So What’s the Deal with Google Plus?

As you may already know, there’s a lot of online talk about Google’s latest entry into the world of social networking. It’s another attempt by the Internet search giant to gain leverage in the field after failing terribly with Google Buzz. I was just going to lie back and watch how it all plays out, but I was offered an invite and had to check it out.

If you already have a Google account, once you sign up to Google+ you’ll see a tab with your name connected to all the other Google products you may use (gmail, calender, documents, reader, etc.) It’s easiest to connect with the contacts you already have on Google. The integration between products is pretty cool.

I’m still checking it all out, but so far I can see how Google will finally be successful with Google Plus. I am cautious though because I thought Google Wave was incredible, but that too went down in flames.

So here’s the deal: A cool feature on Google+ is the ability to put contacts into various circles, like one for family, another for friends, one for co-workers, or any other group you’d like to create. This allows you to send certain info only to those various groups. Also, you can follow anyone and see their content without that person following you back. This is cool when following celebrities or thought leaders in a particular industry.

There is also a hangout section where you can conduct video chats with contacts and people who share your interests. I have not checked this feature out yet, but hear it’s pretty awesome.

So far Google Plus has received rave reviews and is growing incredibly fast. However some people may feel they don’t have the time to join another social network, which is understandable. Right now you can only use Google Plus if you’re invited to join by someone already using the network. But word has it that Google Plus will be open to all by the end of July, so you won’t have too wait to long.

I don’t think Facebook and Twitter have much to worry about right now, but you never know with the ever changing world of social networks. I need more time to really know how a feel about Google+, but I’m giving it a shot. If you feel comfortable feeling out another social network, I’d say give Google Plus a try and see how you like it.

Feel free to leave any comments below about your take on Google+.

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Blogs Aren’t Going Anywhere

A recent news article highlights an overall decline in blogging, but I think blogs are here to stay. Yes the explosion of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have cut into the popularity of blogs and the act of blogging, however blogs are and will continue to be an important medium.

I don’t blog much and never really have, however blogging does provide me with an online journal of my thoughts, perceptions, personal struggles and achievements. Blogging also provides me with an international voice to express cultural, political, popular, and personal views.

Blogs are great platforms for detailed writing without the 140 character limitation of Twitter and entries can be found easier than those on a possibly semi-private Facebook network.

Blogging supplements overall branding by complimenting an official website and directing visitors to other social media sites.

I may not blog “regularly,” but I think I’ll always blog and blogs aren’t going anywhere.

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Did Social Media Help Ford’s Sales?

The Ford Motor, Co., a Fortune 500 corporation, today released financial statements showing a 13 percent increase in overall sales. TheStreet.com reports that Ford’s retail sales rose 27 percent from the same month a year earlier, led by a 35 percent increase in retail auto sales.

A Huffington Post article also published today highlights Ford’s brilliant use of social media, noting, “Ford has been engaging in unprecedented dialogues with consumers” and designed an unprecedented social media-driven plan to create such engagements.

Though it’s uncertain how much of a role social media actually played in Ford’s increased sales, it’s tough to say social media had no financial influence whatsoever. With Ford’s impressive social media numbers (4.5 million YouTube views, 3.5 million Twitter impressions) I would say Ford’s online activity had a direct affect in increasing the company’s overall sales.

Do you think the effective use of social media plays a role in a company’s bottom line?

Do you think social media helped Ford’s increase in sales?

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Latinos in Social Media Launch New Website

It’s been quite an exciting 2011 so far, for Latinos engaged in social media. Earlier this month Fox News Latino aired a segment on the incredible popularity and utilization of social media by Latinos in the U.S. The television segment was followed by a awesome article online about how Latinos will use social media to change the world. This positive coverage has the Latino blogosphere abuzz with activity.

Now Latinos in Social Media, the largest organization of Hispanic professionals engaged in social media, has launched its new website. The website will function as the heart of the LATISM mission: equipping Latinos with the tools they need to transform their communities by enabling members to make choices, take part in actions and decisions that affect their lives, and become agents for change.

The new year is shaping up to be a great one for national recognition of the strong and active participation of Latinos in all forms of social media.

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Blogging with a Smartphone

Samsung Epic 4G

About a year ago I bought my first smartphone. As a huge Mac guy, I chose the iPhone 3GS. I thought as a blogger and member of Latinos in Social Media, I should invest in a smartphone to be able to blog in real-time, tweet regularly, and actively participate in location-based social networking.

Since then, I have used my smartphone to post pictures on my blog and videos on Facebook and YouTube, and helped promote restaurants and other businesses via Foursquare and Yelp. With a smartphone, I now have the capability of posting a blog entry while attending an event with the use of the WordPress and BlogPress mobile applications. I can also record audio and video interviews and instantly conduct Internet research when needed. The geo-positioning apps also help me get to where I need to go.

I’ll most likely upgrade next year to the latest iPhone, however I am open to considering other smartphones. I can definitely see myself owning an Andriod HTC EVO 4G or the new Samsung Epic 4G from Sprint, which has a camera/camcorder with autofocus, power LED flash, 4x digital zoom, and HD video recording.

The smartphone market still has a great deal of room for growth. According to a graphic published in Mashable, 83 percent of Americans use mobile phones, however only 25 percent of these phones are smartphones.

If you are a blogger or active in social media and do not own a smartphone yet, seriously think about it. Prices are still high, but I think in the long run the investment will be well worth it.

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