How to Launch an Awesome Software or Technology User Group
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The document discusses the importance of user groups for community building, professional development, and marketing benefits for companies. It outlines roles, management models, tools, and processes needed to create thriving user communities, emphasizing leadership, volunteerism, social media, and engagement strategies. Additionally, it highlights the significance of fun and giving back to the community while providing resources for further information.
How to Launch an Awesome Software or Technology User Group
- 1. HOW TO CREATE AN AWESOME USER GROUP Title Page – Josh is designing this
- 2. Featured Speakers Joshua Paul Socious, Director of Strategy @SociousSoftware Kathleen McCasland YCC, Founder and CEO
- 3. Housekeeping Tech Check Ask Questions in the Q&A Panel We ARE Recording! Twitter Hashtag: @SociousSoftware
- 4. Today’s Discussion • Why are user groups important? • Key roles and processes • How to create a thriving user group
- 5. Why Active User Groups are Important @SociousSoftware
- 6. Members • Sense of community • Source for industry/professional news • Source to ask questions and get them answered • Source for continuing education • Assists in professional advancement @SociousSoftware
- 7. Companies • Great marketing channel • Great way to learn what is important to their customers • Great way to identify the leaders in the community • Great way to instill product loyalty @SociousSoftware
- 8. User Group Roles, Tools, and Processes @SociousSoftware
- 9. User Group Management Models • • • • Total volunteer management Company initiated, funded, and managed Association management company Executive Director hired by board and responsible for staff, equipment, office, etc. @SociousSoftware
- 10. Annual Review • • • • • • • Mission statement Vision statement Bylaws Strategic goals Budget/finances Website Future conference locations @SociousSoftware
- 11. Tools • • • • • • • • Association Management System Event Management System Robust website Webinar platform Survey and polling Accounting/finance tool Document sharing Mobile App @SociousSoftware
- 12. Reliable Sources of Information • American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) • Association Management Companies Institute (AMCI) • Meeting Professionals Institute (MPI) • Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) • LinkedIn Groups • IMEX @SociousSoftware
- 13. Processes • • • • • • • • • Board management, policies, elections Technology New member onboarding Website community management Continuing education Conference planning SIG/Committee charters Finance Sponsors, partners, and exhibitors @SociousSoftware
- 14. Components of a Thriving User Community @SociousSoftware
- 15. Components of a Thriving User Community LEADERSHIP A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.- Lao Tzu • Staff • Board • Volunteers @SociousSoftware
- 16. Components of a Thriving User Community • • • • VOLUNTEERISM Identify a volunteer leader Listen to your volunteers Don’t do everything in the office just because it is easier Develop a leadership program @SociousSoftware
- 17. Components of a Thriving User Community • • • • • • • • ROBUST WEBSITE Active forums or discussion groups Easy navigation Updating news on front page Member profiles Members only section/pages Twitter feed Blog Aggregator Members in the news @SociousSoftware
- 18. Components of a Thriving User Community SOCIAL MEDIA • • • • • • Twitter Blogs Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Pinterest @SociousSoftware
- 19. Components of a Thriving User Community Listen @SociousSoftware
- 20. Components of a Thriving User Community RISK TAKING • Responsibility to members • Responsibility includes suggesting new ideas • Be ready for some failures and accept them @SociousSoftware
- 21. Components of a Thriving User Community • • • • FUN FACTOR Start with the Board Insert fun in email blasts Make an effort to include fun at your events Remember, the fun can begin with you @SociousSoftware
- 22. Components of a Thriving User Community • • • • GIVING BACK Don’t get too caught up in banking the money Help members in need Community service Encourage members to share professional knowledge @SociousSoftware