Coffee and Tech
Topic: Open Forum – Bring a question, or just hang out
Start the week with a plus … Google+
Introducing the best way to kick off your working week
Coffee & Tech
What is it? An informal gathering of like-minded people who want to talk about technology. And lots of other stuff! Think of it as a very relaxed networking session, without having to leave your house/office.
Who will be there? The only person I can guarantee will be there is me, Colman Carpenter. I’ll be bringing guests along as often as I can, but it’s really all about networking, informal conversations, and exploring the wonderful new tool that is Google+ Hangouts, rather than broadcasting in the traditional sense.
What will we talk about? Anything you like. Although just in case we have any of those embarrassing silences then I may prepare a topical subject or two for discussion. By all means avail of the opportunity to ask others about thorny problems, have a moan, or even show off your kids photos.
When is it? Every Monday morning at 10am for an hour – at least.
Where is it? In your office, study, living room. In fact, wherever you happen to be.
What do I need? You need Google+ running on your PC, Laptop, Netbook, Tablet Device or Phone (yes, even a phone), and an active internet connection. That’s it!
How much does it cost? Nothing at all. Zip. Nada. Free.
Why use Google+? Good question! There are a couple of main reasons.
Firstly, it’s by far the easiest way to have a bunch of people talk to each other online this side of a very expensive video-conferencing setup. Given that it’s also free, that’s pretty amazing and is worth exploring just what can be done.
Secondly, Google+ itself (and not just the Hangout feature this will use) seems a great place to find and connect with new people who share your interests. This is contrary to most other social networks that concentrate on connecting you to your friends. From a business point of view, meeting new people is great. This way, I can meet lots of new people, and so can you.
How do I join? It’s easy, just follow these instructions:
- Sign up to Google+ if you haven’t already got an account.
- Add the Coffee and Tech page to one of your circles.
- Keep an eye out for the hangout appearing in your stream on Mondays at 10am UK time.
- Join!
It’s very simple, you should always be able to see if the hangout is active by looking out for the Coffee and Tech profile image to the right of your G+ stream. Once its there just click on the ‘Join’ button and you’ll be talking with up to 9 other people.
I will add past participants into a circle and let them know when the latest session begins. If you let me know in advance of your first session then I’ll add you too.
Are there any ground rules? Yes, just a couple aimed at making sure things go as smoothly as possible:
- Respect everyone else. We’re all there to enjoy ourselves and connect to new people. Anything that detracts from that is not good.
- Don’t all talk at once. A 10-way conversation can be pretty chaotic if everyone tries to talk at once. The format works best if people take turns. I’ll do my best to bring people in too.
- Keep other noise to a minimum. A common issue is someone with a loud keyboard next to their microphone. Any typing is then very audible to the rest of the group.
- Use the chat window. If a hangout gets busy, then use the chat box to communicate your point to me and I’ll try and bring you in.
- Move on when asked. A Hangout can have up to 10 participants. If it fills up then I may politely ask people to leave the room so others can join. Your assistance if that happens will be much appreciated.
That’s about it, although I may update them as and when the format evolves.
Feedback
I enjoyed that Hangout yesterday. It has great possibilities I can see!
Interesting debate that I got value out of.
More information
Want to see more? Have a look at this video:
See you on Google+
