Make it Easy For Me To Read Your Google+ Posts And Comments

Please tell me:

Why are you here at Google+?

You may not like it but you are here to get attention. 

1| You want me to read your post.

2| You want me to read your comments.

If you wrote a post or a comment and you don't want attention why are you writing great stuff here at Google+?

I really, truly, want to read your posts or comments!

Make it easy for me.

Many Plussers have shared ideas but have a look at this post of mine. I am not suggesting it's only way. LOL

Every new idea is shared at a new line.

I like paragraphs but I prefer white space. 

Use a headline to interest me.

Use bold to make it clear what's important.

Share under your friends and try and make it easy for me to give you attention. LOL


Image credit http://goo.gl/0RgNe

#googleplustips   #formating   #googleplus  

Make it Easy For Me To Read Your Google+ Posts And Comments

Please tell me:

Why are you here at Google+?

You may not like it but you are here to get attention. 

1| You want me to read your post.

2| You want me to read your comments.

If you wrote a post or a comment and you don't want attention why are you writing great stuff here at Google+?

I really, truly, want to read your posts or comments!

Make it easy for me.

Many Plussers have shared ideas but have a look at this post of mine. I am not suggesting it's only way. LOL

Every new idea is shared at a new line.

I like paragraphs but I prefer white space. 

Use a headline to interest me.

Use bold to make it clear what's important.

Share under your friends and try and make it easy for me to give you attention. LOL


Image credit http://goo.gl/0RgNe

#googleplustips   #formating   #googleplus  

Today We Went Walking In Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is a small village 30 minutes from Cape Town. It's got a lovely and very active fishing harbour.

This is the place where we buy all our fresh fish. But today we went for a breakfast and shopping.

The dogs were with us and had to do dog things. This was the place where they could do it.

Far in the distance is my village, Simonstown.

I hope you are having a fun day. Let me know what you are doing on this Saturday.

Read more on Kalk Bay at Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalk_Bay

#samsungs2 #mobilephonephotography #kalkbay #capetown #southafrica

Today We Went Walking In Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is a small village 30 minutes from Cape Town. It's got a lovely and very active fishing harbour.

This is the place where we buy all our fresh fish. But today we went for a breakfast and shopping.

The dogs were with us and had to do dog things. This was the place where they could do it.

Far in the distance is my village, Simonstown.

I hope you are having a fun day. Let me know what you are doing on this Saturday.

Read more on Kalk Bay at Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalk_Bay

#samsungs2 #mobilephonephotography #kalkbay #capetown #southafrica

10 Simple Ideas To Increase Your Google+ Influence


If you are interested in your personal or business brand then these 10 ideas may make your task easier.

1) Define your intent.

Your intent is either to give or to take. And when you want but disguise it by apparent giving it will show.

You will gain nothing by being fence-sitter either. Say clearly what you like and dislike. ( As an example: I have said I am no liar. I want more people to circle me. http://goo.gl/sEYWR)

2. Reply to everyone who mentions your name.

Check that you get notified, via Google+ settings, when someone mentions your name.

See:

(Do You Want To Try and Engage With Everyone Mentioning Your Name? http://goo.gl/tfWwJ

(Google+ Tip: Managing Notification http://goo.gl/G4DOz +Rahul Roy)

3) Toot the horns of people who reach out to you and people who share great work

Mention them in posts and connect people who may share an interest but are not aware of it. (My friend +Carra Riley is such a connector).

Get involved with influencers and share their work (riding coattails http://goo.gl/Tvwxc)

4) Be Supportive. People are asking questions.

Have you considered setting up and saving a Google+ search for your niche?

You can use this search to find interesting people, leave clever comments (giving you credibility, and SEO juice) and assisting people.

Each of these allow you to increase your reach and influence. And obviously get more people to circle you.

5) Define your main content categories and publish everyday.

One original post is enough. There others you can share.

The idea is that you brand yourself as an expert. If you are serious about branding then add some clever opinion of your own to the link you share.

If you run out of ideas then read and read. The more you read the more inspiration you'll get.

Use these ideas to find and share great content using your mobile and app called Zite http://goo.gl/Zeasd

6) Be confident in yourself.

People will feel your confidence. When you get a compliment accept it with gracefully.

Here are some great tips on How to Be a Confident Blogger by momblogmagazine.com http://goo.gl/g7Aok

7) People Are Not Interested In Your Problems

People come here because they want solutions. Give them inspiration. Give them huggs. Help them.

8) Thank people for being around

I have said it before; You have the +1 tool. Use it. It's the closest you can get to give someone a thank you kiss. Do it often. Daily.

( Why is +1 Like Casanova Gifting?http://goo.gl/YRC5N)

I have found the best way for me to catchup in +1s is via my Google+ app on my mobile. It's a lot easier than via my web browser. I find it easier to scroll through various of my circles this way.

9. Out of sight out of mind

Be consistent. And spend at least a little time everyday - even if it's just to do +1 kissing.

10) Circle your major engagers and give them more of your time.

I use a simple idea by +Bud Hoffman http://goo.gl/Vq7EA. The idea is to promote people from first engagement and as the engage and share more they get promoted to a high engage circle.

P.S. If you would like to be notified of my posts please make a selection here http://goo.gl/dwQD9

10 Simple Ideas To Increase Your Google+ Influence


If you are interested in your personal or business brand then these 10 ideas may make your task easier.

1) Define your intent.

Your intent is either to give or to take. And when you want but disguise it by apparent giving it will show.

You will gain nothing by being fence-sitter either. Say clearly what you like and dislike. ( As an example: I have said I am no liar. I want more people to circle me. http://goo.gl/sEYWR)

2. Reply to everyone who mentions your name.

Check that you get notified, via Google+ settings, when someone mentions your name.

See:

(Do You Want To Try and Engage With Everyone Mentioning Your Name? http://goo.gl/tfWwJ

(Google+ Tip: Managing Notification http://goo.gl/G4DOz +Rahul Roy)

3) Toot the horns of people who reach out to you and people who share great work

Mention them in posts and connect people who may share an interest but are not aware of it. (My friend +Carra Riley is such a connector).

Get involved with influencers and share their work (riding coattails http://goo.gl/Tvwxc)

4) Be Supportive. People are asking questions.

Have you considered setting up and saving a Google+ search for your niche?

You can use this search to find interesting people, leave clever comments (giving you credibility, and SEO juice) and assisting people.

Each of these allow you to increase your reach and influence. And obviously get more people to circle you.

5) Define your main content categories and publish everyday.

One original post is enough. There others you can share.

The idea is that you brand yourself as an expert. If you are serious about branding then add some clever opinion of your own to the link you share.

If you run out of ideas then read and read. The more you read the more inspiration you'll get.

Use these ideas to find and share great content using your mobile and app called Zite http://goo.gl/Zeasd

6) Be confident in yourself.

People will feel your confidence. When you get a compliment accept it with gracefully.

Here are some great tips on How to Be a Confident Blogger by momblogmagazine.com http://goo.gl/g7Aok

7) People Are Not Interested In Your Problems

People come here because they want solutions. Give them inspiration. Give them huggs. Help them.

8) Thank people for being around

I have said it before; You have the +1 tool. Use it. It's the closest you can get to give someone a thank you kiss. Do it often. Daily.

( Why is +1 Like Casanova Gifting?http://goo.gl/YRC5N)

I have found the best way for me to catchup in +1s is via my Google+ app on my mobile. It's a lot easier than via my web browser. I find it easier to scroll through various of my circles this way.

9. Out of sight out of mind

Be consistent. And spend at least a little time everyday - even if it's just to do +1 kissing.

10) Circle your major engagers and give them more of your time.

I use a simple idea by +Bud Hoffman http://goo.gl/Vq7EA. The idea is to promote people from first engagement and as the engage and share more they get promoted to a high engage circle.

P.S. If you would like to be notified of my posts please make a selection here http://goo.gl/dwQD9

14 Ways To Learn How To Helpfully Ride The Coattails Of Google+ influencers.

This is a riff on the excellent article by +Tom Treanor. (Please show him support and follow him).

Let me define Ride the Coattails my Google+ way:

It's metaphor that refers to the way in which Google+ Newbies can gain influence through their ties to Google+ Influencers. It does not mean that the newbie will get a free ride. No.

The newbie will have to earn the ride. And this article explains how to honestly and helpfully get a ride.

See point (12) for the explanation of the riff concept.

Here are the 14 Ways:

1. Start Cultivating

Pick a small set of Google+ influencers that interest you (say 4-6 people) to start with.

Place them all in one circle. Sincerely comment on their posts or +1 it. It does not help you +1 an odd post by +Melody Lynn and you are clueless about the topic. Mean it!

I have someone who drops 20 +1's within 30 minutes on me. I am no influencer but this is useless. Check this article by the great Google+ Plusser +Jaana Nyström on commenting. Check the comments for ideas on what works. http://goo.gl/s1n8V

2. Show Your Support

If believe your followers will benefit then also share your influencers posts. But never just share without you adding your own salt and spice to the story. As a rule I never share just link. SpammyShare is vain.

Influencers are good social networkers. They will take note of the share. Many will acknowledge it. And may even like and comment if you have added you own clever salt and spice angle.

3. Become Their Informal (or formal) “Community Manager”

As a rule newbies follow influencers; these newbies need help and asks a question at the influencer's post. Get in there and give them advice. The influencer and other will take notice and see you as valuable resource.

4. Connect Them To A Great Resource or Person

You may notice that an influencer has an issue. You know of another influencer who may help. These two influencers may not know of each other. Introduce them via +name.

If someone asks a question anywhere on Google+ and you know an influencer who can help then +Name (tag) the influencer at the post and ask them to come and help. This is a great opportunity for the influencer to brand his skills.

Or the influencer may ask for help and you have an answer. Or you know of another Google Plusser who can help then connect the two.

5. Cover Their Keynote

Join hangouts that your influencers present. Summarise your positive view and publish your post tagging the influencer.

If you have negative things to say. Say it to yourself. And forget about it.

Or see 10. Again you are doing it because you have learned something genuine; Positive stuff will help your followers and brand the influencer.

6. Offer Free Consulting To improve Their Business

Are you a banner or scrap book maker? And you have made a nice one for yourself. Offer to make them one. Use +Google Plus Profile Picture + Banner Maker. It's free and does a great job.

Also go and see what my friend +Bearman Cartoons is doing offering caricatures.

You don't have to be an artists. You may have Crome skills like +Valentin Dobroia or presentations skills. You can even create a screen cast video of their images; don't publish it to youtube. it's not yours. No. Just give it to them. If they want it let them publish it.

7. Review Their Book, Product or Event

Let's look at an example; +Guy Kawasaki wrote an excellent book everyone on Google+ should read (What the Plus! Google+ for the Rest of Us http://goo.gl/TZlAk no aff). Read it and tell people what you have have gained from it.

I am not saying Guy will give you a ride. But focus on making other people look great - when they are!

8. Interview Them

Arrange a one one hangout or ask them to be the expert host or do a private HO and ask them questions relevant to their expertise. Preferably send them the questions before. And it's assumed that you already have some relationship going.

10. Give Them Honest Feedback

The other day one of my Influencers was frustrated with Google. I was able to change the perspective of the influencer by giving straightforward advice. My influencer accepted my view, felt better and moved on.

Influencers are not intouchables they are people like you and me.

11. Create A Valuable Resource For Your Community

+Rahul Roy, the man who connects many people and curates great Google+ articles, was asked by +Peter G McDermott if he would run +G+ Library. That's compliment to Rahul.

Rahul agreed; I know that Rahul is capable of a lot but why not offer your services and assit Rahul. (This is just an example).

12. Riff Off One Of Their Ideas (not rip off)

This article is a intended to be a riff of +Tom Treanor's article (http://goo.gl/N3Q1K). You basically take something and you add your own art to it (I am not suggesting my riff is art).

His story angle is on general social media and mine focuses on Google+.

If you find something on Google+ that you like and have another angle on then ask the person if you can riff it. I asked +Tom Treanor.

13. Become A Customer

This is straight forward. If you have a need for their services then use it. If they sell a book on Google+ and it's great then buy it and share it. (See .7)

14. Offer To Write A Guest Post

On Google+ this is not applicable. (I think). But you can offer to write one on their blog.

Does this not remind you of the bank balance story?

By following these ideas you are depositing value into the bank balance of your influencer. One day the influencer will acknowledge your positive balance. Influencer will pay you back more than what you can ever expect.

Can You Go Too Far?

+Tom Treanor says yes. +Guy Kawasaki adds that it's an art. All I can say is; if you are not honest you'll be exposed as a fraud.

Tom share 5 tips that can help you to not go too far. Please read Tom's article at CoppyBlooger here http://goo.gl/N3Q1K. It is his first Article on CopyBlogger. (Well done Tom!)

Have Fun.

P.S. +Melody Lynn shared this oxymoron of a quote by Oscar Wild http://goo.gl/QtDiS and it think it's appropriate:

Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about. Oscar Wild

14 Ways To Learn How To Helpfully Ride The Coattails Of Google+ influencers.

This is a riff on the excellent article by +Tom Treanor. (Please show him support and follow him).

Let me define Ride the Coattails my Google+ way:

It's metaphor that refers to the way in which Google+ Newbies can gain influence through their ties to Google+ Influencers. It does not mean that the newbie will get a free ride. No.

The newbie will have to earn the ride. And this article explains how to honestly and helpfully get a ride.

See point (12) for the explanation of the riff concept.

Here are the 14 Ways:

1. Start Cultivating

Pick a small set of Google+ influencers that interest you (say 4-6 people) to start with.

Place them all in one circle. Sincerely comment on their posts or +1 it. It does not help you +1 an odd post by +Melody Lynn and you are clueless about the topic. Mean it!

I have someone who drops 20 +1's within 30 minutes on me. I am no influencer but this is useless. Check this article by the great Google+ Plusser +Jaana Nyström on commenting. Check the comments for ideas on what works. http://goo.gl/s1n8V

2. Show Your Support

If believe your followers will benefit then also share your influencers posts. But never just share without you adding your own salt and spice to the story. As a rule I never share just link. SpammyShare is vain.

Influencers are good social networkers. They will take note of the share. Many will acknowledge it. And may even like and comment if you have added you own clever salt and spice angle.

3. Become Their Informal (or formal) “Community Manager”

As a rule newbies follow influencers; these newbies need help and asks a question at the influencer's post. Get in there and give them advice. The influencer and other will take notice and see you as valuable resource.

4. Connect Them To A Great Resource or Person

You may notice that an influencer has an issue. You know of another influencer who may help. These two influencers may not know of each other. Introduce them via +name.

If someone asks a question anywhere on Google+ and you know an influencer who can help then +Name (tag) the influencer at the post and ask them to come and help. This is a great opportunity for the influencer to brand his skills.

Or the influencer may ask for help and you have an answer. Or you know of another Google Plusser who can help then connect the two.

5. Cover Their Keynote

Join hangouts that your influencers present. Summarise your positive view and publish your post tagging the influencer.

If you have negative things to say. Say it to yourself. And forget about it.

Or see 10. Again you are doing it because you have learned something genuine; Positive stuff will help your followers and brand the influencer.

6. Offer Free Consulting To improve Their Business

Are you a banner or scrap book maker? And you have made a nice one for yourself. Offer to make them one. Use +Google Plus Profile Picture + Banner Maker. It's free and does a great job.

Also go and see what my friend +Bearman Cartoons is doing offering caricatures.

You don't have to be an artists. You may have Crome skills like +Valentin Dobroia or presentations skills. You can even create a screen cast video of their images; don't publish it to youtube. it's not yours. No. Just give it to them. If they want it let them publish it.

7. Review Their Book, Product or Event

Let's look at an example; +Guy Kawasaki wrote an excellent book everyone on Google+ should read (What the Plus! Google+ for the Rest of Us http://goo.gl/TZlAk no aff). Read it and tell people what you have have gained from it.

I am not saying Guy will give you a ride. But focus on making other people look great - when they are!

8. Interview Them

Arrange a one one hangout or ask them to be the expert host or do a private HO and ask them questions relevant to their expertise. Preferably send them the questions before. And it's assumed that you already have some relationship going.

10. Give Them Honest Feedback

The other day one of my Influencers was frustrated with Google. I was able to change the perspective of the influencer by giving straightforward advice. My influencer accepted my view, felt better and moved on.

Influencers are not intouchables they are people like you and me.

11. Create A Valuable Resource For Your Community

+Rahul Roy, the man who connects many people and curates great Google+ articles, was asked by +Peter G McDermott if he would run +G+ Library. That's compliment to Rahul.

Rahul agreed; I know that Rahul is capable of a lot but why not offer your services and assit Rahul. (This is just an example).

12. Riff Off One Of Their Ideas (not rip off)

This article is a intended to be a riff of +Tom Treanor's article (http://goo.gl/N3Q1K). You basically take something and you add your own art to it (I am not suggesting my riff is art).

His story angle is on general social media and mine focuses on Google+.

If you find something on Google+ that you like and have another angle on then ask the person if you can riff it. I asked +Tom Treanor.

13. Become A Customer

This is straight forward. If you have a need for their services then use it. If they sell a book on Google+ and it's great then buy it and share it. (See .7)

14. Offer To Write A Guest Post

On Google+ this is not applicable. (I think). But you can offer to write one on their blog.

Does this not remind you of the bank balance story?

By following these ideas you are depositing value into the bank balance of your influencer. One day the influencer will acknowledge your positive balance. Influencer will pay you back more than what you can ever expect.

Can You Go Too Far?

+Tom Treanor says yes. +Guy Kawasaki adds that it's an art. All I can say is; if you are not honest you'll be exposed as a fraud.

Tom share 5 tips that can help you to not go too far. Please read Tom's article at CoppyBlooger here http://goo.gl/N3Q1K. It is his first Article on CopyBlogger. (Well done Tom!)

Have Fun.

P.S. +Melody Lynn shared this oxymoron of a quote by Oscar Wild http://goo.gl/QtDiS and it think it's appropriate:

Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about. Oscar Wild

Easy Free Photo Taking Tools For Ordinary People

1) Your cell phone is the best place to start. I prefer a Galaxy phone. With the Galaxy Note my preferred one.

2) Google+ for simple and effective editing of photos. 

