If so, why? 

If you don't, why not?

These are questions that you've probably heard or had to answer at one time or another since last summer.

Chris Brogan argues that you should care about it. In fact, he even named his latest book "Google+ for Business: How Google's Social Network Changes Everything (see: http://www.amazon.com/Google-Business-Googles-Everything-ebook/dp/B005GX...). I know, that's a bold statement looking back at the network's short history so far.

The author  bases his argument on the obvious; Google+ is vital to any social effort given that the network is or can be linked to other Google products (e.g. Docs, Places, Calendar, Android, etc.). Google+ is also tied into the two most popular search engines in the world: Google and YouTube. Lastly, he states it offers everything the other major networks lack; it's not a closed system like Facebook, it has more structure than LinkedIn, and it offers more to the user/group than Twitter (p. 10).

I completely agree with Chris on all three points, but it's also easy to find this concept laughable given the lackluster performance of Google+ to date, Facebook's compete dominance over the market, and the instant rise of shiny new platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. However, I also caution all the naysayers out there with the same argument that Chris uses. The simple fact is that Facebook will not last forever and online communication is constantly evolving. 

So the real question should be is Google+ disruptive to how we execute social media solutions or is it simply the second coming or Orkut? Professionally speaking, I say relax and keep your focus on the real substance of Chris's book.

Although I learned nothing earth shattering from reading Google+ for Business, I found myself reading one of the better books on the basics of community management and how to properly execute a social strategy. The author gives real world examples on how social strategists harness and should harness tools based on their business objectives and overall strategy. Honestly, Chris Brogan could have picked any social network and written a similar book with similar key takeaways.

However, I will acknowledge that Chris makes a sound argument about the importance and potential of Google+. After reading this, I found myself exploring and meandering in and around forgotten circles I had created last Fall. After three hours, I realized that I was sad for my circles that had become as  anorexic as a typical LinkedIn Group and jealous over the knowledge and experience lost in circles that I had abandoned yet they continued to evolve into a steady river of curated engagement.

I really enjoyed this book and I realized that I've taken Google+ for granted. I also recommend it to anyone who executes social media solutions. I feel that the content is solid, useful, and timeless with a focus on social media professionals at all stages of their career.

Thoughts?

**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!**