“Not another social network!”  That’s the cry from many small business owners when confronted with the prospect of having to learn Google+.  And with good reason.  It takes time to learn a new network, to engage, to participate.  Should they spend their precious time there?

I was provided a copy of Chris Brogan’s new book, Google+ for Business, and was more than happy to give it a read.  Should a small business owner read this?  Absolutely.  Not only does Brogan tell you how to better use Google’s new social network, but he outlines the “why” you should be using it.  And one of the biggest reasons is the name behind the social network – Google.  As Brogan puts it, “Google+ is tied to Google search, so by using it well you can improve your primary website’s findability for folks searching for it.”  And I couldn’t think of a better reason to jump into Google Plus with both feet.

Brogan evaluates the different parts of Google+, from setting up your profile to the best practices in managing your circles, to the do’s and don’ts of posting within your stream, making it easy to optimize your time spent within Google+.  In addition, he includes numerous examples of how real-life participants are using Google+ in his “Day in the Life”, as well as several fictitious days, so that you can get a better handle on how to make Google+ work best for you, no matter what industry you serve.

Not only is this book a clear, concise, easy to follow “how-to”, it is also a great “why-to”, and leaves very little reason for you not to be engaging within this new social network.  Have you read it?  Any great tips to share?

**Social Media Club members (Open/Pro/SMB/Corporate) are welcome to participate in a free webinar hosted by Social Media Club featuring Chris Brogan, Author of Google+ for Business on Thursday, May 31st at 2pm EDT. Register here!**