3) Google+ instant upload makes Cell Phone photos a pleasure. I also use +Dropbox for instant uploads.

4) I cannot go without http://pixlr.com/. It's probably the best browser editing tool around. It has various +Adobe Photoshop tools all FREE.

5) Organising and editing photos online and offline use http://picasa.google.co.za/ 

6) If you want to go more professional then try the free http://www.gimp.org/ program.

7) To batch edit photos I use http://www.xnconvert.com/

8) Mobile sharing sites with great editing tools and filters +Instagram and   +Streamzoo. I really like streamzoo for many reasons. One is the easy share to other social networks.

9) At another time I will share some of the great mobile apps I use with my Android phones. One is the HDR Camera. I bought the Pro version of HDR Camera+ http://goo.gl/TY05S

10) My next easy camera will be Galaxy Camera with all the Abndriod goodness of which one is to send photos via WiFi to instant uploads. Cool http://goo.gl/Ig9KZ

Easy Free Photo Taking Tools For Ordinary People

1) Your cell phone is the best place to start. I prefer a Galaxy phone. With the Galaxy Note my preferred one.

2) Google+ for simple and effective editing of photos. 

3) Google+ instant upload makes Cell Phone photos a pleasure. I also use +Dropbox for instant uploads.

4) I cannot go without http://pixlr.com/. It's probably the best browser editing tool around. It has various +Adobe Photoshop tools all FREE.

5) Organising and editing photos online and offline use http://picasa.google.co.za/ 

6) If you want to go more professional then try the free http://www.gimp.org/ program.

7) To batch edit photos I use http://www.xnconvert.com/

8) Mobile sharing sites with great editing tools and filters +Instagram and   +Streamzoo. I really like streamzoo for many reasons. One is the easy share to other social networks.

9) At another time I will share some of the great mobile apps I use with my Android phones. One is the HDR Camera. I bought the Pro version of HDR Camera+ http://goo.gl/TY05S

10) My next easy camera will be Galaxy Camera with all the Abndriod goodness of which one is to send photos via WiFi to instant uploads. Cool http://goo.gl/Ig9KZ

7 Tips On How To Find Your Old Google+ Posts or Comments

+Joan Laine asked: Can you give me a tip on how to find a specific old post that I am looking for?

And I thought more people will be interested in learning how to do it with greater success: 

1) This is how I find my old posts: search in G+ using your name and some of the terms you used in the post or comment you are trying to find.

2) Use "word1 word2" if you remember two words you used next to each other. If you cannot then just use word1 word2 without the " "

3) If you remember another plusser who posted or was tagged mentioned in the post or they made a comment to the post add their name to the search. 

4) Continue searching different words. Longer strings of possible words. 

5) +Jaana Nyström suggested: Is it your own post? Then choose 'From you' in the dropdown after you have searched once.

6) +Mark Traphagen in a post http://goo.gl/ZsTpH mentioned that if you remember the day and month of the post then add "23 May" 

If you cannot remember the day then just add the month. 

7) When you have searched click on the pause button. If you don't click pause posts will continue to scroll past. 

BTW: I am not good at adding #tags  but by adding it you may find your posts easier in the future. ;-)

EDIT: The Plussers added some more advice:

+Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu  you can also use http://ifttt.com/ and create recipe that archives all your posts to Twitter #hashtag or Evernote, etc.

Michael Stuart +Michael Stuart I often use +Jari Huomo tool
@ http://www.googleplussuomi.com/timelinetest.phpgoogleid=104355888553035365377 

#googleplustips   #googleplussearch   #twt  

7 Tips On How To Find Your Old Google+ Posts or Comments

+Joan Laine asked: Can you give me a tip on how to find a specific old post that I am looking for?

And I thought more people will be interested in learning how to do it with greater success: 

1) This is how I find my old posts: search in G+ using your name and some of the terms you used in the post or comment you are trying to find.

2) Use "word1 word2" if you remember two words you used next to each other. If you cannot then just use word1 word2 without the " "

3) If you remember another plusser who posted or was tagged mentioned in the post or they made a comment to the post add their name to the search. 

4) Continue searching different words. Longer strings of possible words. 

5) +Jaana Nyström suggested: Is it your own post? Then choose 'From you' in the dropdown after you have searched once.

6) +Mark Traphagen in a post http://goo.gl/ZsTpH mentioned that if you remember the day and month of the post then add "23 May" 

If you cannot remember the day then just add the month. 

7) When you have searched click on the pause button. If you don't click pause posts will continue to scroll past. 

BTW: I am not good at adding #tags  but by adding it you may find your posts easier in the future. ;-)

EDIT: The Plussers added some more advice:

+Kevin von Duuglas-Ittu  you can also use http://ifttt.com/ and create recipe that archives all your posts to Twitter #hashtag or Evernote, etc.

Michael Stuart +Michael Stuart I often use +Jari Huomo tool
@ http://www.googleplussuomi.com/timelinetest.phpgoogleid=104355888553035365377 

#googleplustips   #googleplussearch   #twt  

7 Simple Ideas To Get A Google+ Tango And More Circle Inclusions

They say it takes two to tango. That makes a lot of sense. Here at Google+ you need more than two to tango.

 *But you have to get off your bum and ask plussers to tango with you.* 

I just read a nice post by someone who is in only 159 peoples circles. I was the only one how left a comment on his post. He name tagged me. 

His story should be read by more people. But he needs to do a lot more Plussing work. I don't feel sorry for the guy. If I did I would share a link to his posts. ;-)

*We all start at ZERO!* 

But when you are at zero Google+ can be a lonely place.

 That's where you have to get up and ask people for the dance.

Here are a few ideas that I have picked up over time and from other plussers that will increase the number of people who circle you:

1) Set yourself a goal. You want to increase the number of people who circle you from zero to a 600 in month one. From 500 to a 1400 in month two. Play around with the numbers. 

You obviously get more people when you have more people. At 600 you need 20 per day. Now you can start working on it. 

Plot your success on a graph. And use +CircleCount and their Chrome extension  http://goo.gl/28YRT

2) When you publish a story on a topic use Google+ search to find other people who posted on the same issue and leave an engaging comment at the post. 

It's not appropriate to leave a link to your post. 

When you have commented a few times on the same post then you may feel more comfortable sharing a link to your post.

The idea to find these publishers with common interests is that they will come and check out your about page and your last post. And they may like it and circle you.

3) Write a post your topic and search for other post on the topic. Quote the people and +nametag them. They will like it and may even share your post. 

But again: Never abuse name tagging people. Tag them when you quote them. 

4) I have mentioned commenting. But as a general remark i want to add that many plussers have shared how leaving great comments is one of the fasted ways to to get people to circle you. Obviously you have to leave great comments.

5) Share other people's posts. It's important, again, to use search for your topics and then share relevant posts. When you share that post, please, add your own view on the post and thank the person who wrote the post and the person who share the post - if applicable.

 6) You can also get people to circle you when you write engaging posts that get shared. This is not as easy as it seems.

 But go and watch what highly successful plussers like +Jaana Nyström, +Amanda Blain, and +Mike Elgan do.

 See if you can find their formula and duplicate it. Not copy what they do. Just apply their formula. 


7) Some people will tell you that it's not worth your while to ride the coat tails of influencers. I think they make a mistake.

 Influencers can make your life a lot easier than what you think. But you need to become a valuable resource to them.

 Some time ago I wrote a riff *14 Ways To Learn How To Helpfully Ride The Coattails Of Google+ influencers*. http://goo.gl/uGsGQ

What other great Plussers have shared on making new friends:

1)  Go and have a look at +Ellie Kennard's post http://goo.gl/hfSxi Attention New Members or Those Whose Experience Here is Less Than Satisfying So Far

2)  +Chris Brogan published this post December 2011. Get More People to Circle You on Google+ http://goo.gl/eVfdJ. 

3) My Google+ Help Posts For Beginners. +Billy Wilson  wrote a great post with many great ideas here http://goo.gl/ZVRq6

4) 8 Ways to get circled by +Michael Delgado via +circled.us  http://goo.gl/KAM3d

5) And if you crave for more information have a look at this post by +Melody Lynn  Google+ 101 a.k.a. The MothaLode o' Google+ Info & Resources for Goobies http://goo.gl/EMvHD

Image credit http://goo.gl/5AbeM

7 Simple Ideas To Get A Google+ Tango And More Circle Inclusions

They say it takes two to tango. That makes a lot of sense. Here at Google+ you need more than two to tango.

 *But you have to get off your bum and ask plussers to tango with you.* 

I just read a nice post by someone who is in only 159 peoples circles. I was the only one how left a comment on his post. He name tagged me. 

His story should be read by more people. But he needs to do a lot more Plussing work. I don't feel sorry for the guy. If I did I would share a link to his posts. ;-)

*We all start at ZERO!* 

But when you are at zero Google+ can be a lonely place.

 That's where you have to get up and ask people for the dance.

Here are a few ideas that I have picked up over time and from other plussers that will increase the number of people who circle you:

1) Set yourself a goal. You want to increase the number of people who circle you from zero to a 600 in month one. From 500 to a 1400 in month two. Play around with the numbers. 

You obviously get more people when you have more people. At 600 you need 20 per day. Now you can start working on it. 

Plot your success on a graph. And use +CircleCount and their Chrome extension  http://goo.gl/28YRT

2) When you publish a story on a topic use Google+ search to find other people who posted on the same issue and leave an engaging comment at the post. 

It's not appropriate to leave a link to your post. 

When you have commented a few times on the same post then you may feel more comfortable sharing a link to your post.

The idea to find these publishers with common interests is that they will come and check out your about page and your last post. And they may like it and circle you.

3) Write a post your topic and search for other post on the topic. Quote the people and +nametag them. They will like it and may even share your post. 

But again: Never abuse name tagging people. Tag them when you quote them. 

4) I have mentioned commenting. But as a general remark i want to add that many plussers have shared how leaving great comments is one of the fasted ways to to get people to circle you. Obviously you have to leave great comments.

5) Share other people's posts. It's important, again, to use search for your topics and then share relevant posts. When you share that post, please, add your own view on the post and thank the person who wrote the post and the person who share the post - if applicable.

 6) You can also get people to circle you when you write engaging posts that get shared. This is not as easy as it seems.

 But go and watch what highly successful plussers like +Jaana Nyström, +Amanda Blain, and +Mike Elgan do.

 See if you can find their formula and duplicate it. Not copy what they do. Just apply their formula. 


7) Some people will tell you that it's not worth your while to ride the coat tails of influencers. I think they make a mistake.

 Influencers can make your life a lot easier than what you think. But you need to become a valuable resource to them.

 Some time ago I wrote a riff *14 Ways To Learn How To Helpfully Ride The Coattails Of Google+ influencers*. http://goo.gl/uGsGQ

What other great Plussers have shared on making new friends:

1)  Go and have a look at +Ellie Kennard's post http://goo.gl/hfSxi Attention New Members or Those Whose Experience Here is Less Than Satisfying So Far

2)  +Chris Brogan published this post December 2011. Get More People to Circle You on Google+ http://goo.gl/eVfdJ. 

3) My Google+ Help Posts For Beginners. +Billy Wilson  wrote a great post with many great ideas here http://goo.gl/ZVRq6

4) 8 Ways to get circled by +Michael Delgado via +circled.us  http://goo.gl/KAM3d

5) And if you crave for more information have a look at this post by +Melody Lynn  Google+ 101 a.k.a. The MothaLode o' Google+ Info & Resources for Goobies http://goo.gl/EMvHD

Image credit http://goo.gl/5AbeM

South African's Own SUL Please share. We made the hotlist last time. 

Independently curated by +Johan Horak That's me. ;-)

1) Here a list of 97 active people SA people on Google+. 
2) The list is not exclusive but it's limited to a 100 active people.
3) The idea is that you share this circle circles. If in public even better.
4) I have removed 9 inactive people from the list.
5) Even if you have the circle please update it as there are more people.
6) Try and interactive with these people as often as possible. Here are great people.
7) Have fun, engage and share. 
8) If you are active or want to be more active and you are not on the list let me know.

Here's a list of things newbies can do to kick start their Google+:

1) Newbie Advice (Short story) http://goo.gl/kUFKt
2) Add this list of Google Plusser who help newbies http://goo.gl/Cgep1 by +Jaana Nyström 
3) 6 Ideas for newbies http://goo.gl/q2680
4) F1 Directory on great Google+ post http://goo.gl/TTclh by +Shamil Weerakoon 

South African's Own SUL Please share. We made the hotlist last time. 

Independently curated by +Johan Horak That's me. ;-)

1) Here a list of 97 active people SA people on Google+. 
2) The list is not exclusive but it's limited to a 100 active people.
3) The idea is that you share this circle circles. If in public even better.
4) I have removed 9 inactive people from the list.
5) Even if you have the circle please update it as there are more people.
6) Try and interactive with these people as often as possible. Here are great people.
7) Have fun, engage and share. 
8) If you are active or want to be more active and you are not on the list let me know.

Here's a list of things newbies can do to kick start their Google+:

1) Newbie Advice (Short story) http://goo.gl/kUFKt
2) Add this list of Google Plusser who help newbies http://goo.gl/Cgep1 by +Jaana Nyström 
3) 6 Ideas for newbies http://goo.gl/q2680
4) F1 Directory on great Google+ post http://goo.gl/TTclh by +Shamil Weerakoon 

Google+ Sharers Circle: These People Like To Share.

Many people complain that they have many people who placed them in circles but they get very little engagement.

This is a complicated problem I am not going to try and solve other that giving you a circle who are willing to engage with you.....

I am making this circle public to show my appreciation to the people who engaged with me and who are sharing my Google+ posts. Some many times, some a few times and others at least once.

They are not all influencers, many are, some are also new to Google+ but they are willing to share.

If you want to connect with people who engage via sharing. Here's a great circle.

I believe if you look after them and they will look after you by sharing your great Google+ posts.

Have fun

Johan
P.S. If you have engaged with me, as mentioned above, and I have not included you please leave a comment and I will add you.
P.P.S. I have not included myself in this circle. This is really and truly about other people who share my stuff.

#circle #cirlcleshare #circleshare #circlesharing

Google+ Sharers Circle: These People Like To Share.

Many people complain that they have many people who placed them in circles but they get very little engagement.

This is a complicated problem I am not going to try and solve other that giving you a circle who are willing to engage with you.....

I am making this circle public to show my appreciation to the people who engaged with me and who are sharing my Google+ posts. Some many times, some a few times and others at least once.

They are not all influencers, many are, some are also new to Google+ but they are willing to share.

If you want to connect with people who engage via sharing. Here's a great circle.

I believe if you look after them and they will look after you by sharing your great Google+ posts.

Have fun

Johan
P.S. If you have engaged with me, as mentioned above, and I have not included you please leave a comment and I will add you.
P.P.S. I have not included myself in this circle. This is really and truly about other people who share my stuff.

#circle #cirlcleshare #circleshare #circlesharing

A calm and colourful Monday to you!

But be vigilant as there's always a dry thorn bush In between the flowers and calm sea. ;-)

#mondayflowers   #seascape   #seamonday   #purpleflowers   #naturephotography   #naturemonday   #capetown   #simonstown   #androidography   #androidphotography   #mobilephotography   #mobilography   

A calm and colourful Monday to you!

But be vigilant as there's always a dry thorn bush In between the flowers and calm sea. ;-)

#mondayflowers   #seascape   #seamonday   #purpleflowers   #naturephotography   #naturemonday   #capetown   #simonstown   #androidography   #androidphotography   #mobilephotography   #mobilography   

South Africans Created Their On Google+ SUL (Second Edition)

After many complaints about the Google+ suggested user list +Mike Elgan suggested countries create their own suggested user lists for Newbies. 

With the support of many South Africans I have created an active list of Google+ South Africans. I mean active.

Not dead profiles. I checked them. I know many of them. 

I am not saying that I have them all. But it's a start. I will accept more. We'll go to a 100. Tops. Not more. Then I will ask +CircleCount to give me the top 100 every second week.

The plan is:

1) You also play game and share this circle ;-) 

2) Ask your circles to add and share it again.

3) Please nominate people who are active and not on the circle. Or nominate yourself; if you are active ;-)

4) If you are on the circle but not interested in sharing it please let me know and I'll remove you. 

BTW: One reason I am keeping this to a 100 or less is I can notify you. If you don't like the notifications please tell me.

Have fun in the winter sun.

P.S. Well done to one of the great South African Supporters of the SA SUL Circle:

+Michael Cowen even added a link to the circle to his about page. That's a kinda guy I like to have in my circles. 

South Africans Created Their On Google+ SUL (Second Edition)

After many complaints about the Google+ suggested user list +Mike Elgan suggested countries create their own suggested user lists for Newbies. 

With the support of many South Africans I have created an active list of Google+ South Africans. I mean active.

Not dead profiles. I checked them. I know many of them. 

I am not saying that I have them all. But it's a start. I will accept more. We'll go to a 100. Tops. Not more. Then I will ask +CircleCount to give me the top 100 every second week.

The plan is:

1) You also play game and share this circle ;-) 

2) Ask your circles to add and share it again.

3) Please nominate people who are active and not on the circle. Or nominate yourself; if you are active ;-)

4) If you are on the circle but not interested in sharing it please let me know and I'll remove you. 

BTW: One reason I am keeping this to a 100 or less is I can notify you. If you don't like the notifications please tell me.

Have fun in the winter sun.

P.S. Well done to one of the great South African Supporters of the SA SUL Circle:

+Michael Cowen even added a link to the circle to his about page. That's a kinda guy I like to have in my circles. 

I Like It When You Plus One Me

Why are you not doing it?

Here I am.

I just left a message at your post.

I just made a comment after you did.

I just published a nice post.

And you saw it.

You even read it.

And you left the door open.

You left without greeting me.

Does it take time to plus one me?

Or are you just a little ignorant?

I had a friend who took an hour or more to wakeup.

She would not acknowledge us. It was odd. And I called her my friend.

Greet me with a plus one. It's free. It's easy.

 Share plus ones. Your friends will love you for it.

Ignorance is expensive.

Generosity is free and it pays.

 Check how many plus ones you are dishing out https://www.google.com/dashboard/b/0/

See 

I am at 25 000. I know that my friend +Jaana Nyström is at many more.

