The Clearly Podcast

Andy: Hello everyone! Welcome to the Clearly Podcast, Episode 19. Today, we’re discussing technology communities, what makes them successful, and how to engage effectively, especially in a post-COVID world. How is everyone doing?

Shailan, Tom, Jenna: Doing great.

Andy: I’m excited because we have two special guests today. Jenna, could you introduce yourself?

Jenna: Sure. I’m Jenna Coffey, a community advocate. I’ve been building and supporting communities worldwide for over a decade. I’m thrilled to discuss community engagement and its importance today.

Andy: Thanks, Jenna. Our other guest is Glenn Accardo. Glenn, please introduce yourself.

Glenn: Hi, I’m Glenn Accardo, the test automation lead for Schlumberger’s Houston Production Technology Centre. I’m also one of the leaders of Houston’s Power BI user group. Thanks for having me.

Andy: Great to have you, Glenn. Tom, you lead the West Midlands Power BI Community User Group, right?

Tom: Yes, I do. Jenna helped me get started a couple of years ago.

Andy: Jenna, how do you see community benefiting individuals and businesses?

Jenna: Communities bring people together around a common interest, whether it's a product or service. They foster learning, development, and engagement, which leads to deeper relationships with customers. This engagement provides valuable insights, drives innovation, and helps businesses evolve quickly. It also enhances employee engagement and improves customer experiences by making interactions more meaningful and proactive.

Andy: Glenn, how has the Houston Power BI user group impacted you?

Glenn: It’s been invaluable. Being part of this group has connected me with people in the same industry who face similar challenges. These connections have helped me find solutions to technical problems and gain new perspectives. It’s also provided a sense of community within my large company, Schlumberger, where I’ve met colleagues I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Andy: Tom, how about the West Midlands group?

Tom: Our group cuts across various industries, which brings diverse perspectives to problem-solving. Hosting meetings at different locations has also helped us reach a broader audience. The different angles people bring from their respective industries enrich our discussions and solutions.

Andy: Jenna, how have communities adapted during COVID?

Jenna: Many have gone virtual, like the Irish Café series, which combined resources from different user groups. This adaptation has allowed for more diverse and frequent meetings. Virtual platforms have also enabled us to reach speakers and participants who wouldn’t have been available for in-person meetings.

Glenn: Yes, the shift to virtual has allowed us to connect more easily, share resources, and continue learning despite the pandemic. However, we all miss the in-person interactions that are crucial for building strong community ties.

Andy: Shailan, how has community involvement benefited Clearly Cloudy?

Shailan: It’s been incredibly beneficial. For instance, we adopted best practices from a community event in Ireland that improved our delivery and impressed our clients. Being part of the community also enhances our business development efforts, as it shows potential customers that we’re actively engaged and committed to the field.

Tom: Yes, being involved in the community shows that we’re not just selling a product; we’re genuinely interested in helping and sharing knowledge.

Andy: Jenna, any final thoughts on managing community engagement and avoiding sales pitches?

Jenna: Be upfront with presenters about avoiding sales pitches. Encourage them to focus on educational content and real-world applications. The community values practical insights over sales tactics.

Glenn: Agreed. Presentations should provide real value to the audience, focusing on practical solutions and shared experiences.

Andy: In conclusion, community is about giving without expecting immediate returns, building connections, and continuously engaging. It’s about contributing to and learning from a collective effort.

Jenna: Absolutely. Community involvement can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth. Engage, contribute, and be patient.

Andy: Thank you, everyone. This has been a fantastic discussion. For more information, visit ourclearlycloudy.co.uk for the UK and Europe, or clearlysolutions.net for North America. Stay safe, and we’ll see you on March 15 for our next episode on Power BI premium per user. Goodbye!

Key Takeaways

• Engagement: Actively participate and contribute to the community.

• Connection: Build relationships and share experiences.

• Value: Focus on providing practical and educational content.

• Patience: Community benefits may take time to materialize.