One potato, two potato, three potato, four. Five potato, six potato, seven potato, more.

Substitute the word “potato” for “social network” and you’ve got yourself a catchy little ditty that sums up today’s social networking climate beautifully. Every time I so much as look away, it feels as though I have to look back and play catch-up to all of the latest and greatest gadgets, websites and doodads that have launched in my brief absence.

Overwhelming? Oh, you betcha. And this coming from a girl who doesn’t mind living online and reading book after book about trends and case studies (I’m a nerd, I know). Is it going to slow down? Perhaps. But not anytime soon as far as I’m concerned.

The latest network to take the stage (and take it by storm I might add) is Google+, the one social network that is rumored to potentially give Facebook a run for its money. In a nutshell, this particular social network, still in “limited test” stage (you need an invite from a current member in order to join), brings friend streams, group video chat and group texting to Google’s millions of users.

When you step into the Google+ world you’ll notice some immediate differences compared to the almighty Facebook:

• Usability: We all know Facebook updates itself more times than we care to count (I’m still waiting for my “Congrats! You’ve conquered another update!” badge). Google+, on the other hand, is thus far both easy to navigate and understand. A hint to Google, please refrain from bi-weekly modifications. Why I like it: Simple and streamlined.
• Google+ Circles: This functionality is what truly sets Google+ apart from its competitors. Circles are a way for users to compartmentalize other users. I set up several groups, all of which are varied in size. The drag-and-drop functionality for adding people to your Circles is a fabulous addition. Unlike Facebook, Circles are also not permission-based (as far as I know) which means that anyone can add you to a circle if they so chose.  Why I like it: Helps me navigate through the clutter by allowing me to place people in certain groups and share applicable information accordingly. It also forces me to have more meaningful connections with people because I have to decide what Circle I’m going to put them in.
• Google+ Hangouts: Perhaps my most favorite feature of all is Hangouts (remember I’m a nerd). Hangouts is group video chat made simple. The camera switching feature (it changes who’s on camera based on who’s talking) enhances conversation by a mile. I’ve played around with this feature a few times and have been amazed at how well it works (especially when multiple people are “hanging out” simultaneously. Why I like it: This is an excellent way to implement new strategies and gain more personal interactions. Some ideas for agents include a “First-time Homebuyer” hangout, a hangout to answer mortgage and finance questions, a DIY project hangout. The possibilities are endless.
• Google Sparks: Let me be upfront and say that I like Sparks, but I don’t love it like I love Google Alerts (of which I get plenty). Sparks looks for videos and articles it thinks you’ll like based on your interests and past searches so what you see is different from what someone else sees.  As one wise man said, “It’s designed to augment Google+, and if it works as Google designed it, it will create winners and losers in the publishing world, making Google +1 buttons actually matter.” Well said, wise man. Until that fact becomes a reality, I’m sticking to my trusty G Alerts. Why I like it: Not sure that I do just yet, but I’m very aware of the value it can provide.

So there you have it in more than just a nutshell, ladies and gents: Google+. Will it overtake Facebook? I’m not so sure but I’ve been wrong before so I very well could be again. I’ll give you a chance Google+ because I like to try new things.

What do you think about Google+?

By Genevieve Jooste