We have all been hearing about Google+. It has been creating a lot of buzz (which is what Google wants) and I am adding to the oodles of social media entries on the subject.
The answer is: No. A CFO should not be on Google+ today.
There is an exception to my answer. If you are a CFO that has mastered LinkedIn and you blog and tweet, go right ahead into the new world of Google+. If however you do not consider yourself social media savvy, make the best out of the (I can’t believe I’m saying this) old world social media tools.
As CFO, you’re a busy person. If you are going to spend time on social media, spend it where the market is mature and defined. Google Plus is so brand new, that you may not know what you are getting yourself into, few people are true experts that can guide you though it even if you wanted help, and you may mess up your reputation by using it ‘wrong’.
This is where the conservatism of the finance professional comes into play. Be “old school” and make the best out of the old tools first.
My opinion is current as of today. I will let you know when I believe it is time for CFOs to be active on Google+.
Also, just for the record, I haven’t bothered with Google+ yet. If you aren’t there yet, why should I be?
If I might add a contrarian view, Samuel?
While Google+ is brand-spanking new, the potential to raise visibility among a targeted audience – say recruiters – appears to be much greater than Twitter, and more effectively than Facebook. And perhaps even more so than blogging.
If a CFO isn’t on social media, it may not matter what latest and greatest social media toy is released, the interest and motivation just won’t be there. But, for a CFO who is interested in testing the SM waters, beyond Linked In, Google+ just might be the ideal environment.
What I think is the coolest part of Google+, and I’m learning my way, is that it seems to take the best of Twitter and Facebook and combine them into one user-friendly circle concept. So, for example, you could have a circle that contains only recruiters. Follow what they’re saying and doing and contribute to their circle conversations.
You could also be a very cool CFO boss and create a circle with all of your team members in it. Or, nudge your executive team into the social media sphere with their own circle. Create a targeted company list containing people in those companies – or one circle for each company.
Character space is not limited (like Twitter) and you can easily follow conversations (like Facebook), but you can easily control who is in your circles and which groups see your comments.
While Google+ is still in beta and finance executives don’t incline towards early adoption in social media, it certainly seems to be a savvy tool to keep an eye on going forward.
Cindy,
I was hoping you would provide a contrarian view. Thank you for sharing it and making excellent points.
I certainly agree that CFOs should keep an eye on Google Plus – I’m not discounting its potential value, which I believe to be very big. My point is that the current value of Google Plus for CFOs is not strong. Yet.
Are you a CFO who is using Google +? I would love to hear your point of view.
Samuel