August 16, 2011 101 Comments

Announcing My Next Book

I’ve been writing furiously for a few weeks, and I have another few weeks ahead of me before I turn in the completed manuscript, but now is evidently the right time to announce that my next book will be Google+ for Business: How Google’s Social Network Changes Everything. I’ve written quite a lot here on [chrisbrogan.com] about Google+ and I’ve created paid informational education about the service, as well as posted several thoughts, ideas, and more about the product. Frankly, I’m smitten with Google+ and the potential it brings as a business communications tool. So, Katherine Bull at QUE (part of Pearson) was kind enough to let me pen a book about it (and by “kind,” evidently turning a book around in six weeks now qualifies as the hardest thing I’ve ever done professionally), and so I’m happy to share that it’s available on Amazon already for pre-order, both as a physical book (affiliate link), and also for Kindle. It’s also available at Barnes & Noble (where I’ve actually sat in their cafe and written at least one chapter so far on it), and on Nook.

It’s tricky writing a book about a technology, but not unlike what Julien Smith and I did with Trust Agents, I’ve written the book to be more about the thoughts, the strategy, and the human business perspective that goes into using Google+ to drive potential business (whether you’re a small business or part of a large one). We’ll see how current I can keep it with my amazingly good team of editors and the help I’m getting from Katherine’s team. In my mind, it’ll be a pretty useful book for anyone who wants to get started with Google+, but also useful for people looking for some tips and tactics to get even more out of their efforts on Google+ for their business.

So, that’s my news. If you’re in the market for a Google+ book, it comes out very early in November (which is a lot closer than you think), and is available for pre-order now.

ChrisBrogan.com runs on the Genesis Framework

Genesis Theme Framework

The Genesis Framework empowers you to quickly and easily build incredible websites with WordPress. Whether you're a novice or advanced developer, Genesis provides you with the secure and search-engine-optimized foundation that takes WordPress to places you never thought it could go.

With automatic theme updates and world-class support included, Genesis is the smart choice for your WordPress website or blog.

Become a StudioPress Affiliate

Newer Comments →
  • http://socialtriggers.com Derek

    Awesome Chris, and damn! Props to finishing a book in 6 weeks.

    • http://rickmanelius.com Rick Manelius

      And just like his google+ 50 article, if he’s one of the first books out the door, well, he’s going to make a big splash out of that 6-week investment.

      I enjoy watching and learning from Chris. I may try and adopt some similar strategies in my areas of knowledge.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      It’s been a challenge. And thanks. : ) 

  • Pingback: Chris Brogan Launching Book On Google + - Launch Watch

  • http://essayserve.com/ custom essays

    really great post! thanks!

  • http://www.virtualbusinesslifestyle.com/ Chris C. Ducker

    Hey Chris

    Excellent stuff.

    I’ll admit to signing up for and tinkering around on G+ since it kicked off a while ago – however, I am yet to REALLY get into it. But, it looks bloody brilliant! And I know I want to utilize it properly – mainly because Facebook is starting to become very stale to me…

    Honestly, I see myself going the G+ and Twitter route for basically all of my SM going forward.

    I cant wait for this… Props to getting this turned around in record time – having a team certainly helps in these situations, though.

    Keep rockin’, big guy!Chris 

    • http://rickmanelius.com Rick Manelius

      I agree. I’m super excited about the potential of google+, but I’ve only been able to commit 15 minutes here or there. I could definitely use some guidance on best practices so I can make the most out of it without having to learn it all from scratch!

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Thanks, Chris. I think it’s good stuff. : ) 

  • http://www.i95dev.com/ecommerce Ecommerce Solutions

    Some more info about the book might help me give a pre order! Thanks!

  • http://twitter.com/iconic88 iconic88

    Congrats Chris!! Keep it up mate. 

    If you need a sounding board, you know who can help you and where ;) 

    Enjoy the power of the circles buddy.

    Mahei

  • http://www.abcglab.org/diamond-certification.html certified diamond appraisers

    Google+’s powerful business features make it
    even more valuable to entrepreneurs and marketers. In this book, top
    social media consultant shows
    businesspeople how to leverage its immense potential before their
    competitors even realize it’s there.

  • http://www.thewritedesignco.com/ Marcie_Hill

    Congratulations on your new book. I figured you were writing a book based on your last few topics. I’m looking forward to it!

  • http://hannahsharvest.com Hannah Marcotti

    Looking forward to it.

  • http://rickmanelius.com Rick Manelius

    You had me at next book :) pre-ordered!

