Google+ Meetings = Awesome
Earlier this year, Google launched its next attempt at social media to mixed reviews. Here’s mine -
I am a huge Google fan, but even they can’t seem to knock Facebook off the top of the totem pole. Fact is, we don’t need another general social media platform.
So, how can Google take over social media? By innovating and creating something that gets the job done better, easier, or faster… not by going toe to toe with Facebook’s Newsfeed (stream), Like button (+1), and Groups (circles). Google should focus on building on their successes, and integrating social experiences into Google Apps and Search, wherever those interactions take place. Wouldn’t it be cool to do a Google Search and see if any of your friends have visited certain websites that you’re coming across? You might discover you have interests in common that you didn’t previously realize, or find you can ask someone’s expert advice on a topic rather than doing redundant research. Maybe Google could build a Gmail add-on like Rapportive or Gist for integrating social media context into your inbox. That would be a better use of their time than trying to solve a problem that we don’t have.
But, there is one thing that they got right, which I think will carry forward to whatever future innovations they release – Hangouts! I like these so much that I named the post after them, despite the rest of the review. Hangouts are the best execution of a multi-person video chat that I’ve seen, and we use them at EVC for our company meetings now (replacing Skype premium). Using sound recognition, Hangouts edit your conversation so that you’re always looking at the speaker, not at a wall of tiny videos. Though Google+ may not last, I’m looking forward to seeing this technology bleed into Google Talk and Voice integrations. Check it out!
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Some cool tools for this week:
Summer Summary!
What a crazy summer it’s been! Now that I’m finally behind my desk in AZ, I figured a blog post was long overdue. Here’s a quick recap of what’s been going on, with more useful posts coming next week.
EVC launched new HD files on custom USB sticks, and they are really taking off! In our first full month of offering them, they outsold DVDs 4 to 1, with an over 80% adoption rate from customers around the country. Take note Event Videographers! My suggestion: DVDs are still great for viewing something quickly on TV, but more people are spending time behind their computers, and we need to adapt. We’re using the h.264 codec, which seems to be the most compatible with all the toys people are using today.
EventVideo.com development is rocking and rolling, and I can’t wait to share our progress with everyone soon! We’ve finished the web design and prototype, and we’re still looking for beta testers to be part of the development process – visit beta.eventvideo.com to sign up.
It’s been a busy month for consulting projects – I’ve enjoyed working with the team at Juntosproject.com to launch their amazing concept this year. Need a motivational speaker? Robertpruitt.com to the rescue… and keep an eye out for a branding re-design and new website in the next month or so! All American Cheer & Dance is gearing up for the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl, and registrations are now available through their website, Allamericancheerdance.com.
On a personal note, I’m so excited to welcome a new member to the Ronzio family! My older brother married the love of his life last month in Santa Barbara, CA.
More to come soon!
When to Upgrade your Stuff
Every business has stuff.
Computers, desks, cars, printers, neon-glowing bar signs… But just because something “still works”, it doesn’t mean you should hold onto it forever.
Get rid of your stuff if:
- It’s broken
- It looks broken
- You didn’t use it this year
- You have more than you need
- You have to wait for it to do what you want it to do
Then get new stuff because:
- Your employees will like you better
- You’ll enjoy working more
- You’ll get things done better or faster
- You can offer new products/services or cheaper products/services
Most businesses slow down a bit during the summer, so this is the perfect time to reorganize your stuff, decide what you still want, and sell the rest. Then, use that dough to upgrade!
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