Should have more lessons learned after the first Seattle meetup later this month, but here is some initial thoughts on other user groups i have helped form or were a part of.
1. Plan out meeting agendas in advance, and make sure the are relevant to the core members
2. Find a partner to bring in to help you get additional attendees.
3. Don't worry about the number of attendee's. As long as the group provides some value it will grow
4. Get the word out. If people don't know you exist you cant help them
We've been having DC Meet-Ups for something like six years now. Here are some tips:
Communicate through as many modes as possible: Facebook, LinkedIn Group, e-mail, the Forums. We even used Google+ Hangouts for virtual face-to-face meetings.
Publish an agenda (M-T Style is always a good route). I think we've used the same agenda since Day 1, though we only ever follow it loosely. You can find an example of ours here.
Find a good location that works for the most people.
Get the CEO of Manager-Tools to show up to your meetings.
I recently received a message asking me to share the agenda we use at our DC Meet-Ups. I thought I'd share it here:
1. Welcome/Introductions if there are newcomers (7:00 p.m.) - Who you are, where you're from, when and why you discovered Manager Tools.
2. Update from last meeting (7:15) – Have you overcome any of the challenges you mentioned in the last meeting? How did you do it and what was the outcome?
3. Your most powerful manager tool(s) (8:00 p.m.) Which tools have been the most successful/effective for you? Why? Are there any that you've tried that haven't worked?
Meetup Tips
Should have more lessons learned after the first Seattle meetup later this month, but here is some initial thoughts on other user groups i have helped form or were a part of.
1. Plan out meeting agendas in advance, and make sure the are relevant to the core members
2. Find a partner to bring in to help you get additional attendees.
3. Don't worry about the number of attendee's. As long as the group provides some value it will grow
4. Get the word out. If people don't know you exist you cant help them
Cheers,
Scott
Tips from the DC Meet-Up Group
We've been having DC Meet-Ups for something like six years now. Here are some tips:
Cheers,
BJ
Meet-Up Agenda
I recently received a message asking me to share the agenda we use at our DC Meet-Ups. I thought I'd share it here:
1. Welcome/Introductions if there are newcomers (7:00 p.m.) - Who you are, where you're from, when and why you discovered Manager Tools.
2. Update from last meeting (7:15) – Have you overcome any of the challenges you mentioned in the last meeting? How did you do it and what was the outcome?
3. Your most powerful manager tool(s) (8:00 p.m.) Which tools have been the most successful/effective for you? Why? Are there any that you've tried that haven't worked?
4. Adjourn (9:00 p.m. or whenever).
Cheers,
BJ