  • http://ndlela.com ndlela

    Congratulations Chris.  You are getting so much done that I think I need to re-read your post on finding time to write. I can’t wait to read the new book.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      That’s only last week. Run back and get it. : ) 

  • Bill Cammack

    Nice! :) Congrats, Chris! :D

  • Dan Phelan

    Ballsy move to release this before G+ even has business pages! Unless you know something I don’t, and it’s shipping the same day G+ business pages go live.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      It’d be pretty funny to think that business people are sitting around waiting for the business profile page to do business there, Dan. Some people might be, but then I’d presume they’re not business people. Have you seen Ford’s employees in there? Have you seen Kodak, Dell, and IBM? I had a chat the other day with a guy who runs a farmstand. Believe me, there’s business going on. : ) 

      • http://twitter.com/shelholtz Shel Holtz

        Couldn’t agree more, Chris. I wrote a post about just one approach marketers could be using right now on Google+ — one that I’m using myself — and got backlash, including one insistence that businesses wait until at least 2012. If it works now, use it now.

        • http://twitter.com/JGoldsborough JGoldsborough

          Shel, respect you and Chris and you all make good points. Can see the individual selling potential in any platform that allows networking. That said, a book about how businesses could use Twitter or Facebook in the first six months of the platform would be very different, and in some cases out of date, compared to if one was written a 12, 18, 24 months after the platform was out. Or if it was written now.

          Writing a book is an amazing accomplishment. One I hope to do some day. So you should be proud. And I’m all for capitalism. That said, without having seen Google+ platform for businesses, you have to admit the book could have some holes six months or a year from now. Right?

          • http://www.vmrcommunications.com Hugh Macken

            I agree with Shel: “If it works now, use it now.”

            And if there’s a book that helps you use if now, read it. Now.However, I can also see some merit to your concern and doubt. The book is coming out in three or four months. Is it possible the book could be completely out of date by then, if Google, between now and then, announces lots of different features and options for businesses?I believe the answer to that question is no.I’m guessing (a) Chris probably has some privileged information from Google and (b) even if there are some surprises in the next 6 months to a year, the principle-based approach Chris typically applies to social media – in his blog posts and in books like Trust Agents – will keep the book extremely relevant regardless of which bells and whistles are ultimately rolled out by google.

          • http://twitter.com/JGoldsborough JGoldsborough

            Good points. Thanks for the perspective.

          • http://socialbutterflyguy.com/ DJ Waldow

            All depends on what the book says, right? I mean, if it focuses less on the “tool” and more on how to engage using the tool, then … it has longevity.

          • http://twitter.com/JGoldsborough JGoldsborough

            Yes, that would give it more longevity. Good call. Where it would become tricky is if the platform evolved to where businesses were mandate to engage in a certain way, e.g. a book advising businesses to engage on Facebook via personal profiles that was written before fan pages became standard would have some holes. But if there is conversation about overall approach to engaging in Google+ or any platform for that matter, that advice can definitely transcend technology.

  • http://www.afzalkhan.org/ Afzal Khan

    Congrats Chris…I’m looking forward for this book….thanks :-)

  • http://www.coryscomments.com Cory Hintz

    That’s great Chris.  I look forward to reading it.

  • http://www.jbspartners.com Jim Spencer

    Chris, I see this as a real lesson learned, from my point of view. I have watched for over four years as others created businesses or at least streams of income around Twitter. Here I see you jumping out in front of the wave (no pun intended) and setting up a kind of “first mover advantage” with the latest social platform. Great idea, even if Paul Tassi over at Forbes thinks Google+ is dead for him.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Exactly the plan, sir. Paul can think Google+ is dead. People hated Twitter for years. : )

  • http://www.solobizcoach.com SoloBizCoach

    Congratulations Chris. If it is anything like you last book, I am sure it is going to be a great read.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Here’s hoping, sir. : ) 

  • cdubwayne

    A book in six weeks?  Quality.  I can barely READ a book in six weeks.

    Here’s my question (and it may be a really dumb one): I know the book’s not available yet, but I can’t even sign up for the service!  Is it just that I’m not a cool social media guru such as yourself, or am I really an idiot?

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Nope. You just need to find someone who has an account and ask them for an invite. Most folks have 100 or more invites just sitting around. 

    • http://socialbutterflyguy.com/ DJ Waldow

      If you send me and email – djwaldow at gmail – I’ll drop you an invite. As Chris said, I have a 100 sitting around.

  • http://twitter.com/susangiurleo susangiurleo

    Yay!  You’re so smaht  : ).

    Looking forward to reading it….

  • Robin Mizell

    I NEED the book. Thank you!

  • Lynda White

    Chris, I’m in the middle of Trust Agents right now…loving it and looking forward to this next book. 

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Keen! Hope you enjoy it. : ) 

  • http://twitter.com/TheSalesLion Marcus Sheridan

    Talk about a book that’s addressing a huge need Chris. So excited for you man, and it must feel great to be at the forefront of a subject that will be affecting businesses and relationships for years and years to come.

