Posted by Shaun Callahan
Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:28:00 GMT
Groupsites are about engagement. Engagement means sharing and communicating with other members in your group. There are lots of ways this can be done within a Groupsite. Today we will look at 4 features and discuss the benefits of when it makes sense to use each one. The features are:
• Discussion Posts
• Email Blasts
• Private Messages
• Personal Objectives
Of course nothing’s better than being face to face, shaking hands and actually engaging in person. So remember, CollectiveX is a group engagement tool. We want you to be engaged with the tool but more importantly, we want you to be engaged with each other. That’s how we build trust and get things done.
User Tip – Use the Right Tool at the Right Time
Discussion Posts
This is the easiest way to begin a dialogue where the entire group can choose to actively (or passively) participate. By posting a statement or asking a question, all interested group members can weigh-in with their contributions and answers or simply learn by passively viewing others contributions.
Email Blasts
Email Blasts are a quick and easy way to get the word out to every group member’s “inbox”. I emphasize “inbox” because just because it hits their inbox, does not mean they are going to pay attention. In today’s world where many of us get 100’s of emails a day, plenty of things get lost in the noise of spam and chain emails where recipients simply hit “reply all” before asking themselves “does everybody on this list care about my response?”
Many groups have set their Groupsite permissions so that email blasts are a “manager-only” function. Rule of thumb: think twice before you blast.
Private Messages
Private Messages are a great way to personally introduce yourself to a group member who you might not know yet. This is also an easy way to communicate one-on-one with those members you already know well. Here’s the caution, Private Messages are just that – private. The rest of the group does not see what you are saying which means they cannot benefit from hearing good questions and answers. If you think other group members would benefit from the communication, it’s better to use Discussion Post where all can view.
Personal Objectives
This is a great way to let the group know what you are trying to accomplish (personally or professionally). These objectives can be long-term strategic ones like “Looking to partner with web design firms to form strategic alliance to serve mutual clients” or short-term tactical ones like “Looking for a house cleaner 3 days a week”.
Communication is good. Effective communication is great. By choosing the right tool to deliver your message, you will achieve a greater return on involvement.
Posted in Groupsite User Tips | no trackbacks
Posted by Shaun Callahan
Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:47:00 GMT
This week’s Groupsite success story comes from Della Curtis in Maryland.
Here’s what Della shared:
“Targeting a group’s need for both information, time, and efficiency. CollectiveX supports and ensures success for a group manager with a great toolbox and many bonus features! User stats, email blasts, great organizational structure, and as I understand it, some fantastic features to come!
As a busy coordinator of the Office of Library Information Services for the 24th largest school district in the U.S., CollectiveX provides me with the opportunity to work smart, not hard, reduce the number of f2f committee meetings, increase the efficiency and quality of tasks and work assignments, and direct needed/requested information and resources to specific groups. I am using CollectiveX to manage a graduate class I teach, committee collaborative writing projects, network a group of busy teachers who don’t have time during the day for their own professional development, facilitate strategic leadership and problem solving, and much more!
CollectiveX allows me the opportunity to effectively and efficently manage my job responsibilities, and thus my destiny!”
Thanks Della. We are excited to see you using our tool in so many different ways for so many of your groups.
Posted in Success Stories | no trackbacks
Posted by Shaun Callahan
Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:32:00 GMT
CollectiveX is a tool. A hammer. A very cool, elegant hammer but just a hammer. What you build with it is up to you.
Learning the features of a hammer is easy. Deciding how to use it to build something meaningful is another story.
Over 10,000 groups are currently using our hammer to build deeper trust, communicate effectively, network, share knowledge and get things done.
Manager Tip – Become a Champion
If you have not already, go to champions.collectivex.com and join our users group of people who are using their hammers to build some pretty cool things.
Under the discussion forum “Best Practices” we invite you to share your success stories or post a question for others asking them how they are going about building trust – engagement – increased involvement – growth – community.
Posted in Groupsite Manager Tips | no trackbacks
Posted by Shaun Callahan
Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:05:00 GMT
Pokemon’s tagline, “Gotta Catch ‘em All” is a wonderful marketing play. Grade school children all over the world trade, collect and spend their allowances collecting as many of these trading cards as they can.
