how to launch an awesome software or technology user group
Post on 21-Oct-2014
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DESCRIPTION
Featured Speakers: Kathleen McCasland of user group management company, YCC, and Joshua Paul of Socious, leading provider of user group management software. In this recorded webinar, learn why user groups are important to both customers and companies, important user group management processes and roles, and how to turn your user group into an active user community.TRANSCRIPT
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Title Page – Josh is designing this
HOW TO CREATE AN AWESOME USER GROUP
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Featured Speakers
@SociousSoftware
Kathleen McCasland YCC, Founder and CEO
Joshua Paul Socious, Director of Strategy
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Housekeeping
Tech Check
Ask Questions in the Q&A Panel
We ARE Recording!
Twitter Hashtag: @SociousSoftware
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Today’s Discussion
• Why are user groups important?
• Key roles and processes
• How to create a thriving user group
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Why Active User Groups
are Important
@SociousSoftware
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Members
@SociousSoftware
• Sense of community
• Source for industry/professional news
• Source to ask questions and get them
answered
• Source for continuing education
• Assists in professional advancement
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Companies
@SociousSoftware
• 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
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User Group Roles, Tools,
and Processes
@SociousSoftware
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User Group Management Models
@SociousSoftware
• Total volunteer management
• Company initiated, funded, and managed
• Association management company
• Executive Director hired by board and
responsible for staff, equipment, office, etc.
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Annual Review
@SociousSoftware
• Mission statement
• Vision statement
• Bylaws
• Strategic goals
• Budget/finances
• Website
• Future conference locations
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Tools
@SociousSoftware
• Association Management System
• Event Management System
• Robust website
• Webinar platform
• Survey and polling
• Accounting/finance tool
• Document sharing
• Mobile App
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Reliable Sources of Information
@SociousSoftware
• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
• Association Management Companies Institute (AMCI)
• Meeting Professionals Institute (MPI)
• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
• LinkedIn Groups
• IMEX
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Processes
@SociousSoftware
• Board management, policies, elections
• Technology
• New member onboarding
• Website community management
• Continuing education
• Conference planning
• SIG/Committee charters
• Finance
• Sponsors, partners, and exhibitors
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Components of a Thriving
User Community
@SociousSoftware
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Components of a Thriving User
Community
@SociousSoftware
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
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Components of a Thriving User
Community
@SociousSoftware
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
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Components of a Thriving User
Community
@SociousSoftware
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
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Components of a Thriving User
Community
@SociousSoftware
SOCIAL MEDIA
• Blogs
• YouTube
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Components of a Thriving User
Community
@SociousSoftware
Listen
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Components of a Thriving User
Community
@SociousSoftware
RISK TAKING
• Responsibility to members
• Responsibility includes suggesting new
ideas
• Be ready for some failures and accept
them
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Components of a Thriving User
Community
@SociousSoftware
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
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Components of a Thriving User
Community
@SociousSoftware
GIVING BACK
• Don’t get too caught up in banking the
money
• Help members in need
• Community service
• Encourage members to share professional
knowledge
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Questions
@SociousSoftware
Kathleen McCasland www.teamycc.com [email protected]
Joshua Paul www.socious.com [email protected] @Joshua_D_Paul