Google has been trying to break into the social media arena for some time.  Their earlier failed attempts (orchid, wave, and buzz) have never caught on.  Google+, however, is positioned differently.  It could actually give Facebook a run for the money.  See the Video.

Before you start, however, keep in mind you must have a Google profile to start. 

Next, let’s talk “lingo.”  The terms you need to remember are: circles, hangouts, and sparks.

Circles - Here is where Google+ is much better than Facebook.  Instead of having just one big pile of friends, Google+ allows you to group different people into circles.  For instance, you might create one for Family, another for Church Friends, and yet another for Business Associates.  Once your circles are created, Google+ makes it very easy to post messages just to certain circles OR to everyone. Facebook has this functionality with “groups” but it is not as easy to accomplish.

Hangouts - One of the coolest features of Google Buzz revolves around video.  Using Hangouts, you and a bunch of friends can all get together in a video chat room AT THE SAME TIME.  Whomever is speaking shows up in a large window and everyone else is in smaller windows.  When someone else starts speaking, they instantly jump to the large window.  You have to see it to really appreciate how cool it is.

Sparks - Imagine having a feed of JUST the topics you are interested in.  When you have free time, you can always check this feed for something you KNOW you will enjoy.  Using the “Add Interest” button, you can slowly teach Google what you like to see, and more importantly, what you DON’T want to see.

So, will it take off?  Well, my view is that Facebook is too entrenched to actually be beaten by Google+.  However, Google is now paying trendy and famous people to generate “buzz” about this service.  You never know.  With enough money thrown at it, Google+ may actually take off.