What I find interesting is, if you ask any of these kids, “Do you know the rules to the game?” Most will say, “No, I just like collecting the cards.” Others will say , “Sure” but in reality, any actual gameplay is usually a made-up exercise that is a basically a mutation of the old card game “War”.
So what does this have to do with group engagement and being a better Groupsite user?
By now, most of us are aware there truly is 6-degrees (or possibly less) degrees of separation between any two people in the entire world. That is if all you are doing is “connecting the dots”.
Take me for example, I (dot #1) have an acquaintance (dot #2) who does film work with Barry Levinson (dot #3) who directed “The Diner” which had Kevin Bacon (Dot #4) in it as one of the main actors. Look at that, I am only 3-degres from Kevin Bacon! Woo-hoo!
Here is what is missing in this connect-the-dots game: context, purpose and trust. The rules of group engagement and building meaningful social capital include reciprocity, trust, communication, proper context and shared purpose.
How well do each of these dots know each other? Why do these dots know each other? Do they trust and respect each other? Do they have a purpose to share, communicate and network? Who knows?
User Tip – Build trust when connecting dots.
Key Connections – this is how you can share the “dots” where you have a connection within a Groupsite.
Step 1: Select the “My Settings” tab then choose the “Network Info” subtab.
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Step 2: Select the plus sign next to “Add a Key Connection”
Step 3: Complete the 3 fields for one of your “dots”.
We let you share:
“Company Name”
“Individuals’ Role” (Top Management (C-Level), Senior Management (VP Level), Middle Management, Company Influencer, Board Member or Other) and
“Strength” of the relationship you have with this dot (Strong, Medium, Weak)
Take note that this does not expose the specific details of who your Key Connection is and how to reach them.
You can decide to share more detailed information once someone who is trying to connect their dots to yours communicates the context and purpose with you and establishes enough rapport and trust that earns the right to have the dots connected in a meaningful way. This is networking with a defined sense of mutual trust not a hyper-networked version of Pokemon’s “Gotta Catch ‘em All.
Additionally, you can help raise the level of trust between “dots” within our Group Engagement Network by sending ”Endorsements” (in professional groups) and “Kudos” (in social groups).
Here’s how:
Step 1: Find a member’s profile within one of your Groupsites who you want to endorse. Once on their profile page, select the “Endorse him/her” link.
Step 2: You will see the following window where you can share your comments on how you know this person and what they do well.
Step 3: Hit “Submit”.
This endorsement helps put your connection in context and will help others in the group understand why this is a trusted connection of yours.
All endorsements will appear as part of a member’s profile page.
Some networks are “bonding” helping existing members build deeper relationships of “thick trust”.
Other networks are “bridging” often expanding “thin trust” across a wider group.
As the premier Group Engagement Network, we believe the use of Key Connections as well as Endorsements can help you bond and bridge.
Too often, networking is seen as quantity over quality. We don’t feel they have to be mutually exclusive. Catch as many as you want. Just make sure you know how to play the game and make sure they want to play with you.
Posted in Groupsite User Tips | no trackbacks
Posted by Shaun Callahan
Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:01:00 GMT
This week’s Groupsite success story comes to us from Gareth Furber from Adelaide, Austrailia.
Here’s what Gareth shared:
“4 years ago, a couple of friends and I started an informal discussion group for psychology students.
The goal was to mix relaxation (good food, good wine) with learning. Over time, we invited guest speakers and new members (students and professionals) and in 2006 we started using the CollectiveX platform to organize the group.
We now have 135 members which is growing each month, and have started to develop a good reputation in SA as providing free but thought provoking discussion groups. We use the many features of collectivex to promote member’s work and professional development opportunities in our local area.
In 2008 we hope to formalize our discussion groups and obtain professional development points, which we believe will help grow our membership considerably. The CollectiveX platform will play a crucial role in the services we offer members:
- advertising and promotion opportunities
- calendar of professional development events
- networking
- file and media exchange
Certainly I had no idea when we started that a group of 10 students would grow to a statewide collection of 135 professionals, students, researchers and clinicians. It has definitely been a success story for me.”
Thanks Gareth. We love hearing how small beginnings can lead to great things. Keep up the good work.