I have said it before:

 *Most people like flowers. Sharing a plus one is like giving a free flower to a friend. Give out many flowers friend.*

I Like It When You Plus One Me

Why are you not doing it?

Here I am.

I just left a message at your post.

I just made a comment after you did.

I just published a nice post.

And you saw it.

You even read it.

And you left the door open.

You left without greeting me.

Does it take time to plus one me?

Or are you just a little ignorant?

I had a friend who took an hour or more to wakeup.

She would not acknowledge us. It was odd. And I called her my friend.

Greet me with a plus one. It's free. It's easy.

 Share plus ones. Your friends will love you for it.

Ignorance is expensive.

Generosity is free and it pays.

 Check how many plus ones you are dishing out https://www.google.com/dashboard/b/0/

See 

I am at 25 000. I know that my friend +Jaana Nyström is at many more.

I have said it before:

 *Most people like flowers. Sharing a plus one is like giving a free flower to a friend. Give out many flowers friend.*

6 Quick Guides For Google+ Newbies

My friend +Melody Lynn asked what would be The Very First all updated comprehensive Google+ guide for newbies? http://goo.gl/a0mgv 

Some of the ideas listed in the comments of that post and a few others I want to share with you today in. 

Why am I publishing it as a post?

I wanted a summary of ideas... one place, one post one link that I can add to my about page to share with Google+ Newbies. 

I am not suggesting the list is complete. Feel free to suggest more. My criteria; try and stick to what +Melody Lynn calls updated comprehensive.

To me this means that one place or few places where newbies can quickly get an introduction. 

(You may say that +Shamil Weerakoon's F1 Directory does not qualify as it's not quick. What I like about the F1 Directory is that you can scann it for topics that interest you. And then read it quickly). 

Here are the six Google+ Guides I want to share today. 

1) *Great Google+ Video* http://goo.gl/pxAjy. explaining many Google+ features as suggested by

 +Arvid Bux and created by +Google+ (20 minutes and a must watch ;-))

2) *Understanding Google+ v2.0* http://goo.gl/XhH0a +Gabriel Vasile. (If you want a quick guide you need to go here). 

3) Google+ Tips, Guides, and Resources http://goo.gl/glcxY as suggested by +Ryan Crowe curated by +Johnathan Chung (as long as it takes)

4) Want To See the Magic Of Google Plus? http://goo.gl/sxuFT by +Amanda Blain and suggested by 
+Angela McBain (a few minutes to read)

5) Google+ directory The Google+ "F1" Directory by +Shamil Weerakoon  http://goo.gl/mHCS1. It contains a lot of G+ info. (as long as it takes)

6) *Google+ Help* curated by my friend +Jaana Nyström at http://www.scoop.it/t/googleplus-help (as long as it takes)


I also recommend....

Cream of the Crop: I would send Newbies to +CircleCount and suggest they circle as many of these people who publish great stuff (with less than 10 000 supporters).

 http://www.circlecount.com/daily/ They should visit this page daily as it changes.

Circling great people is a topic on it's own.

 Have fun

6 Quick Guides For Google+ Newbies

My friend +Melody Lynn asked what would be The Very First all updated comprehensive Google+ guide for newbies? http://goo.gl/a0mgv 

Some of the ideas listed in the comments of that post and a few others I want to share with you today in. 

Why am I publishing it as a post?

I wanted a summary of ideas... one place, one post one link that I can add to my about page to share with Google+ Newbies. 

I am not suggesting the list is complete. Feel free to suggest more. My criteria; try and stick to what +Melody Lynn calls updated comprehensive.

To me this means that one place or few places where newbies can quickly get an introduction. 

(You may say that +Shamil Weerakoon's F1 Directory does not qualify as it's not quick. What I like about the F1 Directory is that you can scann it for topics that interest you. And then read it quickly). 

Here are the six Google+ Guides I want to share today. 

1) *Great Google+ Video* http://goo.gl/pxAjy. explaining many Google+ features as suggested by

 +Arvid Bux and created by +Google+ (20 minutes and a must watch ;-))

2) *Understanding Google+ v2.0* http://goo.gl/XhH0a +Gabriel Vasile. (If you want a quick guide you need to go here). 

3) Google+ Tips, Guides, and Resources http://goo.gl/glcxY as suggested by +Ryan Crowe curated by +Johnathan Chung (as long as it takes)

4) Want To See the Magic Of Google Plus? http://goo.gl/sxuFT by +Amanda Blain and suggested by 
+Angela McBain (a few minutes to read)

5) Google+ directory The Google+ "F1" Directory by +Shamil Weerakoon  http://goo.gl/mHCS1. It contains a lot of G+ info. (as long as it takes)

6) *Google+ Help* curated by my friend +Jaana Nyström at http://www.scoop.it/t/googleplus-help (as long as it takes)


I also recommend....

Cream of the Crop: I would send Newbies to +CircleCount and suggest they circle as many of these people who publish great stuff (with less than 10 000 supporters).

 http://www.circlecount.com/daily/ They should visit this page daily as it changes.

Circling great people is a topic on it's own.

 Have fun

15 Ideas Mike Elgan Shared About Google+

+pio dal cin interviewd +Mike Elgan http://goo.gl/ESQBx and here are some of the tid bids from the two hour interview.

1) You are a multi media journalist. Take your video camera or camera with you and record everything. Cups of Coffee....how you bake bread.

[The easiest content to generate is a quick video interview. Interview the expert, the baker, the dentist, the builder. Interview happy clients]

2) Share your own stock photography with your readers. You have no idea what people will enjoy.

3) Build a community and make friends. [Don't think about making money yet].

4) If you are not paying for a service you are a product.

[+Thomas Power did a great talk on this and discussed the value of attention we have given to Facebook and Instagram here http://goo.gl/Qp3iP].

5) Always add an image to your post. Google+ is such a visually rich medium. Even if you share a link to another article.

6) When you post something at Google+ you feel you are posting to someone. There's no fancy trickery necessary.

7) I try to ignore everything except Google+.

8) Go and look at a Twitter stream. It's full of external links. It looks like junk.

9) Find a niche: In the world you have to become the most important guy on it.

10) Google+ is a social layer.

11) Google is not a great at marketing Google+. They can learn from Apple.

11) I would like to see more flying hangouts where you identify people in a common niche and do a spur of the moment hangout.

12) The greatest thing about Google+ Ghost Town is that you are in it. You are today a grain of sand that will grow into Everest. [Here's graphic I made on the idea http://goo.gl/vPuXy]

13) Google will be Siri on steroids.

14) Twitter and Pinterest are not social media sites they are micro blogging sites.

15) Don't hold back. Publish publicly and comment.

Others on the panel with +pio dal cin and +Mike Elgan were +Yifat Cohen, +Bess McCarty, +Ellie Kennard +Jack C Crawford, +Johan Horak +Jaana Nyström +Meilani MacDonald +Robert Anderson.

Please share with me your own notes of this great interview.

15 Ideas Mike Elgan Shared About Google+

+pio dal cin interviewd +Mike Elgan http://goo.gl/ESQBx and here are some of the tid bids from the two hour interview.

1) You are a multi media journalist. Take your video camera or camera with you and record everything. Cups of Coffee....how you bake bread.

[The easiest content to generate is a quick video interview. Interview the expert, the baker, the dentist, the builder. Interview happy clients]

2) Share your own stock photography with your readers. You have no idea what people will enjoy.

3) Build a community and make friends. [Don't think about making money yet].

4) If you are not paying for a service you are a product.

[+Thomas Power did a great talk on this and discussed the value of attention we have given to Facebook and Instagram here http://goo.gl/Qp3iP].

5) Always add an image to your post. Google+ is such a visually rich medium. Even if you share a link to another article.

6) When you post something at Google+ you feel you are posting to someone. There's no fancy trickery necessary.

7) I try to ignore everything except Google+.

8) Go and look at a Twitter stream. It's full of external links. It looks like junk.

9) Find a niche: In the world you have to become the most important guy on it.

10) Google+ is a social layer.

11) Google is not a great at marketing Google+. They can learn from Apple.

11) I would like to see more flying hangouts where you identify people in a common niche and do a spur of the moment hangout.

12) The greatest thing about Google+ Ghost Town is that you are in it. You are today a grain of sand that will grow into Everest. [Here's graphic I made on the idea http://goo.gl/vPuXy]

13) Google will be Siri on steroids.

14) Twitter and Pinterest are not social media sites they are micro blogging sites.

15) Don't hold back. Publish publicly and comment.

Others on the panel with +pio dal cin and +Mike Elgan were +Yifat Cohen, +Bess McCarty, +Ellie Kennard +Jack C Crawford, +Johan Horak +Jaana Nyström +Meilani MacDonald +Robert Anderson.

Please share with me your own notes of this great interview.

Learn How To Easily Find And Share Great Content At Google+ That Will Promote Your Personal Brand

Branding yourself - is about being seen as the expert in your niche....

You want to easily and effectively publish this expert content at Google+ using simple mobile tools and tricks from great Google+ Influencers and Inspiring Plussers.

How do you do that?

Today I will share with you how you can find.....


>> great content and


>> how to share it easily so that other people like it.


Note: This strategy is not for everyone. If you just want to have fun sharing nice things then stop reading and have fun.

If you are serious about branding yourself or your business then this may make it easier.


Okay! Now that you decided this is what you want let's move on...


I believe that if you are only sharing other Google Plussers post, here at Google+, it can become a bit bland.


I am not suggesting you should not share other Google Plusser's stuff. You should! Google Plussers write and share amazing nuggets.

Just check the great posts that +Rahul Roy shares every week: http://goo.gl/2ylch. (And sharing is part of the art of sucking up http://goo.gl/ihy9h).

But...

Sharing within Google+ is not good enough! At least not until everyone is on Google+. ;-)

+++++++++++ How Experts Share From Outside Of Google+ ++++++++++

>> Let's Look At How Other Google+ Experts Share From Outside Of Google+


Why not copy my friend +Eli Fennell and the Google+ master +Guy Kawasaki Let's see what they do:

Eli digs out all kinds of interesting stories. He then adds his own expert angle to it. Eli posts a link to the external article and Google+ publish the link below his story.

>> Take note:

Eli does not just publish the link. He publishes his expert view as well. And by adding a few paragraphs of clever content Eli sets himself up as an expert.

(I am not suggesting Eli is intentionally trying to set himself up as the expert. His naturally getting it done. And we can follow his lead. Check this article by +Eli http://goo.gl/72HYq for example)


Branding yourself that's what you want; to be seen as the expert in your niche.

+++++++++++ Guy Kawasaki Push The Barrier Adding Images ++++++++++

>> Can You Push The External Publishing Barrier Even Further?


Yes.

Guy Kawasaki adds an additional and important element to the sharing of external material:

Always Add Your Own Image Or Video To Your Post

Guy says, rather than allowing Google+ to pull an image from the outside article publish your own image (or include a Youtube Video) to every post. See Guy's stream http://goo.gl/ZqSD1. It's image rich.


I agree with Guy when he says, never post all text. And never the image that Google+ suggest (from the external link). It's not always the best image the link brings in.

Guy manually grabs a picture from the source. (Watch this video by +Tim Moore interviewing +Guy Kawasaki http://goo.gl/Aj4b8 and read his book What The Plus: Google+ For the Rest of Us for more).

+++++++++++ Examples Of Image Shares ++++++++++

Here are two images showing the differences when posting an image and when allowing Google+ to pull the image from the source link: http://goo.gl/KV9I6

If I cannot find a good image from the source I find and publish another relevant image to the post. Edit it quickly with the free browser edit tool http://goo.gl/usRkP Pixlr

+++++++++++ Why Are Image Rich Plussers So Successful? ++++++++++

If you want to succeed at Google+ then you need to inspire. And I believe that your text or a link comes a poor second to inspirational images. If not inspiration images then at least attention grabbing images.

Just go and check at +CircleCount's The Cream of the Crop. Most people with skyrocketing follower-growth are image rich content providers; photographers and others.

I strongly suggest you copy visual Plusser's success. http://www.circlecount.com/daily/


Here's another content rich example:

+Rajini Rao is a 40-something research scientist. Most people will feel intimidated by the research scientist label and because they consider scientists boring (like accountants ;-).

Go and check how this great Plusser shares science with inspiring images. http://bit.ly/Hmxe26 Even I comment sometimes.

Okay.

Now you will add an image or video to every post. ;-)

Can we move on?

No. Not yet.

+++++++++++ Proof is in the Eating: Pinterest ++++++++++


Income the popular #pinterest.

The first time I published a relatively popular Google+ post some people saw the post via Pinterest. The influencer (Guy Kawasaki) posted the image to Pinterest and many Pinners took the bait. They came from Pinterest to read a Google+ post. Just ask +Carra Riley (an new friend I made via Guy, via Pinterest)

What does it mean?

Great and inspirational images will bring you eyes from many unexpected places. (BTW: See how you can easily integrate Google+ with Pinterest http://goo.gl/902LB)

Does it sound like a lot of work?

I said this was going to be easy and effective. And not for everyone.

This does not mean you'll have nothing to do!

You'll have to set up a system and stick to it.

Eventually when it becomes second nature and you'll have fun.

I have addressed how to be effective.

Using Your Mobile Effectively Will Add Another Dimension To Your Content Sharing


+Mark Traphagen reminded me of the *app called Zite *, a clever reader he likes and suggested. But it was, at the time only available on the Mac. I was using Currents and Pulse but wanted Zite.

>> Why did I want Zite?

Zite is a clever reader.

I can be anywhere. And read and share amazing content related to my niche.

This is what Zite has to say about clever content:

Your Zite magazine is compiled using automated algorithms that find and deliver articles that have buzz: that is, they're being discussed on websites, blogs, and popular social media services.

This is very different from my Google Reader setup. In Google Reader I have to choose what I want to read. I may only want to read certain blog topics. Not all. But Google Reader gives me all the articles.


But Zite learns as you thumb up or thumb down stories. For more read the interesting by +Mark Traphagen http://goo.gl/Ls2Iv on Zite. (And http://goo.gl/Bmgs7 The Best Search Engines Today Aren’t Search Engines)


*Go and get your Zite app here http://zite.com/*

Now you can start reading great stories on your mobile. And now you can share it with Google+.

No! Not yet!

When you share from most mobile apps they either send an ugly looking link to Google+. At best you may get an title and an image. But none of these will inspire your audience.

+++++++++++ Publish Later From Your Mobile ++++++++++

This is what I suggest you do when publishing from your mobile.


It's not easy to type on a mobile, grabbing and editing images, and copy pasting stuff are not easily done on a mobile or grabbing images via a mobile. I leave that to my Mac. Here's a procedure I suggest:

1) Read your articles on your mobile via zite.

2) When you find a great story thumbs it up via the Zite app (Zite learn what you like via these actions).

3) And share it to a Google+ circle (with no followers.) I call my circle publish later.

4) When you get back to your laptop access this private circle.

5) Open the article on your laptop browser and write your opinion to go with this external article.

6) You can now grab images from the article or other and add it to your Google+ post.

7) Click on publish and see the people read and share your inspiring post.

Simple?

Let's summarize:


1) Add great images (or videos) to every post referring to external sources.

2) Use tools like Zite to find inspiring stories. There are more places to find interesting stories like Alltop and Stumbleupon.com

3) “Be the real you because everyone else is taken and replicas don’t sell for as much.” Dan Schawbel


This was a long story just to shared with you.

I hope you are having fun

Johan
P.S. While talking about mobiles and Google+ go and read +Jaana Nyström article on giving out +1s http://goo.gl/QBssq. The easiest way to read content and share +1s is via the Google+ Mobile App. Try it and let me know.

#googleplus #gplustips #personalbranding #brandingpersonal #brandingforhumans

Learn How To Easily Find And Share Great Content At Google+ That Will Promote Your Personal Brand

Branding yourself - is about being seen as the expert in your niche....

You want to easily and effectively publish this expert content at Google+ using simple mobile tools and tricks from great Google+ Influencers and Inspiring Plussers.

How do you do that?

Today I will share with you how you can find.....


>> great content and


>> how to share it easily so that other people like it.


Note: This strategy is not for everyone. If you just want to have fun sharing nice things then stop reading and have fun.

If you are serious about branding yourself or your business then this may make it easier.


Okay! Now that you decided this is what you want let's move on...


I believe that if you are only sharing other Google Plussers post, here at Google+, it can become a bit bland.


I am not suggesting you should not share other Google Plusser's stuff. You should! Google Plussers write and share amazing nuggets.

Just check the great posts that +Rahul Roy shares every week: http://goo.gl/2ylch. (And sharing is part of the art of sucking up http://goo.gl/ihy9h).

But...

Sharing within Google+ is not good enough! At least not until everyone is on Google+. ;-)

+++++++++++ How Experts Share From Outside Of Google+ ++++++++++

>> Let's Look At How Other Google+ Experts Share From Outside Of Google+


Why not copy my friend +Eli Fennell and the Google+ master +Guy Kawasaki Let's see what they do:

Eli digs out all kinds of interesting stories. He then adds his own expert angle to it. Eli posts a link to the external article and Google+ publish the link below his story.

>> Take note:

Eli does not just publish the link. He publishes his expert view as well. And by adding a few paragraphs of clever content Eli sets himself up as an expert.

(I am not suggesting Eli is intentionally trying to set himself up as the expert. His naturally getting it done. And we can follow his lead. Check this article by +Eli http://goo.gl/72HYq for example)


Branding yourself that's what you want; to be seen as the expert in your niche.

+++++++++++ Guy Kawasaki Push The Barrier Adding Images ++++++++++

>> Can You Push The External Publishing Barrier Even Further?


Yes.

Guy Kawasaki adds an additional and important element to the sharing of external material:

Always Add Your Own Image Or Video To Your Post

Guy says, rather than allowing Google+ to pull an image from the outside article publish your own image (or include a Youtube Video) to every post. See Guy's stream http://goo.gl/ZqSD1. It's image rich.


I agree with Guy when he says, never post all text. And never the image that Google+ suggest (from the external link). It's not always the best image the link brings in.

Guy manually grabs a picture from the source. (Watch this video by +Tim Moore interviewing +Guy Kawasaki http://goo.gl/Aj4b8 and read his book What The Plus: Google+ For the Rest of Us for more).

