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Author Archives: Alex
Some Tools to Make Life Easier
There are a wealth of tools that you can tap to cut down on your workload and make it easier for others to participate. Here are just a few I’ve used: Communication Refresh Austin uses Google Groups as the central point of communication. It’s convenient and easy for us to administer and provides our members [...]
Consistency, Communication & Experimentation
Setting consistent meeting times and regular communication is key to the success of your group, but without a bit of experimentation, you may not find what works best. Each compliments the other. Consistency Set up a regular schedule for your meetings. Refresh Austin meets the second Tuesday of every month from 7:00 to 9:00pm. Those [...]
Posted in Maintaining a Group, Starting a Group Tagged communication, leadership, meetings, venues Leave a comment
Benevolent Dictatorship
If you can get a dedicated group of people to sign up for the work involved and consistently meet their responsibilities, then you’re good to go. But if that doesn’t happen, it’s time for you to become a benevolent dictator. You may not want to be the sole person in charge, but decisions need to [...]
Posted in Maintaining a Group, Starting a Group Tagged decisions, leadership, planning Leave a comment
Organizing Leadership: Boards and Councils
As we covered in a previous post, leadership requires you make some key decisions and put in some effort to kick-start a group and to ensure it grows. This may all be on your shoulders, but there are many different ways you can structure group leadership, including the concept of a council. Formal Councils & [...]
Posted in Maintaining a Group, Starting a Group Tagged boards, councils, decisions, leadership, planning Leave a comment
Step Up and Lead
When no one makes decisions, nothing gets done. Having a strong voice, or a set of unified voices is key for setting and achieving goals. The foundation you put into place is key to your success. Build a group that you would be proud to join if it already existed. What do you want to [...]
You Can’t Please Everyone and You Shouldn’t Try
The reality of the situation is that you can’t please everybody. Any decision for a group larger than five (if not smaller) is likely to work out poorly for at least one member. Someone will likely feel slighted, if not altogether pissed off and you’ll hear about it. Luckily, it’s not your job to make [...]
Posted in Maintaining a Group, Starting a Group Tagged events, meetings, planning, scheduling Leave a comment
Two Questions to Ask Yourself
The hardest step is the first one, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s start with two key questions that will help you roll forward. What Do I Do First? Have you defined the purpose of the group? It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you need some semblance of purpose. Not sure? Start with [...]
Posted in Starting a Group Leave a comment
Ignite Your Community
KickSpark is a resource for any and all interested in starting, expanding or reviving a group. We’ll discuss the tips, tricks, trials and tribulations that come with organizing a community. While most articles will center on communities that have a significant physical component, many of the techniques can be applied to online groups and loose [...]
Posted in General Leave a comment
Tips, Tricks and Resources for Public Speakers