    Marcus

  • http://mattreport.com Matt Medeiros

    (as to not get lost the deluge of G+ comments)

    When I woke up this morning and saw the e-mail on my iPhone I knew we were going to be in for a wild ride in the comments section. 

    I thought the same as others about publishing too early on a new tech like G+. I guess however, that if a lot of it is theory specific, like “how to be selling social”, but with a taste of circles, hangouts, and +1′ing – I can dig it. 

    Then it’s almost as if you could just name the book “selling social” and sprinkle in your favorite twitter, facebook, g+, linkedin ingredients. 

    People need to start thinking of +Chris Brogan as a brand – like General Motors. You love the Camaro, but would never spend money on a Buick. 

    Some of you might want to buy his books, or sign up for a webinar, or pay for his newsletters. I have no problem dropping dollars for his webinars – books and newsletters, I’m still test driving. 

    There’s nothing wrong with this. It’s capitalism. (ducks)

    My 2 cents.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Exactly so, Matt. I’m selling a book. : ) 

  • http://www.ricardobueno.com Ricardo Bueno

    Chris: Writing this in such a short time-frame is no easy feat I’m sure but if anyone can do it, it’s you. Congratulations on the upcoming book! As always, look forward to reading it :-) 

  • http://www.smsproducts.com SMS Products

    Looking forward to your book.  The way Google + is exploding with people, the business angle is going to be wonderful to learn. Good Luck.

  • http://yoursalesplaybook.com paulcastain

    Looking forward to your next book Chris. You’re one of the first people I followed when I made the leap into Social Media back in ’08 and the force is always strong in you Sir :)

    Respectfully,
    Paul Castain

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Here’s hoping and thanks. : ) 

  • Anonymous

    Quick question: It’s called Google+ for Business, yet Google hasn’t released their Business platform for Google+. Are you worried about the book becoming irrelevant when they do?

    • http://twitter.com/47project Rich Harris

      Bingo.

      • http://drewgneiser.tumblr.com/ Drew Gneiser

        I’d have to agree. I understand that there are a lot of ways to use it in a business sense (and I’ve appreciated your posts on your thoughts, Chris), but at this point, it seems a bit odd to release a book about it. Yes, social platforms change and evolve as time goes on and yes, new books need to be written to cover that material. Google adding business pages doesn’t seem like a small change though. Aren’t the coming changes too large (some anticipated, some that could only be understood once we use it a bit) to write a book specifically about Google+ for Business yet?

      • http://drewgneiser.tumblr.com/ Drew Gneiser

        I’d have to agree. I understand that there are a lot of ways to use it in a business sense (and I’ve appreciated your posts on your thoughts, Chris), but at this point, it seems a bit odd to release a book about it. Yes, social platforms change and evolve as time goes on and yes, new books need to be written to cover that material. Google adding business pages doesn’t seem like a small change though. Aren’t the coming changes too large (some anticipated, some that could only be understood once we use it a bit) to write a book specifically about Google+ for Business yet?

    • Anonymous

      Kind of wondering the same thing.

    • http://rickmanelius.com Rick Manelius

      Good point. But even without an official platform, there is a lot that can be done in terms of gaining followers, sharing, etc.

      Perhaps there will need to be second edition in a few months :)

    • http://rickmanelius.com Rick Manelius

      Good point. But even without an official platform, there is a lot that can be done in terms of gaining followers, sharing, etc.

      Perhaps there will need to be second edition in a few months :)

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      That’s like saying you can’t do business without business cards. There are hundreds of thousands of business people already using the service and figuring it out for business. A few: Michael Dell, Jenny Cisney at Kodak, Scott Monty at Ford, thousands of IBMers, and more. TONS and TONS of business folks already using it. 

      They’re not using the business PAGES yet, but they’re doing business. 

      Quick answer. : ) 

  • http://embodieddreams.blogspot.com/ David

    Congratulations on your new book. I just finished Trust Agents and got a lot of great stuff out of it. I’m a new blogger, missed the Twitter bandwagon and using Facebook with mixed but pretty silent results. I’m hoping your book can help me see how to use Google Plus to help me share my blog. Best of luck with the release and thanks for all your hard work! David

  • http://www.facebook.com/randall.beggs Randall Beggs

    Congratulations, Chris.  Your posts about writing books are inspirational. 

  • http://twitter.com/anim8us Brian Stackhouse

    Chris, Congratulations on the new book! Excuse me if I seem less than excited abut buying it. Nothing personal, but I have one personal account and three business accounts and cannot get any of them started with Google+.  So how can I be excited about a book about a service I can’t access?
    Take care.

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      I guess you should wait, then. : ) 

      • http://socialbutterflyguy.com/ DJ Waldow

        I always feel like a “nothing personal” disclaimer is actually just that – personal. Ha ha.
        Agree with Chris on this one, Brian. Maybe you should wait.

