User Groups — Key to a Successful Tech Strategy

Everyone wants to get the most out of their investments, and a technology investment is no exception. It’s a strategic decision that requires valuable resources to execute, including people, time and money. While a software implementation results in greater efficiency and operational improvements, there is an important way to maximize those benefits, and that’s through participation in user groups. 

What Is a User Group? 

A user group is a community of people who use the same product or service and come together to share knowledge, experience, feedback and ideas to improve their use of the product, the product itself and the company that develops it. Users connect through in-person and virtual meetings, forums, email groups and direct peer-to-peer communication. The group can be further organized into functional areas to better serve users with similar jobs. And, of course, a key benefit of membership is having direct access to the technology provider to share feedback and participate in product design opportunities. 

The Right Time to Join 

At first glance, a user group might seem like a nice-to-have — something you’ll consider joining as soon as you get up to speed on the product or have some extra time on your hands. But there are clear benefits to making your membership in a user group a priority from the moment you sign a contract with your technology provider. 

“You don’t know what you don’t know, and I think that’s especially true with software,” shared Justin Bolus, wholesale fuel director of Bumgarner Oil and vice president of ADD Systems’ user group. “When you’re receiving training, you don’t know exactly what you’re going to use or what you need. You’re just trying to get up and running. So, when you have a sounding board of other users who are eager to help you run a better business, it really is a thing of great value.” 

A user group at its core is a source of support, but it can be even more. There is a synergy created through a user group that helps members and their companies achieve more than they could alone. 

Education & Skill Development 

One of the top reasons to join a user group is to learn more about the product. While every implementation comes with training, the process can feel overwhelming. The most necessary information is retained, but there is always much more to be learned. User groups are ideal sources for filling in the gaps and deepening product knowledge through regular meetings, forums, and additional training and educational opportunities. 

“I think it’s great to talk to people at all different levels — people who are just starting out and people who have been using the software for 20-30 years,” shared Melissa Spahr, senior business analyst at Dead River Company and the Service/Pegasus Committee chair for Add Systems’ user group. “You learn something new every time. You get new ideas to better your company, better yourself or help others.” 

Best Practices Gathering 

Invariably, there are many ways to get something done, but knowing whether you are using the most efficient method is challenging — this is where a user group comes in. Sharing real-world challenges and complexities leads other members to share their processes, often introducing some members to completely new ideas they would not have thought of on their own. 

“I think all of us are in a little bit of a silo within our role, within our company, within our region, so it helps to hear from people from different contexts, hearing how they pursue or solve challenges and how they do things,” shared Zach Swartley, director of technology at Penn Valley Gas and chair of the Business Intelligence and Reporting Committee for ADD Systems’ group. “The best practices other companies follow really help inform your decision-making.” 

Network-Building & Personal Development 

Being part of a user group gives you ready access to a network of your peers, as well as your technology provider. You become part of a community of people you can seek out for answers to everyday questions and unique challenges. And user groups provide multiple opportunities for members to meet their own professional goals, from becoming a system expert to honing leadership skills and seeking support while transitioning to a different functional area. Connecting with industry peers builds a strong network full of opportunities for personal growth. 

“Anytime an opportunity to lead something arises, like taking on a chair position in a user group, it’s always a great way to get yourself a little uncomfortable, but grow from it,” shared Megan Carr, director of business logistics at Paraco Gas and president of ADD Systems’ user group. “The group becomes more than just your industry colleagues. It becomes a network of friendships and support. So, it’s not intimidating to join; there’s a lot of support and encouragement that goes along with it.” 

Product Development Influence 

User groups are an extremely valued source of feedback and product development direction for technology providers. Members have a direct line to product engineers to share their enhancement ideas and priorities, take part in design meetings, as well as gain early access to innovative new products. Members have a tangible opportunity to shape the future of software development and really tailor it to their needs. 

“On a user group, you work very closely with your technology vendor,” Spahr shared. “And when they work on enhancements, they reach out to you so that you can help create that solution. I think … probably the best thing for me is being part of the solution — being able to create it for not only my company but for others as well.” 

The Benefits Keep Coming! 

Once a user group gets started, it sprouts wings. It quickly becomes apparent that it is an invaluable resource to maximize your investment in technology, whether that be growing your software knowledge, improving the efficiency of your processes, influencing product development or focusing on personal development to make you a better team member. The possibilities are endless. 

“What I find funny now is that other people in leadership roles at my company come to me and say, ‘Hey, can you ask that user group?’ or ‘Do you know anybody who might be able to do that?’” Carr shared. “So, people know about the power of the knowledge within [the] group, and they say, ‘Maybe on the user group, you could ask some people, some of your friends.’ So, it gets legs, and it becomes a very useful and powerful network.”