Find Valuable Connections On Google+ Using Gather, Rinse, And Repeat

One of people’s biggest complaints about Google+ is that there’s “nothing happening on Google+”. This is only true if you don’t have any friends on Google+, or haven’t found anyone interesting to follow. However, those of us who are active on Google+ have found plenty of valuable content to keep us busy. So what do we know that they don’t?

Below, I’m going to go through a process that has allowed me to make dozens of genuine, and valuable connections on Google+.

Circles are one of the most innovative ways that Google has changed the way we share online. If you use it correctly, you can discover valuable connections, make lots of new friends, and make your overall Google+ experience more and more awesome!

Using a combination of the Circle+ extension and a bit of intentional curating, I’ve developed what I call the Gather, Rinse, Repeat Method. The title was inspired by shampoo instructions, and fits just perfectly! Let me break it down for you:

Gather

I start by following people who I believe to be “Thought Leaders“. These are industry leaders and influencers in topics that I am interested in. One great place to find them is RecommendedUsers.com. You can find people who share your interests, are active in your industry, or people who are just plain interesting.

Once I find these thought leaders, I place them in a circle that is labeled accordingly. Throughout the day I’ll visit the stream for this circle looking for interesting posts. When I find something interesting, I’ll comment or +1 as appropriate.

Then I’ll take the extra step to circle everyone who +1′d, or commented on that same post. I do this by using the Circle+ extension, which allows you to pick one of your circles and automatically add all profile links on your current web page to that specific circle.

The circle I place them into is a temporary one that serves as a trial period. The circle will only be active for a week, if anyone from that circle comments on one of my posts, or makes a solid connection with me, they will then get placed into one of my permanent circles.

That is what I call the “gather” phase.

Rinse

At the end of the week, I delete the temporary circle. Anyone who has not been actively engaged, or never made a connection with me is removed from my circles entirely, and the others are safe in one of my permanent circles.

I have effectively “rinsed” my circles.

Repeat

Not too much explanation needed. Just keep doing it on a week to week basis, and you will be constantly finding new, interesting people!

I have found that this is a great way to find like-minded and interesting people. I’ve developed some really great friendships and even potential partnerships through using this simple method.

Do you have any tips on finding solid, valuable connections on Google+? You can share them in the comments below!