+++++++++++ Examples Of Image Shares ++++++++++

Here are two images showing the differences when posting an image and when allowing Google+ to pull the image from the source link: http://goo.gl/KV9I6

If I cannot find a good image from the source I find and publish another relevant image to the post. Edit it quickly with the free browser edit tool http://goo.gl/usRkP Pixlr

+++++++++++ Why Are Image Rich Plussers So Successful? ++++++++++

If you want to succeed at Google+ then you need to inspire. And I believe that your text or a link comes a poor second to inspirational images. If not inspiration images then at least attention grabbing images.

Just go and check at +CircleCount's The Cream of the Crop. Most people with skyrocketing follower-growth are image rich content providers; photographers and others.

I strongly suggest you copy visual Plusser's success. http://www.circlecount.com/daily/


Here's another content rich example:

+Rajini Rao is a 40-something research scientist. Most people will feel intimidated by the research scientist label and because they consider scientists boring (like accountants ;-).

Go and check how this great Plusser shares science with inspiring images. http://bit.ly/Hmxe26 Even I comment sometimes.

Okay.

Now you will add an image or video to every post. ;-)

Can we move on?

No. Not yet.

+++++++++++ Proof is in the Eating: Pinterest ++++++++++


Income the popular #pinterest.

The first time I published a relatively popular Google+ post some people saw the post via Pinterest. The influencer (Guy Kawasaki) posted the image to Pinterest and many Pinners took the bait. They came from Pinterest to read a Google+ post. Just ask +Carra Riley (an new friend I made via Guy, via Pinterest)

What does it mean?

Great and inspirational images will bring you eyes from many unexpected places. (BTW: See how you can easily integrate Google+ with Pinterest http://goo.gl/902LB)

Does it sound like a lot of work?

I said this was going to be easy and effective. And not for everyone.

This does not mean you'll have nothing to do!

You'll have to set up a system and stick to it.

Eventually when it becomes second nature and you'll have fun.

I have addressed how to be effective.

Using Your Mobile Effectively Will Add Another Dimension To Your Content Sharing


+Mark Traphagen reminded me of the *app called Zite *, a clever reader he likes and suggested. But it was, at the time only available on the Mac. I was using Currents and Pulse but wanted Zite.

>> Why did I want Zite?

Zite is a clever reader.

I can be anywhere. And read and share amazing content related to my niche.

This is what Zite has to say about clever content:

Your Zite magazine is compiled using automated algorithms that find and deliver articles that have buzz: that is, they're being discussed on websites, blogs, and popular social media services.

This is very different from my Google Reader setup. In Google Reader I have to choose what I want to read. I may only want to read certain blog topics. Not all. But Google Reader gives me all the articles.


But Zite learns as you thumb up or thumb down stories. For more read the interesting by +Mark Traphagen http://goo.gl/Ls2Iv on Zite. (And http://goo.gl/Bmgs7 The Best Search Engines Today Aren’t Search Engines)


*Go and get your Zite app here http://zite.com/*

Now you can start reading great stories on your mobile. And now you can share it with Google+.

No! Not yet!

When you share from most mobile apps they either send an ugly looking link to Google+. At best you may get an title and an image. But none of these will inspire your audience.

+++++++++++ Publish Later From Your Mobile ++++++++++

This is what I suggest you do when publishing from your mobile.


It's not easy to type on a mobile, grabbing and editing images, and copy pasting stuff are not easily done on a mobile or grabbing images via a mobile. I leave that to my Mac. Here's a procedure I suggest:

1) Read your articles on your mobile via zite.

2) When you find a great story thumbs it up via the Zite app (Zite learn what you like via these actions).

3) And share it to a Google+ circle (with no followers.) I call my circle publish later.

4) When you get back to your laptop access this private circle.

5) Open the article on your laptop browser and write your opinion to go with this external article.

6) You can now grab images from the article or other and add it to your Google+ post.

7) Click on publish and see the people read and share your inspiring post.

Simple?

Let's summarize:


1) Add great images (or videos) to every post referring to external sources.

2) Use tools like Zite to find inspiring stories. There are more places to find interesting stories like Alltop and Stumbleupon.com

3) “Be the real you because everyone else is taken and replicas don’t sell for as much.” Dan Schawbel


This was a long story just to shared with you.

I hope you are having fun

Johan
P.S. While talking about mobiles and Google+ go and read +Jaana Nyström article on giving out +1s http://goo.gl/QBssq. The easiest way to read content and share +1s is via the Google+ Mobile App. Try it and let me know.

#googleplus #gplustips #personalbranding #brandingpersonal #brandingforhumans

Oscar Pistorius: let’s put it to rest the controversy and celebrate his achievement

I am amazed by people talking about the advantages my friend gets from his bionic legs that they are willing to forget the human who walks on these legs, my friend who came into my house on these legs.

He told us once and it's in his book: the story of walking on the beach as a boy and noticing that his feet left impressions on the sand that weren't the same as other kids'. "My footprints are different," he told his parents. "No," they replied, "they're just better." 

His mother would call on Oscar and his brother, "Carl, you put on your shoes, and Oscar, you put on your legs, that's the last I want to hear about it"

He never thought he had a disability he just thought he had different shoes. 

From The Washington Post http://goo.gl/qcZ06

"Before another scientific journal, retired sprinter Michael Johnson’s ego or track’s stopwatch police ruin one of the great stories of these Olympic Games, let’s crystallize the emotions of Olympic Stadium on Saturday, about 10:45 a.m., when a man with no legs below his knees began blazing around the track".

"The crowd of 80,000 roared because they felt happy for Oscar Pistorius, not sorry for him. They rose from their seats in awe, not uncomfortable ambiguity".

"Would you swap your two legs for Pistorius’s prosthetics to find out?*

My last question to you:

Are you more worried about him breaking records because of his advantage or do you enjoy with the world a differently abled person overcoming all odds?

I get the feeling that you feel sorry for disabled people as long as they don't threaten your ego - your records.

Oscar Pistorius: let’s put it to rest the controversy and celebrate his achievement

I am amazed by people talking about the advantages my friend gets from his bionic legs that they are willing to forget the human who walks on these legs, my friend who came into my house on these legs.

He told us once and it's in his book: the story of walking on the beach as a boy and noticing that his feet left impressions on the sand that weren't the same as other kids'. "My footprints are different," he told his parents. "No," they replied, "they're just better." 

His mother would call on Oscar and his brother, "Carl, you put on your shoes, and Oscar, you put on your legs, that's the last I want to hear about it"

He never thought he had a disability he just thought he had different shoes. 

From The Washington Post http://goo.gl/qcZ06

"Before another scientific journal, retired sprinter Michael Johnson’s ego or track’s stopwatch police ruin one of the great stories of these Olympic Games, let’s crystallize the emotions of Olympic Stadium on Saturday, about 10:45 a.m., when a man with no legs below his knees began blazing around the track".

"The crowd of 80,000 roared because they felt happy for Oscar Pistorius, not sorry for him. They rose from their seats in awe, not uncomfortable ambiguity".

"Would you swap your two legs for Pistorius’s prosthetics to find out?*

My last question to you:

Are you more worried about him breaking records because of his advantage or do you enjoy with the world a differently abled person overcoming all odds?

I get the feeling that you feel sorry for disabled people as long as they don't threaten your ego - your records.

Why is +1 Like Casanova Gifting? What I learned when I wanted to kiss a girl a 13 or 15.

Let me tell you the story. It's a little embarrassing but I got through it. It was my first lesson in social engagement.

And it's very applicable to my social engagement philosophy here on Google+.

As a 13 year old schoolboy my family sent me to an all boys school, 8 hours away from home by train. Sunday nights we got on at six and got off at 3 am.

It was boring. But there were older boys and they shared how they kissed girls and what-not. I was intrigued and never slept. But I was so excited by the idea. I could just imagine the closeness and the soft lips. Goodness! I could not wait.

But it took me a few more years to be invited to a disco. Yes. That's what we called a dance at that time.

I saw this good looking girl and asked the unsuspecting soft-lips for a dance. At least I got this bit sorted. But I could not move. My legs were stuck to my hips. I, never before danced and had other plans as well. I was frightened.

I asked her to walk outside and she obliged. What now? I tried the kiss. I got a smack. And I never saw soft lips again.

I was sad. My friends made fun out of me. But I am a learner. One day I met the local casanova. And he said to me:

1) It takes time.
2) You have to ask her about herself. She will talk. Some more than others.
3) Hold her hand.
4) Speak to her regularly.
5) Be honest. Always. (This was a real casanova).
6) Buy her flowers.
7) Take her to the movies.
8) Tell her how beautiful she looks in the purple dress.
9) Buy her a small ring.
10) And then give her a kiss.

Well. This helped a lot and I got a lot more kisses than smacks.

This is the same here at Google+.

Circling someone thinking you'll get the kiss is like me at 14; you won't get anything.


I believe you have do the following (and I am not saying this has not been said. I just packed it in a kissing story):

1) +1's are the gifts. Give them out. Like +Jaana Nyström (http://goo.gl/HXKyJ) sharing +40 000 +1's (She has nearly 40000 followers. I am not saying there's a relationship between +1's and followers. And I am not saying she's chasing no-of-followers. The above post by Jaana shares how you can tally your number of +1's.

2) Comment on a post is like taking her for dinner.

3) Sharing a post is like buying her a nice ring.

4) Doing all of these regularly are like sharing kisses. You'll get it back. You'll be added to public Circles. (My less than 500 followers jumped to more than a 1000 in one week when I changed my engage strategy. I wrote it here http://goo.gl/oh7VS (Warning: Selfless promotion because my engagers like it and shared it)).

5) You'll have to find Casanovas to teach you how to get the kiss and when you do they will return it. Here are some of my Casanovas; +rahul roy, +Jaana Nyström, +Denis Labelle, +Mark Traphagen, +Prabat parmal, +Eli Fennell, +John Hardy, +Al Remetch, +Rehan Ahmad, +Valentin Dobroia, +stephanie wanamaker

6) +Bud Hoffman shared a very simple circle management idea. http://goo.gl/6I4S8 I find it very effective.

May you get all the kisses you deserve. Start with +1's and share them in all honesty.
Have fun.

Why is +1 Like Casanova Gifting? What I learned when I wanted to kiss a girl a 13 or 15.

Let me tell you the story. It's a little embarrassing but I got through it. It was my first lesson in social engagement.

And it's very applicable to my social engagement philosophy here on Google+.

As a 13 year old schoolboy my family sent me to an all boys school, 8 hours away from home by train. Sunday nights we got on at six and got off at 3 am.

It was boring. But there were older boys and they shared how they kissed girls and what-not. I was intrigued and never slept. But I was so excited by the idea. I could just imagine the closeness and the soft lips. Goodness! I could not wait.

But it took me a few more years to be invited to a disco. Yes. That's what we called a dance at that time.

I saw this good looking girl and asked the unsuspecting soft-lips for a dance. At least I got this bit sorted. But I could not move. My legs were stuck to my hips. I, never before danced and had other plans as well. I was frightened.

I asked her to walk outside and she obliged. What now? I tried the kiss. I got a smack. And I never saw soft lips again.

I was sad. My friends made fun out of me. But I am a learner. One day I met the local casanova. And he said to me:

1) It takes time.
2) You have to ask her about herself. She will talk. Some more than others.
3) Hold her hand.
4) Speak to her regularly.
5) Be honest. Always. (This was a real casanova).
6) Buy her flowers.
7) Take her to the movies.
8) Tell her how beautiful she looks in the purple dress.
9) Buy her a small ring.
10) And then give her a kiss.

Well. This helped a lot and I got a lot more kisses than smacks.

This is the same here at Google+.

Circling someone thinking you'll get the kiss is like me at 14; you won't get anything.


I believe you have do the following (and I am not saying this has not been said. I just packed it in a kissing story):

1) +1's are the gifts. Give them out. Like +Jaana Nyström (http://goo.gl/HXKyJ) sharing +40 000 +1's (She has nearly 40000 followers. I am not saying there's a relationship between +1's and followers. And I am not saying she's chasing no-of-followers. The above post by Jaana shares how you can tally your number of +1's.

2) Comment on a post is like taking her for dinner.

3) Sharing a post is like buying her a nice ring.

4) Doing all of these regularly are like sharing kisses. You'll get it back. You'll be added to public Circles. (My less than 500 followers jumped to more than a 1000 in one week when I changed my engage strategy. I wrote it here http://goo.gl/oh7VS (Warning: Selfless promotion because my engagers like it and shared it)).

5) You'll have to find Casanovas to teach you how to get the kiss and when you do they will return it. Here are some of my Casanovas; +rahul roy, +Jaana Nyström, +Denis Labelle, +Mark Traphagen, +Prabat parmal, +Eli Fennell, +John Hardy, +Al Remetch, +Rehan Ahmad, +Valentin Dobroia, +stephanie wanamaker

6) +Bud Hoffman shared a very simple circle management idea. http://goo.gl/6I4S8 I find it very effective.

May you get all the kisses you deserve. Start with +1's and share them in all honesty.
Have fun.

Unofficial South Africa Suggested User List Circle

These are active South Africans at Google+. 

It's getting really tough to keep this list close to or under a 100 using the current tools available.
If you are out of this list then it's because you skipped a few days. ;-) Next time.

In the meantime:

Share this circle with new South Africans following you.

Add the circle to your circles and engage.

Unofficial South Africa Suggested User List Circle

These are active South Africans at Google+. 

It's getting really tough to keep this list close to or under a 100 using the current tools available.
If you are out of this list then it's because you skipped a few days. ;-) Next time.

In the meantime:

Share this circle with new South Africans following you.

Add the circle to your circles and engage.

A Revolution For The Truth Warning: Only Read This If You Want More Followers

Many of us believe in the rainbow. We see all the different colours and we justify our existence accordingly. How emotionally correct is this not.

The rainbow is beautiful. I like it. That’s where I met my lovely wife. LOL. I am joking.

But really. There’s only true and false http://goo.gl/P8Hnf.

You cannot be dead or alive at the same time...well maybe if.... you are Schrödinger's cat http://goo.gl/HSjRC
(Thanks for reminding me +Daniel Börresen)

This implies that there are only two kinds of people at Google+; those who are not afraid to tell the truth or those who are liars. (To quote power user +Guy Kawasaki (BTW: I like riding his coat tails - LOL at liars).

The problem with the liars is that they will never admit that they are liars.

Who will ever tell me I am a liar and get away with it. Liars use all kinds of decoys. I know. I have lied.

Check this out.........it's getting better ;-)

You see liars justify their argument not with yes or no. Not with TRUE or False. No! They say that they want quality engagement.

What an absolute joke. They say, *I don’t go for quality I go for quantity_.

Is the cat dead or alive?

You see when liars use the quality vs quantity argument they are playing:

1) the morally correct game.

2) the game of guilt.

3) the game of the ego.

4) the deny that they have egos. Because only egos go for quantity.

This is true. How can it not be true?

Most (all) of us are run by the ego mind.

And it’s a guilty mind. But to feel guilty because you are guilty.... and then justify it with a quality argument: (Liars are also Jokers. Okay I know I am not all that well either. But liars take the cake or is it the cat?)

You see the liars argue quantity engagement.

Like a lover asks to marry under the rainbow. What a joke.

Romantic? Yes.

Lairs believe that quantity and quality are mutually exclusive. They believe they can have quality without quantity.

Liars why are you at Google+?

Why are you using social media? If you want quality you are saying you don’t want followers?

True or False? Or do you now have to justify the dead cat again?

Liars have you looked at an ice-berg?

Ten percent of it is quality. 90% of it is junk. I am sure, from your moral high ground, that you will not call the 90% junk. But you just told me you don’t want junk.

Liars: The law of nature is against your argument.

You are saying that you don’t mix with the cannon fodder?

You build walls and castles to protect your elitest status. Let the French get hold of your stiff upper lip. LOL

Liars do you think J. K. Rowling said she does not want many followers http://goo.gl/sOlLu?

Do you think she only wanted quality people to buy her book. Do you think her intentions was to get many or did she just wanted to hide her books in a closet. (You may say to me that this is not an argument).

Liars if you agree in the true and false principle then wanting one person to read your stuff is not different from wanting a millions to read your stuff.

I am happy to have many cannon fodder as friends.

I am one of you.

And I hope we can become a strong force having cross-border engagement.

I have no interest in superficial barriers based on colour, creed, intelligence, wealth, accent, spelling (speaking for myself), looks or sex. Nothing.

I want millions to interact with me. The Truth. Nothing more. But I am willing to start with you.

The ones that like me will reach the top 10% of my iceberg just because of the nature of the game. Not because I am playing the exclusion game of only quality.

Liars get out of your false closet and start having fun and join us. Why? Because truthful people don’t have to justify the truth. It's more fun.

I have a few people who read my previous story on the subject. And they indicated that they are truthful Plussers; They want more followers. Here’s the circle for truthful Plussers.

I am not excluding anyone. You can also be included. Just say so. Please no fence sitting deadcats. And no liars should try and infiltrate this circle. This is a truthful revolution.

LOL.

If you are a truthful plusser and not in this circle then let me include you today. If you know of other really truthful plussers then nominate them by tagging me.

Have bags of fun. It's a lot easier than anything else and it comes FREE.
P.S. Liars I am not upset with you. It may just be a lack of definition. A change of mind. Come out and join us.

A Revolution For The Truth Warning: Only Read This If You Want More Followers

Many of us believe in the rainbow. We see all the different colours and we justify our existence accordingly. How emotionally correct is this not.

The rainbow is beautiful. I like it. That’s where I met my lovely wife. LOL. I am joking.

But really. There’s only true and false http://goo.gl/P8Hnf.

You cannot be dead or alive at the same time...well maybe if.... you are Schrödinger's cat http://goo.gl/HSjRC
(Thanks for reminding me +Daniel Börresen)

This implies that there are only two kinds of people at Google+; those who are not afraid to tell the truth or those who are liars. (To quote power user +Guy Kawasaki (BTW: I like riding his coat tails - LOL at liars).

The problem with the liars is that they will never admit that they are liars.

Who will ever tell me I am a liar and get away with it. Liars use all kinds of decoys. I know. I have lied.

