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Unit 13: Collaborating via Social Networks and Groupware

Start With Research: Before you jump into creating your own group, start by seeing what’s out Notes
there in a related niche, join those groups, and then observe the activity.

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Caution Note what you like and dislike about the way the group operates, from the
platform to the members and the leaders. Note which groups keep you coming back for
more and how they do it.
Provide Unique Value: Notice that it’s not value, but unique value. Think about the groups you
researched, and then try to figure out that one thing that no one else is offering that you can. One
example would be creating a group that’s more specifically focused by doing a little
brainstorming.

Instead of just blogging, narrow down to business blogging, then narrow down again to B2B
business blogging, and then further down to B2B business blogging in the service industry.
While it’s super-specific and might not allow for a huge following, it is something unique which
will intrigue your members.

Address Your Members’ Concerns: This one may get tough, depending on how many members
you have in your group, but it’s always important to acknowledge any concerns that your
members have in terms of site functionality, rules or other members. This lets them know that
there’s someone actively in charge and always willing to cater to the members’ needs when
possible.
13.1.4 Platforms for Your On-site Group

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons of creating your own group on your website and have
decided to go for it, here are some platforms to get you started in creating your group.

Figure 13.1: Webdeveloper.com: An Example of vBulletin Platform

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