Posted in Success Stories | no trackbacks
Posted by Shaun Callahan
Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:03:00 GMT
We all know the Golden Rule which says you should treat people the way you would like to be treated. Have you heard of the Platinum Rule? The Platinum Rule says you should treat people the way they want to be treated.
Manager Tip – Treat users the way they want to be treated.
Under the “My Settings” tab, CollectiveX users can select how each Groupsite they have joined sends (our does not send) information to them (see User Tip – Push-me Pull-you).
What they cannot do is stop Managers from sending calendar, discussion and email blasts. The only way a user can stop this is by selecting “Remove me from this group” option. We assume you would prefer they not choose that option.
As a manager, before you blast out your next calendar, discussion or email blast, ask your self, “Do all of my Groupsite members really want this in their inbox? Or would some of them see it as:
Posted in Groupsite Manager Tips | no trackbacks
Posted by Shaun Callahan
Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:01:00 GMT
Want to get a real understanding of how you can become a truly engaged CollectiveX user who has a meaningful impact on helping your group get things done? Here’s how:
User Tip – Create your own Groupsite. Think of a group that you have a personal passion for helping the group achieve its goals. This could be your Church, Community Association, Book Club or even your Family.
Step 1 – Once you are logged into a Groupsite that you are a member of, simply click on the “Create a Groupsite” link which is at the top left of every page.
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Step 2 – Simply complete the Groupsite creation form which will be displayed as shown below. Pay particular attention to whether your Grouopsite should be Private, Limited or Public.
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Step 3 – Because you created this Groupsite, you are are its initial “Manager” and you will see a “Manager” tab as part of the navigation at the top of each page. This tab is where you control many aspects of how your Groupsite will perform including inviting members and deciding who has permission to do what.
Now it’s time for the 3 big questions:
1. Who should be invited?
2. Why should they say yes?
3. What do you expect for them to do once they get to your Groupsite?
Answering these 3 questions is the key to establishing a Groupsite that will achieve a high return on involvement. Ask the right people, for the right reasons, build trust, rapport and communicate and you can achieve amazing things.
Finally, think about the Groupsites you are not a manager of but were invited to join.
1. Should you have been invited? Are you right for the group?
2. Why did you say yes?
3. What does the group expect from you? Are you meeting those expectations? Is the group meeting yours?
Honestly asking yourself these questions will make you a better user. Groupsites are not a spectator sport. Engagement matters. We are where groups go to work.
Posted in Groupsite User Tips | no trackbacks
Posted by Shaun Callahan
Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:11:00 GMT
So you already have a Website and/or Blog that serves you and your constituents well but you would like to add the functionality of a Groupsite to help your community get things done.
After you create your free Groupsite at www.collectivex.com, here are 2 simple ways to integrate your Groupsite with your website or Blog:
1. Easy Way:
Simply copy the code below and add it to your existing website or blog and your members will be able to login to your group from there.
<form action="https://GROUPSUBDOMAIN.collectivex.com/login" method="post">
<label for="user_email">Email:</label>
<input type='text' id="user_email" name="user[email]" />
<label for="user_password">Password:</label>
<input id="user_password" name="user[password]" type="password" />
<input type="submit" value="Login" />
</form>
Important: Replace the word GROUPSUBDOMAIN in the code above with the subdomain of your group.
Your completed login form will appear as it does below:
Here’s a real-life example:
2. Even Easier Way:
Simply add a graphic element or text link of your choice to your Website or Blog. It could say “Community”, “Members”, Stay in the Loop” etc.
Then link that image or text to YOURGROUPSUBDOMAIN.collectivex.com.
Depending on what type of Groupsite you created, one of 3 things will happen the first time anyone clicks this link:
1. If your Groupsite is ”Private” – they will be taken to our standard log-in screen.
2. If your Groupsite is ”Limited” – they will be taken to your Groupsite’s Summary page but when they click on anything, they will be asked to log-in.
3. If your Groupsite is ”Public” – they will be taken to your Groupsite’s Summary page, they can view the Groupsite (except Member Profile) but hey will not be able to contribute content until they sign-in.
Here’s a real-life example:
When you go to the Website and click the “Members Only” tab:
you are sent directly to the Groupsite below (this site also purchased our $79 Premium Branding feature so the Groupsite header can match the look of their existing Website).
