It Takes a Village, I Mean a User Group, to Raise a Ninja

Daniel R. Snyder

As I sat down to write this post, I thought, what tip, trick, or timesaver could I possibly add that the other members of the community have not already covered? At the same time, I know my good friend and two-time defending BBCON blog champ, Ninja Elizabeth Johnson, was counting on me to bring something special. Then it hit me: User Groups!

I still recall attending my first VT/NH user group, organized by Ninja Carol Flint and hosted by the aforementioned Elizabeth at The Putney School, a little over 3 years ago. I was a bit intimidated being in a room with seasoned RE professionals and that only increased after a great presentation on default sets and audit queries that I still use in my work today. Then, as we got to the open discussion portion of the meeting, I found I might actually have something to contribute here and after letting several questions slide by I took the plunge and threw in my two cents on a question. To my delighted surprise, I was not asked to leave the building or anything and they may have even liked my answer.










I share this story of my first user group experience, because I have had the same experience (minus the intimidation) at every meeting. I always come back with something I have learned which can help my institution and I hope to have shared something from my experience that has helped at least one other attendee with their work.

In short, my tip is if you do not already attend a user group in your area, you should find one; the trick is if there is not a user group in the area, you should start one; and the timesaver is the connections you will make and lessons you will learn by participating.

Elizabeth Johnson

Dan doesn't just come and ask great questions - he gives amazing, well thought out, and expertly executed presentations and is on the agenda committee for the user group. 

Sara White

Dan, you're a rock star!

Aimee Annichiarico

I agree that the User Group seemed intimidating at first and I was excited as a new employee and new RE user to meet so many experienced people. It's been several great experiences of sharing knowledge and tips!

Angela Corbett

Dan is the absolute BEST!

Thom Courcelle

Everything about this blog post is true!! The VT/NH User Group is something that I look forward to every time we meet. I've learned about some plug-ins and other techniques that have extended my own knowledge (even as a long-time RE user) AND that have saved my organization a lot of budget money since I started attending two years ago! It's so awesome to meet, talk, and network with your peers about the issues that we all inevitably face in tandem.

Carol Flint

Don't let him fool you! Ninja Daniel Snyder‍ is a power user!  I learned so much from him about the Consent module at our last meeting.  Thanks for all your contributions to our group, Dan!  Make sure calendars are marked for our next VT/NH User Group meeting on November 8 showcasing planned giving.  We'll be meeting at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.

Amber Countis

I miss my VT/NH User group Ninja friends!! Such a great community and great experts willing to share and help each other out!! Hi Elizabeth Johnson‍, Daniel Snyder‍, and Carol Flint‍! 

Elizabeth Johnson

Amber Countis‍ We miss you too! Hope all is well in Texas! Daniel Snyder‍ love the new image - it is surprising your kids are magical! 

Judy Spigarelli

Thanks for sharing the value in Users' Groups!  I hope to attend the next NH/VT group.  If you're in southern NH, drop a message.  There's a group that meets in Manchester/Concord every other month.

Daniel R. Snyder

Thanks everyone for your votes and sending me to BBU Day and BBCON!