Re: Trouble getting MUG recognized
Re: Trouble getting MUG recognized
- Subject: Re: Trouble getting MUG recognized
- From: Chris Kiltz <email@hidden>
- Date: Tue, 31 Dec 2002 11:13:21 -0800
Hi Lane,
First, don't give up! Here's my short story to tell you why.
I'm just finishing my first year as President of a group that although
it's been around for 10 years was run down and stuck in hardened
cement. The attitude was very negative. I never take "no" for an answer
unless there is concrete evidence that it would be wise to do so.
It took me awhile to find the connections and make the leads, and life
still isn't smooth. Sometimes my main contact seems to leave planet
earth for extended times at a crucial moment.
Looking back over this last year, we've made a lot of progress, we have
gotten the ball to roll at Apple for some crucial things (like getting
our ambassador changed), and enough goodies to lift the spirits of our
little MUG. I've learned a lot over the last year.
First, volunteer status means that things can drop through the floor
very easily (if you're dealing with other MUG leaders or a regional
liaison), so you need to be persistent and patient. IF every position
was paid (first, everyone would want to do it), then there wouldn't be
an excuse.
Second, once you have a lead (like you've experienced), they move on in
life, you're left hanging (or at least feel like it) and have to start
the contact process all over again. Steve, our regional liaison came
for our open house in August, and Garr was able to come for our meeting
in September, our MUG had a great working relationship with both of
them as far as being able to get the ball rolling. Now that Garr has
left Apple and Jeff and stepped in, I'm in the process of working to
get that contact. Once you have a good contact, network with that
contact quickly to connect with others who can help you if that contact
steps off the planet for some reason.
Third, the ball rolls slowly at Apple sometimes, and getting
Ambassadors updated, groups organized, etc seems to get lost. I've had
the best luck in working with my regional liaison (Steve) first, and
then getting in touch with Garr (now Jeff) to move the process along.
(I don't know if the Advisory Board can help here or not.)
Fourth, many people will wine and gripe because the road isn't easy.
IMHO, the reason we're involved in MUGs is because we love our Macs,
and want to share that fire with anyone who'll listen. I know I get
asked often by my board what type of people are you trying to attract,
and I say anyone who's interested, I'll take em dead or alive :) True,
MUGs are the grass roots of Apple, and it would be nice to be
recognized, showered, etc., but, that's not why we're involved. That
means persistence, patience, and doing what you can with what you've
got.
Fifth, look for help, ideas and support from the UG advisory board.
Chuck, Lorene and the others have a wealth of experience available just
for the asking. While they may not be able to work every miracle
needed, they are able at least to point you in the right direction.
I hope this helps. Don't give up, go spend an hour with your Mac, fall
in love with it again and your flame will be rekindled.
Happy New Year!
Cheers!
Chris Kiltz
President
email@hidden
Josephine County Mac User Group
http://www.jomacs.org
**********************************************
"A windmill's true power is revealed only when it faces the wind; a
person's only he faces adversity."
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