A Google Hangout

A Google Hangout is a fantastic way to connect with people - friends; family and business associates. I had a few problems when I was first trying to use a Hangout. One reason was the platform. I researched how to do a Hangout and thought the same features described for a computer platform would work on my iPhone. I was also under the mistaken impression if I started "streaming" a Hangout from my phone, anyone could watch. Boy did I have a lot to learn.

Thanks to the help of my teammate and friend Debbie, we connected on a Google Hangout one morning. Here is what I learned:

You need a Google+ account to Hangout. If you haven't already done so, register for a free gmail address, set up your Google+ page and you are good to go. (If you are going to participate in a Live On Air Hangout, you will need to download a plug-in for your computer the first time you do this.)

On your tablet or smartphone you are limited to sharing what your camera sees and having a conversation with up to 9 others - 10 in total. 

When you are using your computer for a Hangout, you can share your screen, show a YouTube video, engage in Chat with others as well as talking with up to 9 people plus yourself. Google has some other neat apps that enhance your Hangout. You can do a Live On Air Hangout from your computer and this can stream through your Google+ account, YouTube or your blog. There is no limit to the number of people that can watch this live stream. In addition, after it ends, it is immediately saved to your YouTube channel. 

What ways do you see using a Google Hangout?

Will Winter Be Around Until Spring?

Ranger in the Tree

This is a real cat, in a real tree in February, 2010. 

Winter officially arrives this coming Saturday, December 21, at 12:11pm EST. We are experiencing our third snowfall in nine days and it's still "technically fall".

Is this a taste of what this winter will bring? Are we going to have one of those seasons that sees snow on the ground from now through Spring? One thing will be certain, we will have a White Christmas (unless we suddenly get weather above freezing day and night and some rain before next Wednesday.)

There is a reason for considering this. My ASEA team is made up of Independent Associates that run their business part time or full time from their home. We attend presentations in homes and restaurants. If we have a winter of snow, sleet and freezing rain with bad road conditions, we need to consider alternative ways of connecting with our team and our prospects. The purrfect solution is to use technology. My new favorite technology is the Google Hangout. There are nuances and potential to this platform that I will present in detail in tomorrow's blog.

Think about the things you want to know; how can this technology, a Google Hangout, work for your business? Bring your questions and let me know if I leave something out.

Enjoy the quiet of a snow covered afternoon.