Since Google+ first introduced Hangouts On Air last month I have been exploring a range of uses for them with a number of my colleagues around the world.

Google+ Hangouts have been around for over a year, but it is only recently that all G+ users have been able to actually make a hangout run live “On Air” whenever they want to.  This means that anyone, anywhere can hold a meeting, gathering or hangout and make it immediately accessible (and live) to a wider audience via their You Tube channel.  This opens up the door for some amazing possibilities.

Shortly after Hangouts On Air were launched I decided that it might be worth it to really start experimenting with them.  I was quite inspired to try this after seeing some of the interesting ways that Bernie Goldbach was using the On Air feature at various education and social media events.

After some discussion with my colleagues April Ennis and Marti Konstant we decided that we would host a weekly (or more) Hangout On Air that we decided to call StartupJAM Sessions. The focus of these Hangouts are on business issues, lean startups, marketing, technology, social media, transmedia, online community building and much more.

Here is the list.ly which outlines the sessions that we have held so far:

#StartupJAM Sessions

View more lists from Jane Boyd

In addition, I have been taking part  in a variety of Hangouts with colleagues from around the world related to Transmedia, SOBCon, Social Media and much more.  On the left you can see me chatting with a range of SOBCon friends –  Marti Konstant, Diane Brogan, April Ennis, Nick Kellet and Paul O’Mahony.  Below I am joining into a workshop on Social Media that was being presented by April Ennis, Tinker Media. We had some fun demonstrating why Google+ Hangouts hold significant potential for small businesses on Prince Edward Island.

Currently, I am exploring a range of additional options for the use of Hangouts, both private and On Air. I like the idea of hosting public and private workshops and sessions on various education and social media topics.  I have even been doing an increasing number of hangouts with people who are on the move and are participating via mobile devices. Really, the possibilities are for holding open, accountable and inviting events are endless. Google+ Hangouts On Air have opened yet another window to endless possibilities for global collaboration, connection and engagement within the world of social media/business.

If you would like to begin using Google+ Hangouts On Air here are some tips:

• Be yourself.  Just jump in.  Don’t worry about how you look or sound. (But do remember that you are ON AIR – if you choose to make your hangout public – SO be aware of what you are saying.)
• Experiment and play with the various features until you feel comfortable.
• Use other social media channels – Twitter, Facebook etc. to attract viewers to your Hangout sessions.
• Know that there is no right or wrong way to host a G+ Hangout On Air.  Mistakes are ok. You and the people who view your Hangouts will learn from your errors.
• Have fun and embrace the opportunities that are open to you.

Have you tried a Google+ Hangout?  Have you been part of a Hangout On Air?

Here is a quick update on Audioboo about some of the things that are going on in my world right now: