Google+ is new and growing very quickly. I have enjoyed being an early adopter and learning from others as we figure out ways to engage and connect on this new platform.

But many of the people I have connected with on Twitter and Facebook are not active on G+ yet. Though many of my core connections have Google+ profiles, not many are posting or interacting there regularly. I have noticed a tentative-ness and a reluctance to engage fully.

In my last post, I wrote about some questions you could consider in deciding if engaging on G+ is right for you.

Here’s an experiment for any of you who are not sure yet about G+.

Set aside 12 minutes a day for the next 5 days to try it out. (If you are still waiting for an invitation, email me, and I’ll send you one.)

On day one: Set up your profile and find ten people to add to your circles. I would recommend forming circles based on the interests you share with the friends you’re adding.

On day two: Look to see who your first ten connections are following; add ten more friends to circles. Post something and scan the posts in your stream.

On day three: Follow at least ten more people; scan your stream; interact and engage.Post something.

On day four: Follow at least ten more people; scan your stream; post, interact, and engage.

On day five: Follow at least ten more people; scan your stream; post, interact, and engage.

After five days of interacting on G+, spend 12 minutes reflecting on your experience. Did you enjoy G+? What benefits do you see to using it? Are you willing to give up time on another platform to engage on G+ on a regular basis? If you’re not sure, consider investing 12 minutes a day for another 5 day period. Then ask yourself the same questions.

If you decide to join G+, I’d be honored if you added me to your circles.