Check this out.........it's getting better ;-)

You see liars justify their argument not with yes or no. Not with TRUE or False. No! They say that they want quality engagement.

What an absolute joke. They say, *I don’t go for quality I go for quantity_.

Is the cat dead or alive?

You see when liars use the quality vs quantity argument they are playing:

1) the morally correct game.

2) the game of guilt.

3) the game of the ego.

4) the deny that they have egos. Because only egos go for quantity.

This is true. How can it not be true?

Most (all) of us are run by the ego mind.

And it’s a guilty mind. But to feel guilty because you are guilty.... and then justify it with a quality argument: (Liars are also Jokers. Okay I know I am not all that well either. But liars take the cake or is it the cat?)

You see the liars argue quantity engagement.

Like a lover asks to marry under the rainbow. What a joke.

Romantic? Yes.

Lairs believe that quantity and quality are mutually exclusive. They believe they can have quality without quantity.

Liars why are you at Google+?

Why are you using social media? If you want quality you are saying you don’t want followers?

True or False? Or do you now have to justify the dead cat again?

Liars have you looked at an ice-berg?

Ten percent of it is quality. 90% of it is junk. I am sure, from your moral high ground, that you will not call the 90% junk. But you just told me you don’t want junk.

Liars: The law of nature is against your argument.

You are saying that you don’t mix with the cannon fodder?

You build walls and castles to protect your elitest status. Let the French get hold of your stiff upper lip. LOL

Liars do you think J. K. Rowling said she does not want many followers http://goo.gl/sOlLu?

Do you think she only wanted quality people to buy her book. Do you think her intentions was to get many or did she just wanted to hide her books in a closet. (You may say to me that this is not an argument).

Liars if you agree in the true and false principle then wanting one person to read your stuff is not different from wanting a millions to read your stuff.

I am happy to have many cannon fodder as friends.

I am one of you.

And I hope we can become a strong force having cross-border engagement.

I have no interest in superficial barriers based on colour, creed, intelligence, wealth, accent, spelling (speaking for myself), looks or sex. Nothing.

I want millions to interact with me. The Truth. Nothing more. But I am willing to start with you.

The ones that like me will reach the top 10% of my iceberg just because of the nature of the game. Not because I am playing the exclusion game of only quality.

Liars get out of your false closet and start having fun and join us. Why? Because truthful people don’t have to justify the truth. It's more fun.

I have a few people who read my previous story on the subject. And they indicated that they are truthful Plussers; They want more followers. Here’s the circle for truthful Plussers.

I am not excluding anyone. You can also be included. Just say so. Please no fence sitting deadcats. And no liars should try and infiltrate this circle. This is a truthful revolution.

LOL.

If you are a truthful plusser and not in this circle then let me include you today. If you know of other really truthful plussers then nominate them by tagging me.

Have bags of fun. It's a lot easier than anything else and it comes FREE.
P.S. Liars I am not upset with you. It may just be a lack of definition. A change of mind. Come out and join us.

I Like This and you?

I Like This and you?

Active Google+ South Africans' Circle Please share and add the circle....

If you are South African let's share this circle with SA Google+ newbies who circled you.

Hopefully this will make them feel welcome.

This is not an exclusive circle. You must South African and active on G+.

I checked each and everyone to see if they are active. I may have missed or excluded one or two.

If you are not on this circle and you are an active G+ South African then let me know and I will add you.

P.S. If you don't want to be on this circle let me know and I will remove you.

B.T.W. I will only use the notification option when I share an updated version of the circle.

Active Google+ South Africans' Circle Please share and add the circle....

If you are South African let's share this circle with SA Google+ newbies who circled you.

Hopefully this will make them feel welcome.

This is not an exclusive circle. You must South African and active on G+.

I checked each and everyone to see if they are active. I may have missed or excluded one or two.

If you are not on this circle and you are an active G+ South African then let me know and I will add you.

P.S. If you don't want to be on this circle let me know and I will remove you.

B.T.W. I will only use the notification option when I share an updated version of the circle.

Find Your Google+ Stuff and Popular Google+ Posts Via Images and other.....

These tools can be very useful for Google+ Newbies ;-)

+Paul Stickland at a comment on a great post by friend +Christian Schlobach http://goo.gl/VVC9k share this great tool by +Jari Huomo http://www.googleplussuomi.com/ that pulls your most popular posts and show it as an image gallery. 

Use this link to see mine http://goo.gl/EXxnf
Just replace your Google+ unique id code with mine

Or if you want your popular posts have a look here http://goo.gl/KZFAH

While I am at it......

You can find the best time to publish your Google+ posts here http://goo.gl/GUhPK again replace your Google+ ID code.

Use AllMyPlus to find cool stats on your Google+ publishing http://goo.gl/IbEfp  

Use this tool to find your comments http://goo.gl/x8bgI and other stats (by http://plus.topsy.com/)

The other great Google service to use is +CircleCount Find there Chrome Extension here http://goo.gl/PJFoN

Let's know what you are using and how.

Find Your Google+ Stuff and Popular Google+ Posts Via Images and other.....

These tools can be very useful for Google+ Newbies ;-)

+Paul Stickland at a comment on a great post by friend +Christian Schlobach http://goo.gl/VVC9k share this great tool by +Jari Huomo http://www.googleplussuomi.com/ that pulls your most popular posts and show it as an image gallery. 

Use this link to see mine http://goo.gl/EXxnf
Just replace your Google+ unique id code with mine

Or if you want your popular posts have a look here http://goo.gl/KZFAH

While I am at it......

You can find the best time to publish your Google+ posts here http://goo.gl/GUhPK again replace your Google+ ID code.

Use AllMyPlus to find cool stats on your Google+ publishing http://goo.gl/IbEfp  

Use this tool to find your comments http://goo.gl/x8bgI and other stats (by http://plus.topsy.com/)

The other great Google service to use is +CircleCount Find there Chrome Extension here http://goo.gl/PJFoN

Let's know what you are using and how.

The Flawed 3.3 min ComScore Comparison Between Google+ And Facebook

We know that we cannot compare apples with pears. Why are we comparing time at engaged at Facebook with Google+?

I suppose we can compare.

 We can compare features. That's good.

 But can we compare time for the average user at FB with time spend at Google+..... **
**

*We cannot compare time: Not Today.* 


It's like comparing your young lemons to my my old lemons.

 They may be similar. But when you start comparing time then you need to get the statisticians involved. And more so when they are at a different stage in the growth cycle.  



Let's have a look at a general growth cycle (line in red below). 



You and I know that Google+ is at an early stage on this growth curve. 



You also know that Facebook is a lot more mature and possibly moving into the early stages of stagnation - or for the purists: slower growth.

 (BTW: Let's not get to distracted by this point. And yes....Facebook can kick into another secondary take-off. That's not part of this argument.)

During the early phases of growth, *Fermentation* and *Take-Off,* time spend per user is not a normal distribution. The distribution is skewed significantly. See the skewed bell under Google+.

 (More clarity on this later).

 But in the mature phases the distribution of time spend become more normal; (see the perfect bell shape image below the Facebook logo. This is just for illustration. It's not the actual curve). 
**
**

*The Skewed Google+ Bell:* 



Most of the plus 100 million people at Google+ are new people. They pull the average to 3.3 minutes. 


1) There are many more people coming onboard than dropping out.

2) On the 25 of Feb 2012: 95% Of Google+ Users Had Less Than 245 People in Their Circles http://goo.gl/4R64m. I believe I am not wrong in saying that the 95% of Google+ users were new at that time. And they skew the numbers. They are stil skewing the numbers.  

Tongue in cheek: What do you get when you times 950 000 people with a number close to zero? You get a number close to zero. There's your 3.3 minutes.   

 On the other hand; there are a lot of Google+ early adopters who spend many hours, even more than seven hours, at Google+ everyday.

 Your time is not reflected as the average because you - as an early adopter's group - are not a major multiplying factor. There are too few of you. 
**
**

*The Perfect Bell Distribution At Facebook:* 



If my assumptions are correct then the perfect bell shape of time engaged at Facebook means:


1) There are as many newbies as there are dropouts. 


2) When granny and your long forgotten uncle befriend you on Facebook then you should know you are in a mature phase. 


3) Most peopl e on Facebook are not new. They have been there for years. 
**
**

Let's Move One:


Statisticians will tell you that you cannot _mix_ facts from a skewed- distribution with a normal distribution.

 *My point: Seven hours compared to 3.3 minutes is a useless comparison. It creates confusion.* 

There's nothing wrong with the 3.3 minutes engagement time at Google+. It's natures law. You should not feel sorry for newbies. We all started at zero. 


Can Google+ be made easier? Was Rome build in a day? 

There's only one message: Engage!

====================================================

P.S. I have pinged a few friends. I don't do it often but I respect your view on this.

====================================================


Google+ Users Spend 3 Minutes Per Month There, ComScore Tells WSJ http://goo.gl/GpiZO

The Flawed 3.3 min ComScore Comparison Between Google+ And Facebook

We know that we cannot compare apples with pears. Why are we comparing time at engaged at Facebook with Google+?

I suppose we can compare.

 We can compare features. That's good.

 But can we compare time for the average user at FB with time spend at Google+..... **
**

*We cannot compare time: Not Today.* 


It's like comparing your young lemons to my my old lemons.

 They may be similar. But when you start comparing time then you need to get the statisticians involved. And more so when they are at a different stage in the growth cycle.  



Let's have a look at a general growth cycle (line in red below). 



You and I know that Google+ is at an early stage on this growth curve. 



You also know that Facebook is a lot more mature and possibly moving into the early stages of stagnation - or for the purists: slower growth.

 (BTW: Let's not get to distracted by this point. And yes....Facebook can kick into another secondary take-off. That's not part of this argument.)

During the early phases of growth, *Fermentation* and *Take-Off,* time spend per user is not a normal distribution. The distribution is skewed significantly. See the skewed bell under Google+.

 (More clarity on this later).

 But in the mature phases the distribution of time spend become more normal; (see the perfect bell shape image below the Facebook logo. This is just for illustration. It's not the actual curve). 
**
**

*The Skewed Google+ Bell:* 



Most of the plus 100 million people at Google+ are new people. They pull the average to 3.3 minutes. 


1) There are many more people coming onboard than dropping out.

2) On the 25 of Feb 2012: 95% Of Google+ Users Had Less Than 245 People in Their Circles http://goo.gl/4R64m. I believe I am not wrong in saying that the 95% of Google+ users were new at that time. And they skew the numbers. They are stil skewing the numbers.  

Tongue in cheek: What do you get when you times 950 000 people with a number close to zero? You get a number close to zero. There's your 3.3 minutes.   

 On the other hand; there are a lot of Google+ early adopters who spend many hours, even more than seven hours, at Google+ everyday.

 Your time is not reflected as the average because you - as an early adopter's group - are not a major multiplying factor. There are too few of you. 
**
**

*The Perfect Bell Distribution At Facebook:* 



If my assumptions are correct then the perfect bell shape of time engaged at Facebook means:


1) There are as many newbies as there are dropouts. 


2) When granny and your long forgotten uncle befriend you on Facebook then you should know you are in a mature phase. 


3) Most peopl e on Facebook are not new. They have been there for years. 
**
**

Let's Move One:


Statisticians will tell you that you cannot _mix_ facts from a skewed- distribution with a normal distribution.

 *My point: Seven hours compared to 3.3 minutes is a useless comparison. It creates confusion.* 

There's nothing wrong with the 3.3 minutes engagement time at Google+. It's natures law. You should not feel sorry for newbies. We all started at zero. 


Can Google+ be made easier? Was Rome build in a day? 

There's only one message: Engage!

====================================================

P.S. I have pinged a few friends. I don't do it often but I respect your view on this.

====================================================


Google+ Users Spend 3 Minutes Per Month There, ComScore Tells WSJ http://goo.gl/GpiZO

7 Point Google+ Pinterest Plan Of Action With 8 Free Resources

The plan is made for people who want to to have it all but in an easy way:

1) Create an account with #pinterest and do what's needed. http://goo.gl/FuaAG

2) Add your pinterest url to your Google+ profile.

3) install the Chrome extensions on pinterest (see below)

4) Publish post with images attached rather than parsed link by Google+ (Tip from +Guy Kawasaki in his book What The Plus! Google+ For The Rest of Us http://goo.gl/xRAEB (Amazon link not aff).

5) Ensure that the image speaks to the reader. This image can make your post at Google+ a success. And if so will be seen and repinned at #pinterest

6) Share Google+ posts you find interesting and pin there images to your #pinterest account. (BTW: you can have different pin boards for different things.

7) If you find any image anywhere on the web that you want to share then share it at Google+ first and then share it out. The Single Focus Strategy Using Google+ As The Base: http://goo.gl/SrQ1Z

1) +Carra Riley shares a infographic on Pininterest http://goo.gl/ReAOY

2) +Jayson Shawver shares 56 Ways to Market Your Business on Pinterest | by +Copyblogger http://goo.gl/2SkCi

3) +Trey Ratcliff shares pininterest copywrite issues http://goo.gl/bk512

4) +Denis Labelle Wondering if you should focus on Google+ or Pinterest? http://goo.gl/pI08Z

5) #pinterest +Google Chrome extenstions http://goo.gl/ZoyT0

6) I use +Mohamed Mansour's Extended Share for Google Plus http://goo.gl/nO4Gg

7) The easiest tool for me to grab and correct images from the web is http://pixlr.com/ They have a Chrome extension that I use to send images to the Pixlr editor in one click. Easy! Here I add text and include images to give it a Google+ feel or brand. (The image below had a red cross next to Google+. And I don't like red crosses. And not next to Google+)

8) If all else fail and I cannot grab a screen shot then I use Jing. It never fails but it adds a few steps before I can edit the photo. http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html And I don't like extra steps

P.S. My pin boards are not used as I preach. I am now going to kick-ass! Please let me know of your progress and ideas.

Now can I please go and walk my dog before my wife asks me what I am doing http://goo.gl/ExJBO LOL

Image credit while it had a red cross http://goo.gl/t6v3f

7 Point Google+ Pinterest Plan Of Action With 8 Free Resources

The plan is made for people who want to to have it all but in an easy way:

1) Create an account with #pinterest and do what's needed. http://goo.gl/FuaAG

2) Add your pinterest url to your Google+ profile.

3) install the Chrome extensions on pinterest (see below)

4) Publish post with images attached rather than parsed link by Google+ (Tip from +Guy Kawasaki in his book What The Plus! Google+ For The Rest of Us http://goo.gl/xRAEB (Amazon link not aff).

5) Ensure that the image speaks to the reader. This image can make your post at Google+ a success. And if so will be seen and repinned at #pinterest

6) Share Google+ posts you find interesting and pin there images to your #pinterest account. (BTW: you can have different pin boards for different things.

7) If you find any image anywhere on the web that you want to share then share it at Google+ first and then share it out. The Single Focus Strategy Using Google+ As The Base: http://goo.gl/SrQ1Z

1) +Carra Riley shares a infographic on Pininterest http://goo.gl/ReAOY

2) +Jayson Shawver shares 56 Ways to Market Your Business on Pinterest | by +Copyblogger http://goo.gl/2SkCi

3) +Trey Ratcliff shares pininterest copywrite issues http://goo.gl/bk512

4) +Denis Labelle Wondering if you should focus on Google+ or Pinterest? http://goo.gl/pI08Z

5) #pinterest +Google Chrome extenstions http://goo.gl/ZoyT0

6) I use +Mohamed Mansour's Extended Share for Google Plus http://goo.gl/nO4Gg

7) The easiest tool for me to grab and correct images from the web is http://pixlr.com/ They have a Chrome extension that I use to send images to the Pixlr editor in one click. Easy! Here I add text and include images to give it a Google+ feel or brand. (The image below had a red cross next to Google+. And I don't like red crosses. And not next to Google+)

8) If all else fail and I cannot grab a screen shot then I use Jing. It never fails but it adds a few steps before I can edit the photo. http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html And I don't like extra steps

P.S. My pin boards are not used as I preach. I am now going to kick-ass! Please let me know of your progress and ideas.

Now can I please go and walk my dog before my wife asks me what I am doing http://goo.gl/ExJBO LOL

Image credit while it had a red cross http://goo.gl/t6v3f

A Story About You! The Google+ Spider At Your Own Web

Once Upon A Time there was a most beautiful, generous and loving spider the world has ever seen.

Just for once; imagine you are this friendly, loving and elegant spider.

You sit right in the middle of your own spider web. And your web increases everyday as you add more brilliant cristal strands to it . You have only one intention and that's to share information while being generous.

Google+ gives you the structure and foundation for your own spider web. But you add the nectar.

Your only habit is of giving freely without expecting anything in return.

And as you add more web strands.... more and more guests come and taste. And more and more get entangled by your charisma and pure intentions.

That's enough of that. But the story does not end. Not yet.

I am working on a strategy to show you how you can use Google+ as the center for your social media efforts.

This story may not be for everyone. I am writing this story for: myself who was never a successful blogger.

There is an alternative. And I have found mine here at Google+.

Many bloggers would think I am smoking stuff. I don't need to smoke stuff to be odd.

But there's a way to do this in good way. But as I say the story does not end here. It will continue another day.

Have some good spider fun.....

Remember you don't need to be elegant. Just be a generous spider.

A Story About You! The Google+ Spider At Your Own Web

Once Upon A Time there was a most beautiful, generous and loving spider the world has ever seen.

Just for once; imagine you are this friendly, loving and elegant spider.

You sit right in the middle of your own spider web. And your web increases everyday as you add more brilliant cristal strands to it . You have only one intention and that's to share information while being generous.

Google+ gives you the structure and foundation for your own spider web. But you add the nectar.

Your only habit is of giving freely without expecting anything in return.

And as you add more web strands.... more and more guests come and taste. And more and more get entangled by your charisma and pure intentions.

That's enough of that. But the story does not end. Not yet.

I am working on a strategy to show you how you can use Google+ as the center for your social media efforts.

This story may not be for everyone. I am writing this story for: myself who was never a successful blogger.

There is an alternative. And I have found mine here at Google+.

Many bloggers would think I am smoking stuff. I don't need to smoke stuff to be odd.

But there's a way to do this in good way. But as I say the story does not end here. It will continue another day.

