HANGOUTS4BUSINESS

General information

The Background to Google Hangouts
There are 2 kinds of hangouts, standard Google Hangouts and Google Hangouts on Air.
Google Hangouts are essentially on-line video conferences that can host up to 10 participants. Various tools can be used within a Hangout to share screens and files, but unless a proprietary screen recording system is used to record the Hangout, no record of the event is created.
Google Hangouts on Air can also accommodate up to 10 participants, but they can be watched live by any number of additional viewers via YouTube, Facebook, Google + or websites with the relevant plugin. Hangout producers can also arrange for “external” viewers to interact with participants (e.g. Q&A sessions) and can even arrange for viewers to be brought into the Hangout as a participant. Google Hangouts on Air are streamed to YouTube and as the recorded video is available for replay at any time, they are a great new way to market your business, launch a product, promote your brand and educate your audience.
We've run Hangout shows since January 2014 and during that time we’ve had many guests including speakers from Business Network International, Action Business coaches, Sandler Sales Trainers, computer experts and mobile phone app developers and I believe this format is ideal for celebrities and businesses who want to share and promote information in this live, authentic, interactive way.
If you know you’d like to start using Google Hangouts, get in touch and we can arrange a day with you to show you all the ninja tricks to produce a good hangout.
Check out our Google Hangouts Training Course
Or if you want a Hangout Producer to manage a hangout on your behalf, let us know and we can do all the work for you.
What Are Google Hangouts on Air?
Google Hangouts on Air are streamed to YouTube and the recorded video is available for replay at any time.
Note: Each Google Hangout can hold 10 people but you can have thousands of viewers
Set Up Requirements for a Branded Professional Show
• Set up a Google + Page and integrate this with YouTube
• Configure your YouTube Channel to stream hangouts. Your channel needs to be in good standing before this feature can be enabled. It might be necessary to upload some presentations before hand
• Set up a web page to stream live hangouts- optional
• Add a Facebook app to your page to stream live hangouts and enable comments – optional
• Design a full screen opener to start the show
• Create a branded lower third for each presenter
Sequence of Events in the Run Up to a Live Hangout
• Plan the hangout topic, date, time and length of show
• Promote everywhere and include a Registration Page
• Create a watch live page with a call to action to bookmark Page
• Include options for viewers to ask questions
• Send out an e-shot 15 minutes before the hangout with live page links
• Follow up with a thank you email and link to replay.
Pre Show
• Make sure presenter’s biography sheet is available
• Arrange a demo hangout prior to live event to run through script and check lighting and audio is set up correctly
• Work with the presenter on camera presence by practicing looking into the camera and not the laptop or computer
During the Show
• Introduce the speaker
• Add people to the hangout using the copy and paste technique
• Manage any disruptions that may occur
• Organise screen sharing if presentations are required
• At the end of the show, introduce upcoming events and wrap up
Post Show
• Edit video in YouTube if required
• Add tags, descriptions and share video to other Social Media Channels
Best Practice for Google Hangouts
Easy links should be used rather than using the default Invite People button
NEVER SHARE THIS LINK WITH THE PUBLIC.
Only have things you want to share on your screen
Avoid the infinity loop where multiple windows appear on the screen by using Google Docs to create presentations and Google Drive to host them
Always use "present in new window" feature to isolate window when screen sharing