Using Google+ to Network in College
If you’ve circled me on Google+, you’ll know that I’m a big supporter of the network. Since I work at home, I post at least three to ten times per day. I’ll admit that Google+ may not replace Facebook for many college students, but if you use it correctly, it can be a great way to make new connections and maybe even land yourself a job. Here’s my guide to networking on Google+ as a student:
Find Decision-Makers in Your Industry
Google+ now allows you to search for topics and people. This can make it really easy to find recruiters, employees, and leaders in whatever industry you’re looking to be a part of when you graduate. Google has done an especially good job giving incentive for journalists and editors to join, so if you’re looking to be a writer, Google+ may be a great way to get a foot in the door.
Keep Your Public Posts Professional
While this is true of any social network, Google+ gives you some good options for sharing with a limited audience. In fact, Facebook’s latest round of sharing options were intended to counter Google’s system. Even if you post to a limited audience, you have to realize that someone may re-share your post anyway.
Join a Hangout!
Hangouts are one of Google+’s most interesting features. While video chat has been around for a while now, there hasn’t yet been a major social network that used this feature. The best thing about Google+ hangouts is that you can join any public hangout, whether it’s your best friend’s or it’s Fox News’ hangout with the candidates. I’ve joined hangouts with journalists, programmers, and businessmen who were all very interesting and friendly. Unlike following someone on Twitter or Facebook, a hangout lets you get one step closer to a face-to-face meeting.
Organize Your Circles
Google+’s system for organizing your friends revolves around “circles.” Think of this like you would the different circles of friends you have. For example, you probably would not say the same things to your best friends as you would to your boss. Make sure you use this to your advantage as you share on Google+. Recently, Google+ added the ability to share circles as well, so keep an eye on the circles that people send your way!
Follow Brand Pages
The latest addition to Google+’s offerings is Brand Pages. Comparable to Facebook’s company pages, this new feature allows you to keep up with your favorite companies and products. This may not seem extremely unique, but Google+ allows brand pages to start hangouts and share exclusive content with followers. Brand pages can be circled and shared just like individual accounts as well. Today I joined a hangout with the NPR affiliate in San Francisco, which was pretty cool.
What do you think? Have you tried Google+ yet? Let me know your thoughts, and don’t forget to add me to one of your circles!