Have some good spider fun.....

Remember you don't need to be elegant. Just be a generous spider.

A perfect day in Simon's Town

May your sunshine brightly today ;-)

Here's why I wakeup before sunrise in Simon’s Town http://goo.gl/ev4v9

#mobilephotography   #mobileography   #androidography   #androidphotography   #galaxys2   #simonstown   #capetown   #seascapephotography   #mondaymorning   #sunrisephotography   #palmtrees   #africaphotosafari  

Google+ Is In The First Place: 70% Of Marketers Want To Learn More About Google+

I am reading Social Media Examiner's Survey 2012 http://goo.gl/sDP6h and found this interesting.....considering all the bad press.

Google+ Is In The First Place: 70% Of Marketers Want To Learn More About Google+

I am reading Social Media Examiner's Survey 2012 http://goo.gl/sDP6h and found this interesting.....considering all the bad press.

Cool Wordpress Google Form Plugin

I like Google Forms a lot. I have searched and searched for contact forms. I needed elaborate forms. And used many fancy WP forms but Google Forms....the best.

Google Forms supply the code to code to embed on your website but you may want a different look. Or you may want to use the form in your site's widget area. Then you have a problem.

For our http://capeholidays.info site we need lots of info before we can match a holiday home with a holidaymaker. And the better the info the higher the success and happiness rate.

It's also important to bring the form to the holidaymaker and not push the holiday maker to click away to find the form.

This is why I am looking at this Wordpress Plugin that will allow me to add our Google Form into the widget area.

Now when a holidaymaker visits a home she can complete the form there and then.

Okay. Now let me go and try that.   

Cool Wordpress Google Form Plugin

I like Google Forms a lot. I have searched and searched for contact forms. I needed elaborate forms. And used many fancy WP forms but Google Forms....the best.

Google Forms supply the code to code to embed on your website but you may want a different look. Or you may want to use the form in your site's widget area. Then you have a problem.

For our http://capeholidays.info site we need lots of info before we can match a holiday home with a holidaymaker. And the better the info the higher the success and happiness rate.

It's also important to bring the form to the holidaymaker and not push the holiday maker to click away to find the form.

This is why I am looking at this Wordpress Plugin that will allow me to add our Google Form into the widget area.

Now when a holidaymaker visits a home she can complete the form there and then.

Okay. Now let me go and try that.   

Are You Afraid to Publish Here At Google+?

There are many people who are scared to take the first step. And lots of people have written about this. Recently a friend asked me to assist him.

Here's my answer:

Yes it is your journey. 

You have something valuable to say. And you can but you don't feel confident. You may be putting other people on pedestals...think that they are better than you...that they will judge you. None of this is really true. But if you do believe it then it's true for you.

You can only break this false believe with practice and by experimenting. 

Publish concise ideas. Break a large idea into small concepts and build on the idea. See what works and build up steam. Then put it all together.

Break the ice once. Then again, then again.

You will feel the anxiety. That's good. Trust in yourself. And break the ice. Continue like a Jack Russel. Never given in to your fears. They are just illusions. But you may not see them as such.

Nothing can happen to you. People may agree, may not agree, may criticise you. Who really cares. Only our ego cares and the ego keeps you away from being yourself. Don't feel sorry for a cranked ego. Don't feel sorry for an ego keeping you away from being creative.

Just do it and just have fun.

Are You Afraid to Publish Here At Google+?

There are many people who are scared to take the first step. And lots of people have written about this. Recently a friend asked me to assist him.

Here's my answer:

Yes it is your journey. 

You have something valuable to say. And you can but you don't feel confident. You may be putting other people on pedestals...think that they are better than you...that they will judge you. None of this is really true. But if you do believe it then it's true for you.

You can only break this false believe with practice and by experimenting. 

Publish concise ideas. Break a large idea into small concepts and build on the idea. See what works and build up steam. Then put it all together.

Break the ice once. Then again, then again.

You will feel the anxiety. That's good. Trust in yourself. And break the ice. Continue like a Jack Russel. Never given in to your fears. They are just illusions. But you may not see them as such.

Nothing can happen to you. People may agree, may not agree, may criticise you. Who really cares. Only our ego cares and the ego keeps you away from being yourself. Don't feel sorry for a cranked ego. Don't feel sorry for an ego keeping you away from being creative.

Just do it and just have fun.

Did Steve Jobs Measure Return in Influence Or Return In Cash Invested?

Many Google Plussers engage hours on-end here at Google+.

Let Me Draw A Line In The Sand: ;-)

And I believe that if you were guided by traditional accountants you/we may still be stuck in the back room of oblivion ;-)

Before I get to Steve Jobs and his view on ROI .......

Have you ever asked an accountant to measure the ROI on

1) cultivating trusting relationships?

2) engagement?

3) how to enrich peoples lives?

4) teaching and playing with clients?

5) a warm greeting and a friendly smile?

6) inspiring people with rich media?

7) appealing design?

8) a business card?

9) a phone call?

10) a hangout?

11) an apology?

12) honestly sharing out +1s?

13) re-sharing posts?

14) tooting the horn of others? (+name your friends)

15) generosity?


You can ask traditional accountant to measure:

1) did our market share grow?

2) did we sell more today?

3) did the sales staff make target?

4) How long did it take the salesmen to make that sale?

5) How many times do we turn our restaurant tables per day?

You can see from the last set of questions that they focus on getting things. Getting things from clients and clients being seen as numbers. They focus on optimising time. Not on giving time away.

Can you measure the *ROI of giving while you expect nothing back?

Let me get Steve Jobs to give you his view via +Guy Kawasaki:


Guy wrote, "Stop selling stuff. When Steve Jobs first started the Apple Store he did not ask the question, “How will we grow our market share from 5 to 10 percent?” Instead he asked, “How do we enrich people’s lives?” http://goo.gl/taiYf

See: Steve Jobs was a giving man. In my eyes at least. And I (his clients) accepted his gifts. And I paid him eagerly because I liked and trusted his brand.

What does Seth Godin say?

"How can you squander even one more day not taking advantage of the greatest shifts of our generation? How dare you settle for less when the world has made it so easy for you to be remarkable?"

+Bill Sheridan, in a blog post writes, In "Linchpin," Seth Godin puts forth a pretty radical idea: Generosity generates income.

Bill continues:

"Godin believes in giving stuff away -– giving away our knowledge, our resources, adding value to other people’s lives and not expecting anything in return. That’s how we become indispensable". More here http://goo.gl/VRfbT

Is giving +1s or Likes not generosity?

Can traditional accountants measure how indispensable you become by being generous?

I another Google+ post Why Is Google+ The Place To Engage? I discussed a video by +Yifat Cohen and +Doc Harvard.

At this post +Giselle Minoli suggests:

.... I know the traditional business ones [ROI], having to do with money and market share and branding and all that...but there is another kind of ROI, which is psychic in nature and perhaps unmeasurable in any way in terms of numbers. http://goo.gl/pOuNs

I agree with Giselle. ;-)

Have a great day being generous my friend.

Johan Horak

P.S. If you want to measure anything then measure:

1) the number of times your brand name gets mentioned.
2) Or measure the number of times specific keywords phrases, related to your brand, are used.
3) And ask the accountant to express your keyword phrase as a ratio of all mentions including your opposition.
4) Or measure interaction or engagement. And track it over time. See resources below.

References:

Ten Things You Can Learn From The Apple Store. By Guy Kawasaki http://goo.gl/taiYf

Measuring Social Media ROI: 3 Things to Consider by +Erica Swallow +Mashable http://goo.gl/ZhCa9

Google Plus engagement is double that of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Yifat Cohen in discussion with Doc Harvard http://goo.gl/3rohS on measuring engagement or interaction.

Social Media Metrics: Marketing Execs Believe Social Media Is an Effective Tool — But Are Not Yet Investing Significant Resources, New SIIA Report Finds: Many Marketers Applying Traditional ROI Metrics to Test Social's Effectiveness http://goo.gl/npTV7

Social Media ROI: It’s Gray Matter +Rachel Strella at +Social Media Today http://goo.gl/IdsPr

Social Media: Inability To Prove ROI: One Of The Barriers To Entry http://goo.gl/rZKUp

Traditional Accounting Definition of ROI Investopedia http://goo.gl/CDTOh

ROI can stand for Return on Interaction ;-)

Disclaimer: I have nothing against accountants. BTW: Accountants do it without losing their balance. http://goo.gl/2Nx21

Image credit: http://goo.gl/tR47p

Did Steve Jobs Measure Return in Influence Or Return In Cash Invested?

Many Google Plussers engage hours on-end here at Google+.

Let Me Draw A Line In The Sand: ;-)

And I believe that if you were guided by traditional accountants you/we may still be stuck in the back room of oblivion ;-)

Before I get to Steve Jobs and his view on ROI .......

Have you ever asked an accountant to measure the ROI on

1) cultivating trusting relationships?

2) engagement?

3) how to enrich peoples lives?

4) teaching and playing with clients?

5) a warm greeting and a friendly smile?

6) inspiring people with rich media?

7) appealing design?

8) a business card?

9) a phone call?

10) a hangout?

11) an apology?

12) honestly sharing out +1s?

13) re-sharing posts?

14) tooting the horn of others? (+name your friends)

15) generosity?


You can ask traditional accountant to measure:

1) did our market share grow?

2) did we sell more today?

3) did the sales staff make target?

4) How long did it take the salesmen to make that sale?

5) How many times do we turn our restaurant tables per day?

You can see from the last set of questions that they focus on getting things. Getting things from clients and clients being seen as numbers. They focus on optimising time. Not on giving time away.

Can you measure the *ROI of giving while you expect nothing back?

Let me get Steve Jobs to give you his view via +Guy Kawasaki:


Guy wrote, "Stop selling stuff. When Steve Jobs first started the Apple Store he did not ask the question, “How will we grow our market share from 5 to 10 percent?” Instead he asked, “How do we enrich people’s lives?” http://goo.gl/taiYf

See: Steve Jobs was a giving man. In my eyes at least. And I (his clients) accepted his gifts. And I paid him eagerly because I liked and trusted his brand.

What does Seth Godin say?

"How can you squander even one more day not taking advantage of the greatest shifts of our generation? How dare you settle for less when the world has made it so easy for you to be remarkable?"

+Bill Sheridan, in a blog post writes, In "Linchpin," Seth Godin puts forth a pretty radical idea: Generosity generates income.

Bill continues:

"Godin believes in giving stuff away -– giving away our knowledge, our resources, adding value to other people’s lives and not expecting anything in return. That’s how we become indispensable". More here http://goo.gl/VRfbT

Is giving +1s or Likes not generosity?

Can traditional accountants measure how indispensable you become by being generous?

I another Google+ post Why Is Google+ The Place To Engage? I discussed a video by +Yifat Cohen and +Doc Harvard.

At this post +Giselle Minoli suggests:

.... I know the traditional business ones [ROI], having to do with money and market share and branding and all that...but there is another kind of ROI, which is psychic in nature and perhaps unmeasurable in any way in terms of numbers. http://goo.gl/pOuNs

I agree with Giselle. ;-)

Have a great day being generous my friend.

Johan Horak

P.S. If you want to measure anything then measure:

1) the number of times your brand name gets mentioned.
2) Or measure the number of times specific keywords phrases, related to your brand, are used.
3) And ask the accountant to express your keyword phrase as a ratio of all mentions including your opposition.
4) Or measure interaction or engagement. And track it over time. See resources below.

References:

Ten Things You Can Learn From The Apple Store. By Guy Kawasaki http://goo.gl/taiYf

Measuring Social Media ROI: 3 Things to Consider by +Erica Swallow +Mashable http://goo.gl/ZhCa9

Google Plus engagement is double that of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Yifat Cohen in discussion with Doc Harvard http://goo.gl/3rohS on measuring engagement or interaction.

Social Media Metrics: Marketing Execs Believe Social Media Is an Effective Tool — But Are Not Yet Investing Significant Resources, New SIIA Report Finds: Many Marketers Applying Traditional ROI Metrics to Test Social's Effectiveness http://goo.gl/npTV7

Social Media ROI: It’s Gray Matter +Rachel Strella at +Social Media Today http://goo.gl/IdsPr

Social Media: Inability To Prove ROI: One Of The Barriers To Entry http://goo.gl/rZKUp

Traditional Accounting Definition of ROI Investopedia http://goo.gl/CDTOh

ROI can stand for Return on Interaction ;-)

Disclaimer: I have nothing against accountants. BTW: Accountants do it without losing their balance. http://goo.gl/2Nx21

Image credit: http://goo.gl/tR47p

How Do You Find Google+ Diamonds?
[blush: apologies for publishing this post twice]

Warning Don't Ignore The Diamonds In Your Circles

There are many Google+ Tips and ideas on how to improve your sociability on Google+. One of the ways this is measured is the number of followers you have.

But does it give you real satisfaction to drive for quantity? It's great for the ego but it's not getting you deep-seated satisfaction. If you are, like me, not a celebrity then rather focus on relationships.

Let me adapt what Pres. Kennedy had to said, "Do not ask what Google+ can do for you, rather ask what you can do for other Google Plussers"

This also reminds me of a long story that I will shorten: This guy in Africa had a huge farm but he was running out of money. He wanted to dig gold in Johannesburg. As poor man he sold and the owner found a huge diamond deposit on farm.

The moral of the story is that you already have the diamonds on your Google+ farm. Don't ignore them by searching for more followers.

Proposal:

1) Identify great engaging Google+ who have enough time to say thank you when you share something they shared; like +Denis Labelle, +Mark Traphagen , +rahul roy , +Thomas Morffew , +Jaana Nyström and other. (These plussers will receive a note from me, but that's not my intention).

My intention is to share with my circles Diamond Google Plussers who engage with everyone. These are not the only ones. You may have others.

2) When you have your diamonds add them to a circle. This circle should be less than 30 people (up to you). Go to them and give. Ask nothing back. Nothing. Just engage.

3) Let me know how you find this engaging exercise compared to chasing more followers.
Again: apologies for publishing it twice. Google+ published this while I did not had the image attached and it was not shared public. Blush.

How Do You Find Google+ Diamonds?
[blush: apologies for publishing this post twice]

Warning Don't Ignore The Diamonds In Your Circles

There are many Google+ Tips and ideas on how to improve your sociability on Google+. One of the ways this is measured is the number of followers you have.

But does it give you real satisfaction to drive for quantity? It's great for the ego but it's not getting you deep-seated satisfaction. If you are, like me, not a celebrity then rather focus on relationships.

Let me adapt what Pres. Kennedy had to said, "Do not ask what Google+ can do for you, rather ask what you can do for other Google Plussers"

This also reminds me of a long story that I will shorten: This guy in Africa had a huge farm but he was running out of money. He wanted to dig gold in Johannesburg. As poor man he sold and the owner found a huge diamond deposit on farm.

The moral of the story is that you already have the diamonds on your Google+ farm. Don't ignore them by searching for more followers.

Proposal:

1) Identify great engaging Google+ who have enough time to say thank you when you share something they shared; like +Denis Labelle, +Mark Traphagen , +rahul roy , +Thomas Morffew , +Jaana Nyström and other. (These plussers will receive a note from me, but that's not my intention).

My intention is to share with my circles Diamond Google Plussers who engage with everyone. These are not the only ones. You may have others.

2) When you have your diamonds add them to a circle. This circle should be less than 30 people (up to you). Go to them and give. Ask nothing back. Nothing. Just engage.

3) Let me know how you find this engaging exercise compared to chasing more followers.
Again: apologies for publishing it twice. Google+ published this while I did not had the image attached and it was not shared public. Blush.

7 Tips On How to use Google+ Images For Brand Building

1) Be Visual:

Obvious ;-)
Add fun, interesting, motivational, inspiring images to your post. Be specific; and focus on images that are improving your brand.

If you do ladders for homes then focus on that and not on tree ladders. Have a look at +Ladders-Online ;-)

2) Be generous and reciprocal.

Setup specific keyword searches at Google+ and share related images that others have shared. +name tag then and thank them.

3) Only use an image if it's the best. You are the judge. Tip by +Jaana Nyström

4) Humanise your brand.

Don't sell. Give and share. Play and have fun. Take of the tie. Add a smile. Stop being a corporate bore.

5) Include relevant text/logos on your pictures if appropriate.

Take an image relaying the mood. Add a side bar and add huge text with your hook or slogan. http://goo.gl/st8r1 And add a small logo.

See how I included the Google+ logo to get your attention to the niche I am talking about.

Here's a graphical blog or Glog tool I use to create these text rich images http://goo.gl/RJujx.

6) Share your images to Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook.

The easy way is to use +Mohamed Mansour extension for Chrome. http://goo.gl/unyhg or have a look at +Rahul Roy's other options http://goo.gl/DbSE6

You'll see this image at my Pinterest board now http://pinterest.com/johanhorak/social-media/

7) Always give images keyword rich file names

I never publish any image with a name like xc432.jpg. Google likes juice. Keyword juice. Read this article http://goo.gl/Uy5Rt by +HubSpot

How many times have I not searched for images and found my own. Also with my wife's holiday rental business.

And have fun.

7 Tips On How to use Google+ Images For Brand Building

1) Be Visual:

Obvious ;-)
Add fun, interesting, motivational, inspiring images to your post. Be specific; and focus on images that are improving your brand.

If you do ladders for homes then focus on that and not on tree ladders. Have a look at +Ladders-Online ;-)

2) Be generous and reciprocal.

Setup specific keyword searches at Google+ and share related images that others have shared. +name tag then and thank them.

3) Only use an image if it's the best. You are the judge. Tip by +Jaana Nyström

4) Humanise your brand.

Don't sell. Give and share. Play and have fun. Take of the tie. Add a smile. Stop being a corporate bore.

5) Include relevant text/logos on your pictures if appropriate.

Take an image relaying the mood. Add a side bar and add huge text with your hook or slogan. http://goo.gl/st8r1 And add a small logo.

See how I included the Google+ logo to get your attention to the niche I am talking about.

Here's a graphical blog or Glog tool I use to create these text rich images http://goo.gl/RJujx.

6) Share your images to Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook.

