BE Magazine Volume 5, Issue 2 - (Page 44) BE USERS Planting the Seeds Two civil engineers from DMJM Harris—Meron Kidane and Roberto Murrieta— share insight from their Tucson Bentley User Group launch W hat opportunities do user groups offer that attract a loyal network of users? backbone of continued success. Murrieta: Requesting participation from members. What logistics proved to be the easiest and which proved to be the most challenging? Kidane: User groups offer benefits like skill-set development, networking, product development updates, and job search contacts. But make sure that you maintain a clear line of communication—ask, ask, and ask again what topics are of interest to the group. Remember, you are providing a service to your users. Murrieta: User groups offer networking and an opportunity to discuss any problems or ideas you may have. What is the secret to gaining widespread interest in a user group community that prospers and grows over time? Kidane: As the meeting date approached, the number of RSVPs soared, making it impossible to use our office conference room. We are the third floor in an office complex, and finding a space large enough to accommodate 40 persons comfortably became the issue. Murrieta: The easiest logistics was having Bentley willing to present. The most challenging one was to accommodate everyone in one room. What would you advise colleagues to approach recruitment and activities of a start-up user group? Kidane: You have to do some homework. Know what programs your potential members are using, then tell every person you know that a user group is forming, using every venue you can: luncheons of professional organizations, client agencies or firms, colleagues at the office, and their contacts. Murrieta: Advertising—you need to get the word out. Also, you need to provide useful information that is up to date. How do you figure out what best motivates individuals to become and remain active in user groups? Kidane: Declare, declare, and declare again that you are starting a group. Ask for help from fellow users in the office or externally. Use the Bentley user group support team as a resource. Ask for your employer’s support (use of conference room, cover food expenses, etc). It is an opportunity for the company to market the firm as a Bentley supporter. Focus on a discipline (civil, or civil and architecture) or any other area of Bentley. Bentley has many products, but you and your users use only a handful. Listen to comments and ask for feedback. The group is about the user. Murrieta: Take advantage of Bentley’s user group start-up reimbursement—that was very helpful. What do you think will be most rewarding about being a founding member? w Founder Meron Kidane and current president Roberto Murrieta Kidane: Everyone must have a vested interest that is being served. If a user comes in interested in InRoads, and all he/she is hearing is buildings-oriented subject matter, he/she will not stay with the group for much longer. Take notes and heed each user’s interest and skill-set level. And always request feedback—that is the Kidane: Seeing people taking time of their busy schedule to attend a meeting after work, whether that be because they want to see their friends from other firms or are interested in the topic for that evening. Either case, they are there to learn. Murrieta: The most rewarding thing about founding the user group is that people are learning and discussing issues that otherwise they would not have the chance to do so. Make Connections! The BE User Group is a collection of independent user groups dedicated to sharing their ideas and building their knowledge about Bentley products. User group members exchange ideas and experiences, receive training, and provide feedback to Bentley by holding local, corporate, and regional meetings and conferences. For more information on the BE User Group program, visit www.beusergroup.com. 44 BE MAGAZINE | Volume 5, Issue 2 http://www.beusergroup.com
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