I was not an early adopter of Facebook; I joined in January of 2009.

I was not an early adopter of Twitter, either; I joined in May of 2009.

It’s a new experience for me to be an early adopter of a social media platform, although after hearing all the buzz about G+ for over a week, I felt a (little) late to the party when I finally got in yesterday.

So far, I have more questions than answers.

Since I haven’t used my gmail account much, I am not sure how to find people I know on Google +. I have certainly found some people I know, and I have invited others to join. I am sure that part of it is a patience thing: people are joining all the time and we will connect on Google Plus eventually.

So far, the best strategy I’ve seen is to let people know I’m there (via Facebook and Twitter). Or to ask who’s using G+ and then look for them.

I just figured out how to create a shortened URL for Google +, through a Twitter friend. I love the way people are diving in to help each other figure out the platform and are willing to share what they know.  (If you’re on G+ and want to grab a shortened URL, you can do so here or here.) You can find me on Google+ here: http:/gplus.to/BeckyRbnsn

To me, so far, Google+ is capturing the magic of social media: exploring, sharing, giving, helping, connecting. I am looking foward to seeing the new possibilities and the new potential of this platform.

I am also (more than a little) concerned about how to integrate one more social media network into my life. What will I give up? How will I budget my social media time?

For now, I am investing time in learning because this could be REALLY big.

“What’s next in social media?” is always the big question. For now, at least, Google Plus seems to be what’s next. (I have previously resisted new platforms like Four Square and Empire Avenue; I joined Quora but haven’t really used it.) 

I am especially interested in how Google+ will integrate businesses. For now, I’ll wait and see, ready to dive in as soon as they unveil a business solution.

Tell me something! Are you an early adopter? How long have you been using Facebook? How long have you been tweeting? What criteria do you use in deciding whether to join a particular social media platform? Are you using Google Plus?

Want to read more of my thoughts about Google+? Check out my latest post at 12 Minute Social Media Playbook.