In the insurance industry, there are thousands of users groups — ranging from large, sophisticated networks to small, informal groups. At their most basic level, users groups are people with similar interests getting together to discuss and share their knowledge about a particular product or service.
But users groups can be much more than that. A users group provides a sense of community and a place for free and open discussion as well as opportunities to learn about best practices, improve skills, and influence the future development of products and technology.
So let's take a look at the top reasons why you might benefit from belonging to a users group, and how to get the most out of it.
Information & idea sharing
The No. 1 reason to join a users group is to get your questions answered. There is only so much you can learn from a manual or the training you receive from your vendor. Look around your office — you may be the only one using a particular service or software. Wouldn't it be great if you had a network of experienced users to reach out to whenever you're stumped or want to learn a new process?
I have never known an active users group member who wasn't excited about sharing information or spreading the word about a tip or shortcut that would make the lives of other users easier.
Join a users group, and get the answers you need from fellow users who know their stuff.
Networking & involvement
A users group is a rich vein of information, but how do you tap into it? Easy: Go to meetings — live or virtual. Attend conferences, and get to know the other users in your group. Most groups set aside time to network and exchange information. You'll quickly learn which of your peers has systems and challenges similar to yours.
Attend chapter meetings, avail yourself of local and product-oriented programming. Meet other members and offer to help organize chapter activities. Pretty soon, you'll have a list of go-to people who can help you whenever you have a question or need advice.
Users groups are a vital resource for networking and building community.
Education & best practices
One of the biggest benefits of a users group is education. Hear from experts about new technology and marketplace trends. Get valuable insights and business tips from your peers. You'll get the scoop from experts, industry insiders and fellow users.
Another important benefit of users groups is learning best practices. As an industry, we must continually strive to improve our interaction with clients and our connectivity with the distribution channel. One way we do that is by adhering to best practices. Users groups are where you're exposed to the best and the brightest in the industry, where you become inspired to perform at the highest level possible.
Education and best practices that drive increased productivity are an important aspect of users groups.
Users groups are a vital resource for networking and building community. (Photo: iStock)
Virtual communities
You may not be able to make a users group meeting, but you can always stay in touch, 24/7, through online forums and social media. Read and post comments about topics that you're interested in. Take advantage of free or low-cost education through webinars or virtual meetings. Add your voice, share information and become a part of the community.
Users groups provide rich virtual communities through forums and social media.
Productivity & utilization
If productivity is important to your firm, joining a users group could be your wisest investment. Most products and systems are underutilized. Users groups show you how to get the most out of your technology and products, and how incremental changes (whether it's an update or a new module) can result in increased efficiency at a minimal cost.
If you're interested in maximizing the ROI on your technology, then you must join a users group.
Influencing future developments
Most users groups have a good working relationship with the vendors who serve their members. These vendors send representatives to meetings and conferences to interact with users, solicit feedback and identify areas of improvement. It's a synergistic relationship that benefits the vendor and the user.
Users groups can have a lot of clout. As a users group member, you'll have input into future product changes. So if you want to know more about your vendor's "roadmap" and have a say about where that road leads, get involved in your users group.
Influence the future of the products you use by joining a users group.
Saving money
It probably goes without saying, but a users group can save you a ton of money on education, training, consulting and investing in new equipment and technology. You'll find participating in a users group costs only a tiny fraction of what you'd pay a consultant or trainer.
Talking to a fellow user who may have years of experience on your system is priceless. One phone call, email or chapter meeting can make a huge difference in your business.
Take advantage of users groups to save on training and consulting costs.
Improving skills & career opportunities
Users groups provide training and education to develop your skills. Many users groups offer classes leading to certifications that can help you advance in your field.
As you get more involved in a users group, you may be asked to volunteer on a committee or serve as an officer. You'll have opportunities to sharpen your public speaking, training and leadership skills.
User groups can help you advance in your career.
Now that you know the many benefits of belonging to a users group, what's stopping you from getting involved? From networking and education to best practices and greater productivity, there are abundant reasons to join a users group!
Kitty Ambers serves as chief executive officer at the Network of Vertafore Users (NetVU). She can be reached by sending email to kitty@netvu.org.
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