HI everyone - I appreciate Wayne's feedback and I encourage you all to add this to your discussion next month. The content library (which is the committee that Wayne is active) will have their own conversation and recommendations and I plan to share with this group. I am not entirely certain I agree with the 10 percent participation but it warrants a closer look at by this group.
Please review the following reports on I ran on the Sage 100 Community:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QjHbny8MXVphvqUopyFCBwGx9wQIoHcKg5S_eztIKHs/edit?usp=sharing
The first sheet is the All Discussions Activity Summary from January through present. Notable: Of the 332 Discussions this year - 92% of posts have responses.
#2: 2024 Contributors including replies data
#3 Unanswered Discussions (July-Present): You see none of the discussions are lacking a response
#4 Unique Logins from July through Present (not sure how relevant this report is).
We can run these type of reports for each community as needed or wanted.
Defining "Good" Participation
Before we dive into specific percentages, it's essential to clarify what constitutes "good" participation. Different metrics can be used to measure engagement, such as:
- Post frequency: How often do members contribute content?
- Comment frequency: How often do members engage with others' posts?
- Readership: How many members are actively viewing content?
- Event attendance: How many members participate in online or in-person events?
A "good" participation rate will vary depending on the size, the frequency of content posting, and specific goals.
Industry Benchmarks:
While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, here's a general guideline based on industry averages:
- Active users: Aim for at least 20-30% of your members actively participating on a regular basis.
- Post engagement: Strive for a comment-to-post ratio of at least 1:3.
- Event attendance: Consider a 30-40% attendance rate for online events as a good starting point.
Factors Affecting Participation:
Several factors can influence participation rates:
- Content quality and relevance: High-quality, relevant content attracts more engagement.
- Community management: Active moderation and encouragement can boost participation.
- Incentives: Offering rewards or recognition for contributions can motivate members.
- Platform usability: A user-friendly platform enhances the member experience.
Improving Participation:
Some issues to consider implementing these strategies:
- Targeted outreach: Identify inactive members and offer personalized invitations to engage.
- Content curation: Highlight popular topics and encourage discussion. This is where I recommend we find key experts and have an Ask The Expert for specific topics.
- Member spotlights: Showcase active members to inspire others.
- Feedback mechanisms: Regularly solicit feedback from members to understand their needs.
Quality over quantity: Focus on meaningful interactions rather than just raw numbers.
Perhaps the group can create some initiatives and set some goals around all of this and integrate it into our program on the 26th. I welcome your comments. Thanks!
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Anne Sawyer
Executive Director
90 Minds Inc.
Sunset Beach CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-20-2024 09:02
From: Wayne Schulz
Subject: Contest ideas to present at September Member Webinar
My .02
The 90/10 Problem
Right now, we have a situation where 10% (or likely less) of our members are doing all the work-sharing, planning, and contributing. The other 90% mostly show up when they have an urgent problem, often on nights, weekends, or holidays, to "farm the knowledge" and "ring the panic button."
The Challenge of Content Creation
Expecting the small active group to create shareable content for the majority who are lurking-without any compensation-seems like a big ask. We also have new members who join but never engage. Do we know why?
Questions to Consider:
Engagement:
Higher Logic may not be the best platform for driving engagement. Yes, the active members seem fine with it, but what about the 90% who aren't showing up? It might be the lack of a viable mobile client. Relying on outdated methods like email replies or storing content in Outlook isn't appealing.
We need more content that's not just about solving problems.
Membership Growth:
- We need to branch out into complementary products, like Acumatica. Sage Intacct might not be the best option since it seems to focus on the CPA consultant model.
- The group should offer something that members can't get from their own firms. Unlike when we started, most members are now affiliated with large organizations that could replicate what 90 Minds offers.
Shareable Content:
- If members don't contribute, they should have the option to purchase the resulting content.
- I'd love to hear other options, but if everyone wants to benefit without putting in the work, we might need to consider a model where content is available for a fee.
TLDR; Shift our strategy to diversify the community's offerings, enhance engagement with better content and tools, and implement a system where members can either contribute to or purchase valuable content. This approach will help maintain the community's vitality and ensure long-term growth.
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Wayne Schulz
wayne@s-consult.com
Schulz Consulting
(860) 516-8990
Moodus, CT
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