      • http://twitter.com/anim8us Brian Stackhouse

        Hi Chris,
        This isn’t about you, it’s about a service that is not readily available. I refuse to wait to build my business, that is idiotic. I will use tools available -NOW- that work and not wait. If google+ is not widely available, both it and your book are worthless to business owners.

        • http://socialbutterflyguy.com/ DJ Waldow

          Brian: You are certainly entitled to your opinion. I’m all for figuring out ways to connect with individuals, businesses, clients, prospects, and fans. I’m not sure I’d ever call that worthless.

          As it turns out, the G+ adoption rate is very very high (I’m sure Chris’s book will share some of these numbers) and growing.

          Best of luck!

  • http://twitter.com/jenn_seeley jenn seeley

    One can never be congratulated TOO much when their achievements are great and their motivation greater – kudos and best wishes for success. I’ll be anxious to get my copy!

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Very kind, Jenn. : ) 

  • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

    Congrats. I just pre-ordered 5 copies +1. : ) 

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      You’re such a silly! Thank you. : ) 

  • http://www.vmrcommunications.com Hugh Macken

    Congrats, Chris!

  • http://www.online-business-virtual-assistant.com/ Virtual Business Assistant

    Thats a great news Chris and eagerly waiting to read one…

    Online Business
    Virtual Assistant
     

  • http://socialbutterflyguy.com/ DJ Waldow

    Very excited for you, Chris. I just read through the comments here (not on other social channels) and can already see the skeptics popping up. Always makes me laugh. Good for you for having the balls (and commitment) to knock out a book in 6 weeks on a social network that is new, hot, and has a tremendous amount of potential. You live on the bleeding edge. You take risks. You experiment. You share. You give. You have conversations with people.

    Kudos. Virtual cheers. See you when I see you. I’ll be coming in for a bear hug.

  • http://www.prsavvy.com Ford Kanzler

    ‘Looking forward to your newest read and applying it. Enjoyed and employed much of what’s in Trust Agents. The book-writing blogs came at a perfect time since my self-published business book (print and ebook) “Connecting the Mind and Voice of Business” on bridging Marketing and Public Relations so pros in both areas can work more effectively together, is due very shortly. Believe it fills a gap. Guess I’ll find out. Liked your posts for years and tell lots of of others to take a look. So much for so many. Keep going!

  • Elizabeth

    Congratulations on a new deal & a new book.  Have loved the writing series.

  • Elizabeth

    Congratulations on a new deal & a new book.  Have loved the writing series.

  • http://ajleon.me ajleon

    Congratulations, my friend. Looking forward to reading it. :)

  • Pingback: Why social media books and ‘breaking news’ don’t mix

  • Pingback: Why social media books and ‘breaking news’ don’t mix – ZDNet (blog) | Celebrtiy Gossip

  • http://twitter.com/VelChain Dave Lutz

    Awesome news Chris! Love that you jumped on this and didn’t look back. Nimble, smart, opportunistic…Can’t wait to see the finished product!

  • Pingback: SMC Success Stories | Social Media Camp

  • Anonymous

    Dear Chris,

    I just blew $20 on your book and then find out it’s just going to be obsolete.  Seriously?  How could you write a book on something that might change?  Don’t you know you should only write books on things that will never, ever change.  Like science.  (Oh wait, that changes daily) Ok, maybe history.  (Wait, no, we’re constantly understanding that in more detail too)  Fine.  Math, then.  (Darn it, there’s new discoveries in that field daily as well)

    Think about it though – I spent $20 that I could have used on a movie ticket, or a case of beer, or an 1/8 tank of gas.  What if I read it, and it’s out of date, and I have to spend ANOTHER $20 on the revised addition or a sequel???!!!  Oh the humanity!

    On the other hand, there’s a decent chance I’ll really get my arms around this Google thing well in advance of my competition.  Sucks to be them, I’m looking forward to another great read from you!

  • https://www.planetoftheherbs.com/herbal-incense-online best herbal incense

    This is a business book, not a technology book, and it is interesting.It is really good book for business decision-makers.

  • cheap a5 flyer printing

    it’ll be a pretty useful book for anyone who wants to get started with
    Google+, but also useful for people looking for some tips and tactics to
    get even more out of their efforts on Google+ for their business. 

  • http://www.TheFranchiseKing.com The Franchise King

    Congrats, Chris!

    I can’t wait to grab a copy…

    JL

  • http://www.kaneworks.com Marvin Kane

    Turned it around in six weeks…now that’s amazing. Hey, you’re getting pretty good at this writing thing. I’m grabbing a copy right now.

  • Anonymous

    Releasing a book on my birthday… Now I’ll have to buy it.

  • Pingback: Social Media Noise-to-Signal Getting Worse? | The In Context Blog

Newer Comments →