopped using it when I discovered Google Hangout! To me, it’s easier and free and you can communicate with up to 10 people at a time!
You can chat, support each other in meetings, discuss business and/or personal issues, do telephone conferences or give group hangouts for fun – all face to face! It’s an awesome way to communicate with friends or business partners!
My favorite hangout is every Wednesday, a group of bloggers (our own Blogging Mastermind group) meet and ‘hangout.’ Oh we get work done too, and if you want to meet some awesome bloggers, check out Adrienne Smith, Donna Merrill, Raena Lynn, Sylviane Nuccio and Michael Buccilli (who is building his blog right now)!
Reasons to Use Google+ Hangout
Here are 5 Reasons you should use Google Hangout:
- For business, you can host virtual meetings via video chat. You can increase your team’s productivity with meetings that hold up to 10 people.
- Use additional tools within Hangout like Screen Sharing! Share a powerpoint presentation with a business partner or a video for your business. For friends, share documents, watch YouTube together, movies on your PC, etc.
- There’s Google Plus Mobile so you can use Hangout face to face on your iPhone or Android. Face to face communication on the go!
- Use Google Effects to have some fun with funny faces.
- Use Scoot and Doogle to draw diagrams like on a chalkboard to express your points.
You can also download Google Hangout and use it on your iPad or iPad mini!
How To Get Started With Google+ Hangout
So get to it! 
You’re gonna love it! Here’s how you get started:
- Sign Up for Google+ if you don’t already have an account.
- Go to http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/ and click on Get the App (download only takes a few seconds)
- Login to your Google account.
- Locate the ‘Start A Hangout’ button.
- Select the people you want to join the hangout, one or more and then the fun begins. Those who accept your invitation will be displayed at the bottom of the screen, real-time face-to-face.
If a team member can’t join the hangout, you can also dial the person in by clicking on the “Invite” button and then the “+telephone” link. Calls to the US and Canada are free, and international calling rates are very low
So that’s it! I decided to write about this because I’m literally amazed at how many people don’t know about it!
So get on Google Hangout and give me a call! Let’s hangout and say hi. And oh yeah…leave me a comment and tell me what you think about it!
See you in a Hangout !
Barbara, have you done Google live streaming events too? I’m wondering how they are different from hangouts? Just starting to really delve more into G+. Another network to take care of
Kesha Brown recently posted..How Do You Make Your Mark In The World? #MakeYourMarkES
Hi Kesha. In all honesty, I am not aware of Google live streaming and what the difference is from Google Hangout. I did a search and did not find adequate info. I do see articles talking about Google Plus and how it’s live streaming -not sure if it’s the same thing. I also saw something about Live Streaming to YouTube. I love Google Plus because there’s nothing complicated about this. I don’t have to figure out Livestreaming or anything else. It’s really simple so don’t worry about having to go to deep. It’s pretty self-explanatory. If you find out anything different for livestreaming on Google, please let me know.
Thanks,
Barbara
I’ve never tried a G+ hangout, mostly because then I would have to comb my hair
I know a lot of people do though and they’ve become pretty popular, especially for masterminds. I think this is going to be Google’s way into social in a way they can finally beat Facebook.
Carol Lynn recently posted..Foursquare: The Red-Headed Stepchild Of Social Or A Local Marketing Ally?
Hey Carol Lynn. Truly if you get a minute, try a hangout! I’ll hangout with you just so you can try it! It’s very, very cool and you’re not the only one who worries about their hair LOL! And I agree with you. I think Google Hangout will give FB a run for their money on this one! Let me know if you want to do a hangout.
Talk to you soon.
Barbara
Barbara Charles recently posted..A Secret Tip To Getting Organized in 2013
Hey Barbara,
I haven’t seen your blog posts in a while on our facebook group, so I decided to go directly to your URL and found this post. First off, thank you for mentioning us. After Adrienne and Donna, here you are telling the world about our mastermind group. I think I need to mention our cool group too
Wow, that’s a surprise for me too, Barbara. I thought that anyone online knew what a Google hangout was by now, but sometimes we can be surprised, and it seems that still a lot of people don’t know about it. Because of this, I’m very glad you chose this topic and will share it for all those who still don’t know what a Google hangout is all about, and hopefully will take advantage of it.
Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Article Marketing Then And Now What’s The Difference?
Hi Sylviane. Uhmmm. I’m wonder why you haven’t seen the posts. Either way, I’m glad you stopped by and checked on me! Thank you..
Yeah, I keep running into people who have not heard about it – it still dumbfounds me that they don’t. But maybe if you’re not into blogging as much as we are or don’t know about Mastermind groups, you won’t know about Google Hangouts. I know that’s how I found out and I didn’t know about Mastermind groups either. When you get serious about blogging, I guess you find out these things as they tools we need are right at our fingertips, but exposure needs to come from a mentor, a tutor, a friend. Yes, if you gt a chance, please share as people should know what a great tool Google Hangout is!
Have a blessed day and again, thank you for checking on me!