We do drop cookies so we remember you. Once a user signs-in to your Groupsite (as long as they don’t select the log-off button), anytime they come back to your Website or Blog (from the same computer) and click the image with your subdomainname link embedded they will go straight to your Groupsite with full access to all features.
Are you a developer that would like to talk about additional ways you can integrate the power of CollectiveX into your clients’ projects? Give us a shout. We love helping you help your clients get things done.
Posted in Tips & Tricks | no trackbacks
Posted by Shaun Callahan
Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:56:00 GMT
This Wednesday’s Groupsite success story comes from Filip Coertjens who is the Interactive Marketing Specialist for Accenture Belgium & Luxembourg.
Here’s what Filip shared:
“Accenture Belgium and Luxembourg drives progress & performance by developing highly talented people and putting them at the service of our clients to help them become high-performers and at the service of communities to help them grow. One of these communities we nurture is our Alumni network, that connects former Accenture colleagues and friends with our people. CollectiveX enables all these people – more than 400 by now – to actively connect, share and collaborate. It is a perfect environment to keep such a community alive!”
Do you have a corporate or college Alumni group that should be staying in touch to gets things done?
Posted in Success Stories | no trackbacks
Posted by Shaun Callahan
Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:24:00 GMT
Wow! Thank you! 2007 will be remembered as the year of the Group Engagement Network. The entire CollectiveX team thanks all of you who were first to realize the power of group engagement.
CollectiveX Groupsite / User Facts
Of the 10,000+ Groupsites currently powered by the CollectiveX platform:
• 80% are private groups (invite only) vs. 20% public groups (anyone can join or request access)
• 70% are used for professional oriented purposes vs. 30% for social purposes
• 30% are informal groups (families, friends, etc.)
• 27% are company groups (intranets, extranets, workgroups, boards, etc.)
• 26% are membership groups (associations, non-profits, clubs, etc.)
• 10% are web communities (interest based social networks, etc)
• 5% are alumni groups (schools, companies and organization alumni)
• 2% are conferences
Average age of a CollectiveX user is 38.5 years of age, in fact, CollectiveX has more users ages 62+ then users between the ages of 18 – 21.
Here are just some of the powerful capabilities that were added to the platform this year:
- Public and Limited Group Visibility (Manager / Group Settings page)
- New & Notable Discussions (Summary page)
The Latest and Highlighted Discussions area displays the most recent and highlighted discussion topics.
The top most discussion in the list is always the most recent discussion.
Other topics in the list are topics that have been highlighted by
a group manager for increased visibility.
-Headlines and Links (Summary page)
The Headlines & Links area provides access to external content via news feeds and shared links. News feeds can be pulled from any external blog or news site via RSS. We even help you create your own feeds simply by entering keywords that are relevant to your group. Links are bookmarks that are shared by group members.
All headlines and links can be rated and discussed via a special toolbar that
appears when headlines and links are visited. Resulting discussions take place in your group’s Headlines & Links Discussion forum.
- Profile Completeness Meter (Summary & Members pages)
The Profile Completeness Meter is located at the top of the right sidebar on the Summary and Members pages. This meter serves as a reminder of what outstanding profile information you need to fill out to complete your profile.
- Group Membership Types (Manager / Group Settings page)
In addition to configuring a group’s visibility option to public or limited visibility, managers are also able to set membership preferences for their group. There are three types of member signup options: 1) By invitation only; 2) By request approval or invitation; and 3) Anyone can join.
These options allow managers to configure groups to cover any and all member signup possibilities.
- Member Profile Customization (Manager / Group Settings page)
Group Managers are now able to ask custom member questions to be displayed in each member’s profile. Questions types include: Short answer, Long answer, Multiple choice, Date, and Website link.
Questions can be set to “Required” so that they must be answered during signup. Members will be reminded to answer non-required questions via the profile completeness meter.
- Member and Pending Member Search (Manager / Pending Member & Members areas)
It is now easy to locate members and pending members from within the manager area. This is very useful for large groups with many members or pending members. You can now search by member name or pending email address.
We look forward to 2008 being a fantastically productive year as we continue to establish CollectiveX as the place where groups go to work.
Posted in News & Updates | no trackbacks
