How Google Plus Hangouts Will Revolutionize The Way You Work

Posted: July 12th, 2011 | Author: Natasha Murashev | Filed under: reinvent | Tags: , , , , | 5 Comments »

Although Google Plus is attempting to replace Facebook by becoming the social network everyone uses for fun, the Google Plus Hangouts feature is actually great for working in remote teams. In fact, it’s going to revolutionize the way remote teams work. If you’re not on Google Plus yet, let me know in the comments, and I’ll be happy to send you an invite. And if you haven’t tried Google Plus Hangouts just yet, it’s a cool group video chat feature (scroll to the bottom of the article to learn more about what it is and how to set it up).


Right now, if you’re working in a remote team (and if even one member of your team is not nearby, you’re working in a remote team), the only time you collaborate with the remote team members is via email or scheduled meetings. This context is just too formal. And when you’re focused on only getting things done as the context, you miss out on the culture, personality, and personal relationship building that is so crucial for a growing and successful company.

Now imagine the possibilities with Google Plus Hangouts! When you’re working, you invite your remote co-workers to come “hang out” and if they have any questions or thoughts or comments, they just ask you! You want to brainstorm? No need to schedule a formal meeting ever again. Just say that you want to brainstorm and now you’re talking.

Google Plus Hangouts can also serve as a great “watercooler” for remote teams. One of the coolest features of the product is that you can watch YouTube videos together as a team. Maybe create a circle without your boss in it, and go ahead, share some laughs over that Shampoo prank video.

Now, being in a Hangout the whole day might get distracting pretty quickly, but that’s the beauty of it. If you’re in the mood to socialize and be distracted, you join the hangout. If you’re not, you just leave and work.

So go ahead, create a Hangout for you team! Here is how in case you’re new to this :)

  1. Login to Google Plus
  2. Create a circle for only your co-workers if you haven’t already
  3. Start a Hangout 
  4. Make sure you look good and press “Hang Out”
  5. Now just invite your co-workers to the hangout and see if anyone stops by to chat.

Also, here is the official Google Plus Hangout video for a better idea of how it works:

Have you used Google Plust Hangouts with your team? If not, do you think it would be a useful feature?

Article image via mustseeon.net.

  • http://www.writeclickmedia.com jeremyleejames

    I’d like an invite. jeremyleejames@gmail[dot-com]

  • http://reorg.co Natasha Murashev

    Ok, you are now invited :)

  • Jeremy Lee James

    Thanks! You rock!

  • Frank

    There is a large variety of project collaboration software that already meets the collaboration concerns you mention with a variety of tools, including group chat and interactive content management. Plus, they offer a more significant feeling of security for sensitive clients.

    Here’s one I use: http://www.binfire.com.

  • http://reorg.co Natasha Murashev

    Most of the software out there is focused on productivity working toward a project goal. With even group chat, teams meet to discuss work or how to get projects done. This software is not meant for just fun “watercooler” type talk about what you did on the weekend or funny YouTube videos which you get from being physically working together. Or even just randomly having an idea that might be loosely related to your work and telling your co-worker about it right then.