Barbara
Hi Barbara!
First let me say thank you for the “shout out” – I am so blessed I have met you on a Google Hangout!
I cannot believe people STILL don’t know how to use it! I prefer it over skype. There are so many more things one can do using this platform.
I find it especially useful for the Network Marketers using it as a place for the team. I have some clients that I had to teach to get on Hangouts with their team members, and they are now finding that their business is more effective. If someone is “stuck” the others can help.
Leadership. Another way to use hangouts is for leadership. If you are teaching something, go do it on a hangout.
Masterminding and Accountability – Well we know how that works! On our group, when one person is working on a certain project, we all chime in to help and/or cheerlead so they meet their goal.
Fun: The best thing I love about Google Hangouts is that it is FUN! It is the best platform to get a group of people together and learn more about them on a deeper level. Hey, I think we spend more time laughing than anything else. That’s good medicine.
Thanks once again Barbara!
Donna
Donna Merrill recently posted..Balancing Act Of An Online Entrepreneur
Hey Donna. Yes, I’ve introduced so many people to Google Plus now and each time I’m amazed they don’t know about it! It’s crazy especially with so many people doing online marketing. And I’m with you. I prefer it over Skype now. Thanks for sharing. People really need to know what they have in the palm of their hand that can help with their business. All of the things you mentioned definitely are top reasons for using Google Hangout. I particularly like the masterminding and accountability. I see how we have grown in our own mastermind group just from meeting and talking face to face with people who care Well…we do have a good group and laughing throughout our meeting keeps things light but we still never stray from business. How much better can it get with Google Hangout for all the things you mentioned above. Thanks for the additional info – everyone will benefit from your insight. Thanks lov.
Barbara
Barbara Charles recently posted..A Secret Tip To Getting Organized in 2013
What! People still don’t know what Google Hangouts are? Well Barbara, you just explained it very nicely here for them.
Ah, thanks for mentioning us my dear. Like Donna, I’m so thrilled we had the opportunity to meet through our mastermind group and the rest is history. I love our hangout sessions because it’s a great time to be with people I’m now able to call friends. Oh and if I have anything I want to discuss I let her rip.
I hear Carol about having the hair look okay, that’s the only downfall when I’m having an extremely bad hair day. Like this entire past week with all this rain we’ve had. My goodness… But it’s still fun and we accept each other anyway.
I say if you guys haven’t tried a Google hangout then you just have to. You’ll wonder why you hadn’t done it before.
Thanks Barbara and have a terrific week. See you on Wednesday.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..How Are You Spending Your Time
Hi Adrienne. Yes, sad but true…many people don’t know about Google Hangout. I too am loving every minute to share information, to have friends who will listen and provide moral as well as business support in all we do. I can’t tell you how dear to me all of you are! And we all have our bad hair days LOL!
I will talk to you tomorrow. The highlight of my week is to meet with you ladies on Wednesdays! Hope your week has been good. Talk to you later.
Barbara
Hi Barbara,
I keep hearing about hangouts and all of the other features of G+. I’m reading What the Plus by Guy Kawasaki which has really helped me to understand how much the network really has to offer. Hangout is definitely a cool feature that I’d like to try one of these days. You have a great mastermind group there!
Stacy
Stacy recently posted..Be a Leader – Climb a Rock Wall
Hey Stacy. Yes give it a try. It only takes a few minutes and once you try it, you’ll continue to use it on a regular basis. I promise!
And thanks. They are all awesome ladies and gent! Learning from and networking from the best! Think I’ll also check out that book! 
Enjoy your day tomorrow.
Barbara
Hi Barbara – Great article about a great service. Unlike you, I continue to use Skype (it’s my primary phone these days as opposed to having a house phone) — the advantage being that, since I also subscribe to and pay for a Skype phone number (a lot cheaper than the standard phone service providers like Verizon, etc.). On a one-on-one basis, I like the idea that with Skype, I can simply check to see if someone is online and then just give them a call or text them quickly to see if they’re available. With Google Hangouts, the other person (or people) need(s) to know in advance that they’re going to be invited to a hangout, which can slow things down a bit.
However, like you, I like the advantages of the Hangout in that you can video chat with a whole group of people and even play with the facial disguises (LOL). The only problem I’ve had with Google Hangouts in the past (and I think it may have been more an issue with my computer) was that I had to re-download and install the video and chat plug-in almost every time. It got to be extremely frustrating, and as a result I missed a lot of my team hangouts in Networking Superstars. Hopefully once I get my restored computer back (or get a new one) that won’t be a an issue.
All in all, it’s a great new service that Google has provided, and like you, I’m surprised more people don’t know about it. At the same time, we’re all so inundated with new technology and information all the time, who can keep up?????
Steve Vernon recently posted..How to Profit from the Exploding Application Industry
Hi Steve. Thank you. I guess Skype is good but you still have to pay, but I could see benefits if you use it as a house phone. I also understand people being able to look up who’s online and quickly chatting, however, you can do the same on Google Hangout. You can see who’s online and who’s busy. I think the advantages for Hangout in terms of meetings is that meetings are usually planned so there is no issue with slowing things down.