The easy way is to use +Mohamed Mansour extension for Chrome. http://goo.gl/unyhg or have a look at +Rahul Roy's other options http://goo.gl/DbSE6

You'll see this image at my Pinterest board now http://pinterest.com/johanhorak/social-media/

7) Always give images keyword rich file names

I never publish any image with a name like xc432.jpg. Google likes juice. Keyword juice. Read this article http://goo.gl/Uy5Rt by +HubSpot

How many times have I not searched for images and found my own. Also with my wife's holiday rental business.

And have fun.

Check out this fantastic Nelson Mandela sculpture below 

It consists of 50 ten metre high laser cut steel plates set into the landscape, representing the 50 year anniversary of when and where Mandela was captured and arrested in 1962 (prior to his 27 years of incarceration).
Standing at a particular point (presumably the spot where the people are standing in Photo #3), the columns come into focus and the image of Mandela can be seen. The sculptor is Marco Cianfanelli, of Johannesburg.

Via +Linda Victor email

Check out this fantastic Nelson Mandela sculpture below 

It consists of 50 ten metre high laser cut steel plates set into the landscape, representing the 50 year anniversary of when and where Mandela was captured and arrested in 1962 (prior to his 27 years of incarceration).
Standing at a particular point (presumably the spot where the people are standing in Photo #3), the columns come into focus and the image of Mandela can be seen. The sculptor is Marco Cianfanelli, of Johannesburg.

Via +Linda Victor email

Last Night With Friends At Castle Rock

The sun was setting behind us and the sky turned colourfully against the mountains across Fals Bay. When Elmarie placed her class of champagne down it matched. And I thought why not....

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
Albert Einstein

# #simonstown   #androidography   #galaxys2   #mobilephotography   #mobileography   #twt  

Last Night With Friends At Castle Rock

The sun was setting behind us and the sky turned colourfully against the mountains across Fals Bay. When Elmarie placed her class of champagne down it matched. And I thought why not....

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.
Albert Einstein

# #simonstown   #androidography   #galaxys2   #mobilephotography   #mobileography   #twt  

Google+ Newbie Advice

At another place you get to kiss your sister, brother, uncles and aunts. And it becomes boring. 

At Google+ you adventure out and meet new people. 

It's like a pub with a lot of beautiful people. If you sit in the corner you get ignored. If you go out and engage you get to dance with them.

The easy way to get started is to circle people. Here's a circle of people +Jaana Nyström  shared today http://goo.gl/6eTcc. Add these plussers to your circles. 

Then use Google+ search to find topics you are interested in. Circle these people who post on your interests and comment on your interest.

But the most important point is to comment and engage with these publishers at their posts. The more you engage the better it becomes.  

~And remember to have fun.

(Shared using #DoShare)

Google+ Newbie Advice

At another place you get to kiss your sister, brother, uncles and aunts. And it becomes boring. 

At Google+ you adventure out and meet new people. 

It's like a pub with a lot of beautiful people. If you sit in the corner you get ignored. If you go out and engage you get to dance with them.

The easy way to get started is to circle people. Here's a circle of people +Jaana Nyström  shared today http://goo.gl/6eTcc. Add these plussers to your circles. 

Then use Google+ search to find topics you are interested in. Circle these people who post on your interests and comment on your interest.

But the most important point is to comment and engage with these publishers at their posts. The more you engage the better it becomes.  

~And remember to have fun.

(Shared using #DoShare)

Learn How To Share Business Blog Posts At Google+

Let me give you some background info first, then give you an example where Forbes is missing a trick, and then share how I believe it should be done.  

How do many businesses share blog post do today at Google+?

1) They create a business page.

2) They publish a blog post on their business blog.

3) They share that blog post link at their G+ business page and Google+ pulls a thumbnail (if they published an image) and except from the blog post.

4) The publisher adds a headline to the Google+ post. This is normally a copy of the blog title. And they click share. (And it may look something like this http://goo.gl/g577v) 

What's wrong with that? Nothing, you may say.

I find it ironic that many brands (and Plussers) treat Google+ as Twitter link sharing platform. 

Yesterday I took a +Forbes blog post, by some other serious dude +Ken Krogue http://goo.gl/XNLOd .....

... and published my Google+ version here http://goo.gl/jy7sX.

Today I had 20 comments and Forbes had two. I had 8 plus ones and 4 shares. The Forbes post had 52 shares to Linkedin.

So on the sharing side of things they did well.

On the blog post engagement my post did better. A lot better.

But then I would expect Forbes to do really well on the comment side of things.

I believe if Forbes used Google+ well they may have created a better opportunity or an additional opportunity not only for more engagement but also for SEO purposes. And they did not.

If you search for that Forbes post in Google+ http://goo.gl/Qosgk you get my post being shared by others. One Plusser did a link share AKA Twitter and Google+ pulled a Sparks link in. 

I would not expect that from a brand like Forbes. But that's another story.

If I were managing the Forbes publishing account or any other brand's account this is what I will do when I want to share a business blog article at Google+:

1) Go and have a look at my Google post and see what I did with the Forbes post http://goo.gl/jy7sX

(I am not saying it's the most professional image or best spelling and grammar. And I am not saying that the Forbes post at Google+ will be written as per my personal angle).

2) Take the original post and give it another life or view. Play with the head line and experiment.

3) Summarise the post and publish only a short version of the original at Google+.

4) Add a shortened link so that people can go and read the original (Forbes) post. 

5) Add a related image with the title to the Google+ post.

(With people using Flipboard, Google+ mobile apps and others to read your post, images are the major attraction).

Adding an image allows you to pin your informational image to Pinterest. And from there you can pull more attention to your Google+ posts.

Remember Google+ is not Twitter. Use it properly! It may be more work. But why do any work if it's ineffective?

Have fun

Johan Horak  

Learn How To Share Business Blog Posts At Google+

Let me give you some background info first, then give you an example where Forbes is missing a trick, and then share how I believe it should be done.  

How do many businesses share blog post do today at Google+?

1) They create a business page.

2) They publish a blog post on their business blog.

3) They share that blog post link at their G+ business page and Google+ pulls a thumbnail (if they published an image) and except from the blog post.

4) The publisher adds a headline to the Google+ post. This is normally a copy of the blog title. And they click share. (And it may look something like this http://goo.gl/g577v) 

What's wrong with that? Nothing, you may say.

I find it ironic that many brands (and Plussers) treat Google+ as Twitter link sharing platform. 

Yesterday I took a +Forbes blog post, by some other serious dude +Ken Krogue http://goo.gl/XNLOd .....

... and published my Google+ version here http://goo.gl/jy7sX.

Today I had 20 comments and Forbes had two. I had 8 plus ones and 4 shares. The Forbes post had 52 shares to Linkedin.

So on the sharing side of things they did well.

On the blog post engagement my post did better. A lot better.

But then I would expect Forbes to do really well on the comment side of things.

I believe if Forbes used Google+ well they may have created a better opportunity or an additional opportunity not only for more engagement but also for SEO purposes. And they did not.

If you search for that Forbes post in Google+ http://goo.gl/Qosgk you get my post being shared by others. One Plusser did a link share AKA Twitter and Google+ pulled a Sparks link in. 

I would not expect that from a brand like Forbes. But that's another story.

If I were managing the Forbes publishing account or any other brand's account this is what I will do when I want to share a business blog article at Google+:

1) Go and have a look at my Google post and see what I did with the Forbes post http://goo.gl/jy7sX

(I am not saying it's the most professional image or best spelling and grammar. And I am not saying that the Forbes post at Google+ will be written as per my personal angle).

2) Take the original post and give it another life or view. Play with the head line and experiment.

3) Summarise the post and publish only a short version of the original at Google+.

4) Add a shortened link so that people can go and read the original (Forbes) post. 

5) Add a related image with the title to the Google+ post.

(With people using Flipboard, Google+ mobile apps and others to read your post, images are the major attraction).

Adding an image allows you to pin your informational image to Pinterest. And from there you can pull more attention to your Google+ posts.

Remember Google+ is not Twitter. Use it properly! It may be more work. But why do any work if it's ineffective?

Have fun

Johan Horak  

RESHARE:
What's The Difference Between A Kiss and a +1?

There's a lot of difference.

Or is there? I suppose it depends on who you kiss. ;-)

But I am sure you get the idea. The idea is based on what you can give vs what you want. As a young boy I wanted my first real kiss....

At Google+ you may want a plus ones on your posts.

If you know the difference between wanting and giving and when you choose giving then you'll succeed at Google+.

BTW: When you read this story you may get to know why I am walking around, day and night with a rose in my mouth......

Reshared text:
Why is +1 Like Casanova Gifting? What I learned when I wanted to kiss a girl a 13 or 15.

Let me tell you the story. It's a little embarrassing but I got through it. It was my first lesson in social engagement.

And it's very applicable to my social engagement philosophy here on Google+.

As a 13 year old schoolboy my family sent me to an all boys school, 8 hours away from home by train. Sunday nights we got on at six and got off at 3 am.

It was boring. But there were older boys and they shared how they kissed girls and what-not. I was intrigued and never slept. But I was so excited by the idea. I could just imagine the closeness and the soft lips. Goodness! I could not wait.

But it took me a few more years to be invited to a disco. Yes. That's what we called a dance at that time.

I saw this good looking girl and asked the unsuspecting soft-lips for a dance. At least I got this bit sorted. But I could not move. My legs were stuck to my hips. I, never before danced and had other plans as well. I was frightened.

I asked her to walk outside and she obliged. What now? I tried the kiss. I got a smack. And I never saw soft lips again.

I was sad. My friends made fun out of me. But I am a learner. One day I met the local casanova. And he said to me:

1) It takes time.
2) You have to ask her about herself. She will talk. Some more than others.
3) Hold her hand.
4) Speak to her regularly.
5) Be honest. Always. (This was a real casanova).
6) Buy her flowers.
7) Take her to the movies.
8) Tell her how beautiful she looks in the purple dress.
9) Buy her a small ring.
10) And then give her a kiss.

Well. This helped a lot and I got a lot more kisses than smacks.

This is the same here at Google+.

Circling someone thinking you'll get the kiss is like me at 14; you won't get anything.


I believe you have do the following (and I am not saying this has not been said. I just packed it in a kissing story):

1) +1's are the gifts. Give them out. Like +Jaana Nyström (http://goo.gl/HXKyJ) sharing +40 000 +1's (She has nearly 40000 followers. I am not saying there's a relationship between +1's and followers. And I am not saying she's chasing no-of-followers. The above post by Jaana shares how you can tally your number of +1's.

2) Comment on a post is like taking her for dinner.

3) Sharing a post is like buying her a nice ring.

4) Doing all of these regularly are like sharing kisses. You'll get it back. You'll be added to public Circles. (My less than 500 followers jumped to more than a 1000 in one week when I changed my engage strategy. I wrote it here http://goo.gl/oh7VS (Warning: Selfless promotion because my engagers like it and shared it)).

5) You'll have to find Casanovas to teach you how to get the kiss and when you do they will return it. Here are some of my Casanovas; +rahul roy, +Jaana Nyström, +Denis Labelle, +Mark Traphagen, +Prabat parmal, +Eli Fennell, +John Hardy, +Al Remetch, +Rehan Ahmad, +Valentin Dobroia, +stephanie wanamaker

6) +Bud Hoffman shared a very simple circle management idea. http://goo.gl/6I4S8 I find it very effective.

May you get all the kisses you deserve. Start with +1's and share them in all honesty.
Have fun.

RESHARE:
What's The Difference Between A Kiss and a +1?

There's a lot of difference.

Or is there? I suppose it depends on who you kiss. ;-)

But I am sure you get the idea. The idea is based on what you can give vs what you want. As a young boy I wanted my first real kiss....

At Google+ you may want a plus ones on your posts.

If you know the difference between wanting and giving and when you choose giving then you'll succeed at Google+.

BTW: When you read this story you may get to know why I am walking around, day and night with a rose in my mouth......

Reshared text:
Why is +1 Like Casanova Gifting? What I learned when I wanted to kiss a girl a 13 or 15.

Let me tell you the story. It's a little embarrassing but I got through it. It was my first lesson in social engagement.

And it's very applicable to my social engagement philosophy here on Google+.

As a 13 year old schoolboy my family sent me to an all boys school, 8 hours away from home by train. Sunday nights we got on at six and got off at 3 am.

It was boring. But there were older boys and they shared how they kissed girls and what-not. I was intrigued and never slept. But I was so excited by the idea. I could just imagine the closeness and the soft lips. Goodness! I could not wait.

But it took me a few more years to be invited to a disco. Yes. That's what we called a dance at that time.

I saw this good looking girl and asked the unsuspecting soft-lips for a dance. At least I got this bit sorted. But I could not move. My legs were stuck to my hips. I, never before danced and had other plans as well. I was frightened.

I asked her to walk outside and she obliged. What now? I tried the kiss. I got a smack. And I never saw soft lips again.

I was sad. My friends made fun out of me. But I am a learner. One day I met the local casanova. And he said to me:

1) It takes time.
2) You have to ask her about herself. She will talk. Some more than others.
3) Hold her hand.
4) Speak to her regularly.
5) Be honest. Always. (This was a real casanova).
6) Buy her flowers.
7) Take her to the movies.
8) Tell her how beautiful she looks in the purple dress.
9) Buy her a small ring.
10) And then give her a kiss.

Well. This helped a lot and I got a lot more kisses than smacks.

This is the same here at Google+.

Circling someone thinking you'll get the kiss is like me at 14; you won't get anything.


I believe you have do the following (and I am not saying this has not been said. I just packed it in a kissing story):

1) +1's are the gifts. Give them out. Like +Jaana Nyström (http://goo.gl/HXKyJ) sharing +40 000 +1's (She has nearly 40000 followers. I am not saying there's a relationship between +1's and followers. And I am not saying she's chasing no-of-followers. The above post by Jaana shares how you can tally your number of +1's.

2) Comment on a post is like taking her for dinner.

3) Sharing a post is like buying her a nice ring.

4) Doing all of these regularly are like sharing kisses. You'll get it back. You'll be added to public Circles. (My less than 500 followers jumped to more than a 1000 in one week when I changed my engage strategy. I wrote it here http://goo.gl/oh7VS (Warning: Selfless promotion because my engagers like it and shared it)).

5) You'll have to find Casanovas to teach you how to get the kiss and when you do they will return it. Here are some of my Casanovas; +rahul roy, +Jaana Nyström, +Denis Labelle, +Mark Traphagen, +Prabat parmal, +Eli Fennell, +John Hardy, +Al Remetch, +Rehan Ahmad, +Valentin Dobroia, +stephanie wanamaker

6) +Bud Hoffman shared a very simple circle management idea. http://goo.gl/6I4S8 I find it very effective.

May you get all the kisses you deserve. Start with +1's and share them in all honesty.
Have fun.

How The Generalist Fox Will Rule The Ever Changing New World

Specialists with deep expertise have ruled the roost, climbing to higher and higher positions. 

Will and can this specialised-hedgehog* trend of knowing one big thing continue or will the *fox, knowing many things, take over?

 Can we continue to be copywriters-, SEO specialists, Google+- influencers, technical writers etc, or do we become generalists? 

I am sure that you have read that Google is breaking down the silo walls as Google+ becomes integrated with with Gmail, Maps, Google+ Local, Youtube and other. 

We will aslo see social CRM being integrated, Google Play, Calendar, etc.

Changes are happening fast. 

1) For various reasons, though, the specialist era is waning. The future may belong to the generalist. Why's that? To begin, our highly interconnected and global economy means that seemingly unrelated developments can affect each other. HBR http://goo.gl/o0EIg

2) Secondly, specialists toil within a singular tradition and apply formulaic solutions to situations that are rarely well-defined. This often results in intellectual acrobatics to justify one's perspective in the face of conflicting data. HBR

3) Finally, there appears to be reasonable and robust data suggesting that generalists are better at navigating uncertainty. HBR

*Warning To Specialists:* 

The future has always been uncertain, but our ability to navigate it has been impaired by an increasing focus on studying bark. The closer you are to the material, the more likely you are to believe it. HBR 

Specialists:

1) With change specialists need to be retrained often but they get stuck.

2) Specialists create less flexibility as technology changes.

The HBR article suggests: 

_Individuals should manage their careers around obtaining a diversity of geographic and functional experiences._ 

Professionals armed with the analytical capabilities (e.g. basic statistical skills, critical reasoning, etc.) developed via these experiences will fare particularly well when competing against others more focused on domain-specific skills development. (read the rest of this HBR article here ) http://goo.gl/o0EIg


I am reading *The Marketing Agency Blueprint: The Handbook for Building Hybrid PR, SEO, Content, Advertising, and Web Firms by* +Paul Roetzer http://goo.gl/6Rqsp and get the feeling that you cannot continue providing clients with valued service while operating as a specialist.

Image credit http://goo.gl/UvsAv (http://scribblesabit.wordpress.com/)

*Are you a hedgehog or a fox?* 

I am a fox.....

How The Generalist Fox Will Rule The Ever Changing New World

Specialists with deep expertise have ruled the roost, climbing to higher and higher positions. 

Will and can this specialised-hedgehog* trend of knowing one big thing continue or will the *fox, knowing many things, take over?

 Can we continue to be copywriters-, SEO specialists, Google+- influencers, technical writers etc, or do we become generalists? 

I am sure that you have read that Google is breaking down the silo walls as Google+ becomes integrated with with Gmail, Maps, Google+ Local, Youtube and other. 

We will aslo see social CRM being integrated, Google Play, Calendar, etc.

Changes are happening fast. 

1) For various reasons, though, the specialist era is waning. The future may belong to the generalist. Why's that? To begin, our highly interconnected and global economy means that seemingly unrelated developments can affect each other. HBR http://goo.gl/o0EIg

2) Secondly, specialists toil within a singular tradition and apply formulaic solutions to situations that are rarely well-defined. This often results in intellectual acrobatics to justify one's perspective in the face of conflicting data. HBR

3) Finally, there appears to be reasonable and robust data suggesting that generalists are better at navigating uncertainty. HBR

*Warning To Specialists:* 

The future has always been uncertain, but our ability to navigate it has been impaired by an increasing focus on studying bark. The closer you are to the material, the more likely you are to believe it. HBR 

Specialists:

1) With change specialists need to be retrained often but they get stuck.

