User groups are a group of individuals that specialize in a specific area such as network admin or software. They usually have both national and regional web presence and following. For example, the Quest group for Oracle’s JD Edwards users meet annually (national) and quarterly (regional) to listen to a subject matter expert speak. Most times, these groups are sponsored by vendors.
If you’ve realized becoming a part of a user group is beneficial to you and your business, it’s time to get the ball rolling. Here are a few things you need to do:
- List your top three problems (and/or your boss’).
- Find out if software you use has a user group.
- Once found, see if they have a regional group nearby.
- Discuss your attendance with upper management (make sure they know you are NOT looking for a job and you will NOT get active in the group)
Once upper management has seen the light and allows you to attend, make sure you are prepared for the group so you can get the most out of your time.
- Bring the list you made in the beginning to see if anyone has an answer to your issue.
- Don’t be shy. Remember everyone likes to solve other people’s problems.
- Although risky, ask vendors available. Be sure to tell them there is no budget for until next year.
If possible, attend the user group’s national conference for an even bigger pool of advice and networking opportunities for your business. Be sure to map out sessions (beware of vendor lead sessions) and exhibits (go to priority first) so that your days are managed well. To be the most prepared you need to:
- List and seek solutions for you and your boss’ top 3 problems
- Plan for the cost to attend (Sunday night through Thursday afternoon: Registration $2500, Airfare $500, Hotel $200 daily)
- Map out the sessions (beware of vendor lead sessions)
- Map out the exhibits (go to needed first and then stroll the aisles the last day)
- Avoid swag, it magically becomes junk when you arrive home OR bring swag for your boss and co-workers (everybody likes a gift)
Don’t get so caught up in the itinerary that you forget this is also an opportunity to network and socialize. Don’t forget, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
DCS attends events of ASUG (America’s SAP User Group), Sapphire NOW (SAP user conference), OAUG (Oracle Application User Group), OOW (Oracle OpenWorld), OUG (Oracle User Group), Infor’s Alliance, and Quest. Being a part of these user groups allows us to give you the most up-to-date knowledge for not only your software, but your industry as well.
Next on our calendar is CSOAUG meeting followed by ASUG Missouri-St. Louis chapter meeting November 15, where one of our EDI Specialists will be speaking on the importance of building a strong EDI department.
How have user groups helped your business? Which events do you attend?
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