It does sound like maybe it was your computer. I have introduced quite a few people to Google Hangout, helped them download and not once did we have to re-download. What browser are you using? Chrome works well with Google Plus. Most people who start using it regular do not go back to skype. Not a criticism, just an observation. Yes, hard to keep up with technology. Never a truer statement said.
Thanks for stopping by.
Barbara
Hi Barbara
A great post and you have done an excellent job of explaining it here.
I love Google Hangouts especially ours (even if you did leave me off your list
)
I think I was invited to one when they first started and I have been on many since then. I was promoting a video conferencing service but Google does so much for free.
I get Carol’s comment on hair etc and I have that with oh now I have to put my makeup on. But I used to do that everyday when I worked in an office.
Great post Barbara
Sue
Sue Price recently posted..Debunking the Myths of Empower Network
OMG Sue – did I leave you off the list – Noooooo say it isn’t so?! I’m so sorry! Please forgive me! It was just an oversight in my hurry to get the blog out this morning. I will make it up to you for sure! You are an intricate of our group and you know this! I promise I’ll make it up to you.
Google Hangout – we have such a good time and share so much more than what we learn from blogging. It’s just unbelievable that our Hangout has turned out as if we were in each other’s home side by side! That’s how great Google Hangout is. It’s funny, in our hangout, I come as I am which is why I love our group, but if we had others, I’d definitely make sure the hair is done right!
Thank you for everything and once more, please forgive me for the oversight.
Lov ya,
Barbara
Wow! I did NOT know about the mobile version ! That sounds cooool! I admit I’ve been very backward coming forward in working out what the heck Google Plus is all about. I have an account – but haven’t fully come to grips with it yet. Your article about the hangouts though – that’s very clear! Hmmmm…. something I will definitely have to investigate! Thanks Barbara! ~Robin~
Robin J Emdon recently posted..Numismatic Coins Vs Bullion – The Residual Income Formula Continued
Hey there Robin. Yes, many people I know use the mobile version. I’ve also done Hangouts with my daughter on her iPad mini. It truly is mobile video chatting. Try it for sure/. I guarantee you will use it over and over and over again! Let me know when you do. I’d be interested in seeing what you think! Enjoy.
Barbara
Barb,
100% true. When Google+ get into social by 2011 the hangout was the 1st and most attractive feature by most subscribers and simply wonderful service.
Other than personal, many of online businesses, meeting, marketing, sales calls, and internet business happens through hangout and a BIG thanks to G+. Still Skype offers with subscription and G+ already over taken the share from this crowd. way to Go… Thanks for the post.
Manickam Vijayabanu recently posted..Ubuntu – A New Influx To Smart Mobile Operating System
Hi Manickam. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. You’re absolutely right, Google has taken over from Skype and is great face to face for business and marketing. You hit the nail on the head. There’s no telling where this will take us. I remember when the first video conferencing came out years ago…poor quality, slow connections…we are far beyond where we were and I love it!
Thanks for your insight.
Barbara
Thanks for laying this out for me. I have been in on one hangout that I can remember and it was quite interesting. I got to meet Andy Bailey that way and it was fun just seeing everyone live. I just started a business and was looking for an alternative to Skype. I like Skype myself, but it can be costly after a while and I like the word FREE. What I did remember was no lag time and everything seemed to be in real-time so that is always a plus to me. I will have to make a mental note to self to get more involved in other hangouts soon.
Sonia recently posted..Are There Benefits of Failure?
Hi Sonia. Once I found Google Hangout I completely gave up Skype. Not only is it Free and sometimes Skype was not, but it has a better quality picture and as you mentioned, everything is in real time. The biggest complaint in our Mastermind group is that we all want me make sure we’re ‘presentable’ and that makeup is on and hair is not a mess LOL! True story! That’s how clear it is.
Make a note for yourself and check it out. And it only takes a few minutes to download the app and set it up. Pretty much no work at all. If you see me online, send me a google plus hangout request and we’ll chat. 
Enjoy!
Hi Barbara
Sorry I am a little late getting to this post! I am also one of the many that has only just started hearing about google hangout, I can see how it can be good for us and although I still have a problem with time differences (I was only just saying this to Adrienne earlier) I can see how much better it is than Skype.
Thanks for sharing I will take a look at it further.
Have a great day
Pauline
Pauline recently posted..Why You Need An Autoresponder To Help Build A List
Hey Pauline.
No problem I can appreciate all that we have to do. Thanks for stopping by. Where are you located? Our mastermind group has members all over the U.S. and one gal in Australia. We manage to meet weekly at a time that is convenient to all. Google hangout allows us to see each other and its great. Such a better experience for all than using the phone. I urge you to check it out. I’m online alot. Hit me up if you get a minute on Google Hangout. We’ll chat and you can try it in real time! Enjoy. Let me know what you think.
Regards,
Barbara