2) Specialists create less flexibility as technology changes.

The HBR article suggests: 

_Individuals should manage their careers around obtaining a diversity of geographic and functional experiences._ 

Professionals armed with the analytical capabilities (e.g. basic statistical skills, critical reasoning, etc.) developed via these experiences will fare particularly well when competing against others more focused on domain-specific skills development. (read the rest of this HBR article here ) http://goo.gl/o0EIg


I am reading *The Marketing Agency Blueprint: The Handbook for Building Hybrid PR, SEO, Content, Advertising, and Web Firms by* +Paul Roetzer http://goo.gl/6Rqsp and get the feeling that you cannot continue providing clients with valued service while operating as a specialist.

Image credit http://goo.gl/UvsAv (http://scribblesabit.wordpress.com/)

*Are you a hedgehog or a fox?* 

I am a fox.....

You are invited to a rugby game at my place

We play a mock game; All Blacks against the Sprinboks and we allow the Springboks to win.

You are invited to a rugby game at my place

We play a mock game; All Blacks against the Sprinboks and we allow the Springboks to win.

Hier's Waar Die Woord Kakpraat Die Eerste Keer Gehoor Was

For my South African friends and people who understand Afrikaans.

Hier's Waar Die Woord Kakpraat Die Eerste Keer Gehoor Was

For my South African friends and people who understand Afrikaans.

How To Add Value By Taking Notes During Hangouts.............. (Part 2 of 2)

And Gain Influence......

Today I want to share with you _all_ the tips, tools, techniques and etiquette when you publish notes on an Influencer's hangout.


*Part one* can be found here http://goo.gl/PLvrK

*Let's get into the action:*  

1) Use a Chrome Extension like Hangout Canopy to find hangouts with influencers http://goo.gl/et3az +Hangout Canopy

Or go to Youtube and search for your favorite Google+ influencer. You may just find a Hang Out on Air archived there.

2) If you don't know if the person is influential then use the +CircleCount  extension to see how many people have circled the person http://goo.gl/RVZ87. 

3) Use a screen grab extension like Pixlr.com http://goo.gl/62vzK. Go and grab the influencer’s Google+ profile image. I grab it from left to right and include the profile photo.

I use Pixlr.com to remove all images except for the profile photo. In this cleaned up area I duplicate the title of the post. See my Mike Elgan note taking post example here http://goo.gl/UvVWF.

4) Write your notes as bullet points and number them. This makes it easy to read. Remember to keep the bullets simple and short.

5) Add a title to the post and start with the number of quotes or ideas you found interesting from the interview. See my Mike Elgan example here http://goo.gl/UvVWF.

My title on my note taking post was *15 Ideas Mike Elgan Shared About Google+*

6) When you published the post: Use ripples to find all people who have shared the post http://goo.gl/CoEaw and thank them. Or at least add a valuable comment.

In most cases the influencer will thank you and you can only build a stronger relationship by saying thank you.

Etiquette: Remember you are just the note taker. It's not you who said all these things.

Rather than thanking the people for the share add your own opinion or share one topic you really liked in the comment are of the new shared post.

7) *Etiquette:*  Always include links to the original hangout video and give full credit to everyone for what they said. The interviewee and interviewer are obviously the most important to tag and credit.

As you can see from my own experience; I was on a panel with +pio dal cin interviewing +Mike Elgan. I took notes and published it soon after the interview here http://goo.gl/UvVWF.

This image http://goo.gl/JIkau shows the ripples from the post. You notice that *Mike Eglan* shared it and the rippled opened then +Paul Allen shared it and it rippled more. 

Two of my interview panel friends +Yifat Cohen  (G+Go To Girl) and +Meilani MacDonald  also shared the post. And the rippled continue. 

================= Summary

*Here's mutual benefit to all concerned. I believe that when you add great value to other's influence and have honest intent your influence will naturally increase.* 

Reciprocity in practice.* http://goo.gl/EQqJX*


Have fun

Johan Horak

*P.S.* Giving credit where credit is due is a very rewarding habit to form. Its rewards are inestimable. Loretta Young

P.P.S. If you really want to become popular then you can arrange with the interviewer to download and edit the video into either a few two or three minute videos or one video of less than ten minutes. And the share the video(s) giving credit to all.

Again you would take notes approximate times where the topic was discussed and only include these in the video.

P.P.P.S. if you have great ideas on how to increase your "influence" let me know. Previously published on the same subject http://goo.gl/B3TEP

How To Add Value By Taking Notes During Hangouts.............. (Part 2 of 2)

And Gain Influence......

Today I want to share with you _all_ the tips, tools, techniques and etiquette when you publish notes on an Influencer's hangout.


*Part one* can be found here http://goo.gl/PLvrK

*Let's get into the action:*  

1) Use a Chrome Extension like Hangout Canopy to find hangouts with influencers http://goo.gl/et3az +Hangout Canopy

Or go to Youtube and search for your favorite Google+ influencer. You may just find a Hang Out on Air archived there.

2) If you don't know if the person is influential then use the +CircleCount  extension to see how many people have circled the person http://goo.gl/RVZ87. 

3) Use a screen grab extension like Pixlr.com http://goo.gl/62vzK. Go and grab the influencer’s Google+ profile image. I grab it from left to right and include the profile photo.

I use Pixlr.com to remove all images except for the profile photo. In this cleaned up area I duplicate the title of the post. See my Mike Elgan note taking post example here http://goo.gl/UvVWF.

4) Write your notes as bullet points and number them. This makes it easy to read. Remember to keep the bullets simple and short.

5) Add a title to the post and start with the number of quotes or ideas you found interesting from the interview. See my Mike Elgan example here http://goo.gl/UvVWF.

My title on my note taking post was *15 Ideas Mike Elgan Shared About Google+*

6) When you published the post: Use ripples to find all people who have shared the post http://goo.gl/CoEaw and thank them. Or at least add a valuable comment.

In most cases the influencer will thank you and you can only build a stronger relationship by saying thank you.

Etiquette: Remember you are just the note taker. It's not you who said all these things.

Rather than thanking the people for the share add your own opinion or share one topic you really liked in the comment are of the new shared post.

7) *Etiquette:*  Always include links to the original hangout video and give full credit to everyone for what they said. The interviewee and interviewer are obviously the most important to tag and credit.

As you can see from my own experience; I was on a panel with +pio dal cin interviewing +Mike Elgan. I took notes and published it soon after the interview here http://goo.gl/UvVWF.

This image http://goo.gl/JIkau shows the ripples from the post. You notice that *Mike Eglan* shared it and the rippled opened then +Paul Allen shared it and it rippled more. 

Two of my interview panel friends +Yifat Cohen  (G+Go To Girl) and +Meilani MacDonald  also shared the post. And the rippled continue. 

================= Summary

*Here's mutual benefit to all concerned. I believe that when you add great value to other's influence and have honest intent your influence will naturally increase.* 

Reciprocity in practice.* http://goo.gl/EQqJX*


Have fun

Johan Horak

*P.S.* Giving credit where credit is due is a very rewarding habit to form. Its rewards are inestimable. Loretta Young

P.P.S. If you really want to become popular then you can arrange with the interviewer to download and edit the video into either a few two or three minute videos or one video of less than ten minutes. And the share the video(s) giving credit to all.

Again you would take notes approximate times where the topic was discussed and only include these in the video.

P.P.P.S. if you have great ideas on how to increase your "influence" let me know. Previously published on the same subject http://goo.gl/B3TEP

I was pleasantly surprised by a Google Plusser before I went for my morning walk

It was dark and rainy and I was not sure if I was even going to walk to my favourite beach in Simonstown. 

I decided to read my my emails and wait for some colour in the sky. One of the emails was from +Tom Rodman. I was one of the first people he met at Google+. And he shared some very kind words with me. 

How great is that? We talk and talk here at Google+. But Tom decided to write me an email. It's like getting a mail in the post. It has more value. 

When the clouds part to the sun in winter you realise what friends can do for you with their gratitude; a simple email to say thank you. 

There are many who are dear to me here at Google+. But today Tom represents you all. ;-) Thanks Friend.

I was pleasantly surprised by a Google Plusser before I went for my morning walk

It was dark and rainy and I was not sure if I was even going to walk to my favourite beach in Simonstown. 

I decided to read my my emails and wait for some colour in the sky. One of the emails was from +Tom Rodman. I was one of the first people he met at Google+. And he shared some very kind words with me. 

How great is that? We talk and talk here at Google+. But Tom decided to write me an email. It's like getting a mail in the post. It has more value. 

When the clouds part to the sun in winter you realise what friends can do for you with their gratitude; a simple email to say thank you. 

There are many who are dear to me here at Google+. But today Tom represents you all. ;-) Thanks Friend.

Add Value By Covering A Google+ Power User's Hangout And Gain Influence (Part 1 of 2)

Part two http://goo.gl/o4siY

1) If you want to increase your Google+ influence by adding value to hangouts then this post will interest you.

2) If you want to add value to your hangout then this post will interest you.

Today I will share with you why long hangouts with influencers gives you an opportunity to --also - gain more influence.

I will discuss tools you can use to find hangouts with important and influential people, ideas on note taking and sharing, even how you can make short videos on the key points.

Hangouts are great marketing tools. And many people use hangouts to interview influencers. But there are a few problems.

Hangouts tend to be take a lot of time. One two to hours tend to be the norm. Even twenty minutes hangouts are a long. Okay........

......not for the people having fun while being part of the hangout. I am talking about diminishing returns of people watching it as a replay.

When you replay a hangout you cannot skim or speedread. You have no clue where are they talking hug-buddy talk or when do they give you insights.

Lots of people never watch it; even though they may benefit from the information. And the influencer can extend his klout if more people read his insights.

This is where your note-taking and published as a short post, of less than 500 words, can do give you klout.

You add value in bridging the communication gap. This is what you can do:

1) You watch the interview,

2) You take notes and

3) record the time during the video when important things are said.

4) You share the notes as a post to your stream and

5) You tag all the people on the interview panel, the interviewee and the interviewer.

By +name tagging these people you increase the chance of them picking it up and sharing it with their stream. If they are truly power influencers your note taking post my go viral.

Where’s the benefit?

1) You may benefit hundreds even thousands of people who gain insights they may never have been exposed to.

2) You benefit the influencer by extending his reach as more people will read his brilliant ideas and insights.

3) The interviewer plays a critical part and will also benefit from the potential viral nature of his interview.

4) You are seen as the hero in the story. Everyone, on the list above, like you for taking the time to share great information. And you will may even learn a lot from the experience of watching the hangout.

5) You have gained influence...you may potentially be added to many more circles. And you have gained some trust from the influencer and the interviewee. You have given them all a gift.

Many people may underestimate power such a gift......

This gift or rather this principle is called reciprocity:

As you know:

Reciprocity is practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.

You have just exchanged value for mutual benefit. And people tend to return a favor by giving you attention, circling you; increasing your influence.

That's if for today. At the same time tomorrow I will publish tips on who to increase your note taking success, all the tools I am using to, the etiquette, the type of images to add to your post and more....

Until tomorrow then..

Have fun

Johan

P.S.If you have great ideas on how to increase your influence by helping influencer please let me know.


#influence #influencers #googleplustips

Add Value By Covering A Google+ Power User's Hangout And Gain Influence (Part 1 of 2)

Part two http://goo.gl/o4siY

1) If you want to increase your Google+ influence by adding value to hangouts then this post will interest you.

2) If you want to add value to your hangout then this post will interest you.

Today I will share with you why long hangouts with influencers gives you an opportunity to --also - gain more influence.

I will discuss tools you can use to find hangouts with important and influential people, ideas on note taking and sharing, even how you can make short videos on the key points.

Hangouts are great marketing tools. And many people use hangouts to interview influencers. But there are a few problems.

Hangouts tend to be take a lot of time. One two to hours tend to be the norm. Even twenty minutes hangouts are a long. Okay........

......not for the people having fun while being part of the hangout. I am talking about diminishing returns of people watching it as a replay.

When you replay a hangout you cannot skim or speedread. You have no clue where are they talking hug-buddy talk or when do they give you insights.

Lots of people never watch it; even though they may benefit from the information. And the influencer can extend his klout if more people read his insights.

This is where your note-taking and published as a short post, of less than 500 words, can do give you klout.

You add value in bridging the communication gap. This is what you can do:

1) You watch the interview,

2) You take notes and

3) record the time during the video when important things are said.

4) You share the notes as a post to your stream and

5) You tag all the people on the interview panel, the interviewee and the interviewer.

By +name tagging these people you increase the chance of them picking it up and sharing it with their stream. If they are truly power influencers your note taking post my go viral.

Where’s the benefit?

1) You may benefit hundreds even thousands of people who gain insights they may never have been exposed to.

2) You benefit the influencer by extending his reach as more people will read his brilliant ideas and insights.

3) The interviewer plays a critical part and will also benefit from the potential viral nature of his interview.

4) You are seen as the hero in the story. Everyone, on the list above, like you for taking the time to share great information. And you will may even learn a lot from the experience of watching the hangout.

5) You have gained influence...you may potentially be added to many more circles. And you have gained some trust from the influencer and the interviewee. You have given them all a gift.

Many people may underestimate power such a gift......

This gift or rather this principle is called reciprocity:

As you know:

Reciprocity is practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.

You have just exchanged value for mutual benefit. And people tend to return a favor by giving you attention, circling you; increasing your influence.

That's if for today. At the same time tomorrow I will publish tips on who to increase your note taking success, all the tools I am using to, the etiquette, the type of images to add to your post and more....

Until tomorrow then..

Have fun

Johan

P.S.If you have great ideas on how to increase your influence by helping influencer please let me know.


#influence #influencers #googleplustips

RESHARE:
We did not walk here on this day

But many days we do ;-)

Reshared text:
Mother Nature's Power
Kalk Bay, South Africa

RESHARE:
We did not walk here on this day

But many days we do ;-)

Reshared text:
Mother Nature's Power
Kalk Bay, South Africa

An African Christmas 

And you are invited. 

An African Christmas 

And you are invited. 

Long Beach Simon's Town

and a really funny looking mountain. ;-)

#simonstown   #capetown   #beachphotography   #mobilephotography   #androidography   #galaxys2photography   #havingfun  

Long Beach Simon's Town

and a really funny looking mountain. ;-)

#simonstown   #capetown   #beachphotography   #mobilephotography   #androidography   #galaxys2photography   #havingfun  

Happiness Is A Sunrise On A Perfect Winter's Day In Simonstown

My dog pushed me out of bed just before sunrise.

As I opened my eyes I knew why he did it.

It was fresh and we drove down to the beach. We like the sunrise before the sun lift its head above the mountains.

Then we get the sun playing against the clouds. Yes.

We like small clouds.

Without clouds we get a boring sunrise.

With many clouds we get no sunrise. 

So today: Is a picnic day in the Cape.

We leave everything and make the best of a no rainy day.

BTW: The weather is not the reason why I am happy.

I am very lucky to know that I can be happy everyday.

I hope you are having a happy day. If you are not happy then just change your mind. 

#simonstown   #mobilephotography   #galaxys2   #twt   #capetown  

Happiness Is A Sunrise On A Perfect Winter's Day In Simonstown

My dog pushed me out of bed just before sunrise.

As I opened my eyes I knew why he did it.

It was fresh and we drove down to the beach. We like the sunrise before the sun lift its head above the mountains.

Then we get the sun playing against the clouds. Yes.

We like small clouds.

Without clouds we get a boring sunrise.

With many clouds we get no sunrise. 

So today: Is a picnic day in the Cape.

We leave everything and make the best of a no rainy day.

BTW: The weather is not the reason why I am happy.

I am very lucky to know that I can be happy everyday.

I hope you are having a happy day. If you are not happy then just change your mind. 

#simonstown   #mobilephotography   #galaxys2   #twt   #capetown  

A few photos from my walk this morning

As you know I like taking photos with my Galaxy phone camera while taking a walk around Simon's Town in the mornings.

As soon as I have them taken and back home I add them to my Instagram http://goo.gl/V388b galary.

You'll find me at #instagram @johanhorak. There you'll also find my photo snapping and Google+ friend +Melody Lynn @enjoythemelody;-)

Have a great Saturday



#saturdayphotography   #naturephotography   #naturesaturday   #africa   #capetown   #simonstown   #androidography   #androidphotography   #mobilephotography   #mobileography   #beachsaturday   #sunrisesaturday   #sunrisephotos   #sunrisephotography  

A few photos from my walk this morning

As you know I like taking photos with my Galaxy phone camera while taking a walk around Simon's Town in the mornings.

As soon as I have them taken and back home I add them to my Instagram http://goo.gl/V388b galary.

You'll find me at #instagram @johanhorak. There you'll also find my photo snapping and Google+ friend +Melody Lynn @enjoythemelody;-)

Have a great Saturday



#saturdayphotography   #naturephotography   #naturesaturday   #africa   #capetown   #simonstown   #androidography   #androidphotography   #mobilephotography   #mobileography   #beachsaturday   #sunrisesaturday   #sunrisephotos   #sunrisephotography  

SA SUL 59 Most Popular South Africans On Google+

Today the 59 South Africans in this SA SUL circle qualify as follows:

This popularity ranking is reviewing only the current posts of the South Africans. Only the last 20 posts are taken into account, and only the posts that have been posted in the last 4 weeks

The following 50 (were considered for each category and duplicates removed):

1) ...the most comments:

2) ....the most +1s.

3) ...the most shares.

If you are in the circle you thank me for putting it together. But not for putting you in this circle. This circle is created through a simple count of the number of 1, 2, 3's (see above) that you got over 4 weeks.

This means that I cannot include you if you did not qualify. 

If you like South Africans then I suggest you add this circle to your circles.

Share this circle with your South African friends.

And have fun because these South Africans produce quality. ;-)

BTW: I am not taking about my stuff ;-)

If you are not included then you'll have to find away of getting more people to circle you. And that can only be done by the quality of stuff you publish at Google+.

I always had an issue with the previous SUL SA circles because I never wanted it to get to more than a 100 people. It was not easy with the tools I used. But I found another way through +CircleCount  ;-).

The tool I am using should keep it under a 100 people at all times.


  #southafricasul   #suggesteduserlistsouthafrica   #sulsa   #sasul