Contents

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Foreword

 Chapter 1: Development of a User Group

Reasons to Begin

A Common Purpose

A Common Problem

A Common Need

Culture

Development

Verify Other Groups

Group Location

Develop a Mission and Goal

Research Possible Association Management

Plan Vendor Sponsorship

Summary

 Chapter 2: User Group Governance

Boards

Committees

Leaders

Succession Planning

Summary

 Chapter 3: Building Leaders Volunteers

Volunteer Activities

Volunteer Engagement

Leadership Strategies

Leader Volunteers

Summary

 Chapter 4: User Group Planning

Events and Meetings

Conferences

Workshops

Social Events

Lunch and Learn

Meet-Ups

Networking Opportunities

Social Media

Virtual Meetings

Summary

 Chapter 5: User Group Membership

Providing Value to Members

Membership Types

More Satisfied Customers

Opportunities to Learn

Voice to Vendor

Member to Volunteer

Summary

 Chapter 6: Challenges

Volunteers

Priorities

Independence

Competition

Events and Conferences

Engagement

Summary

 Chapter 7: Techie to Leader

Examples of Leaders

Technology Teaches Leadership Skills

More Than One Way To Do Something

Constantly Learning

Need To Ask Questions

Communication

Making Decisions

Why Not Both?

Sharing Experiences

Developing Soft Skills

Summary

 Chapter 8: Career Development

Learning

How Do You Learn?

User Group Education

Skill Development

Networking

Advantage User Group

Summary

 Chapter 9: Qualities of a User Group Leader

What a User Group Leader Does

Qualities Outlined

Demonstrating Leadership

Leader Volunteer to President

Summary

 Chapter 10: Qualities of a User Group Volunteer

What Does a User Group Volunteer Do?

Member to Volunteer

Qualities Outlined

Is a Volunteer a Leader?

Summary

Index