Last week, Maneeza and I had the pleasure of presenting for the Boston Marketo User Group (BMUG) during two days of Everything ABM. And it was awesome!
In case you didn’t know, the Boston-area group is so big that it’s split in two–one located in Boston and the other in neighboring Watham. Both sessions had an amazing turnout, and I have no doubt that this was largely due to how well the BMUG is managed.
Paul Green and Jody Spencer did a great job of curating content and delivering exceptional experiences to the Marketo community in Boston. While we were there, we chatted with both of them after the event, as well as with several other Marketo users, to learn more about what makes these sessions so different than ones hosted by other groups.
What we learned wasn’t surprising, but it’s certainly worth a discussion. It came down to three things (well…3 plus 1 more):
- Listening: Paul and Jody asked what their members wanted to know and actually delivered on it. And not just once, but several times. We all know this is the heart of what we’re supposed to provide–regardless of our product or service–but it’s not always easy to do. It was a great reminder that we have two ears and one month and should use them in that order.
- Organization: As a former event planner, I can say that this is crucial. People need structure. This group has their meetings at the same time each month at alternating locations. When members add it to their calendars, the next meeting never comes as a surprise. They also never fail to do their “homework” at home so that when everyone is together, the group’s valuable time is used as effectively as possible . Structure in today’s crazy, dynamic world is so appreciated.
- Quality: Presenter quality can make or break a session’s reputation. Experts and thought leaders come in different forms. Some are great writers, while some are great presenters and then some are both. Finding the right fit for your audience keeps them coming back for more.
- Variety: It’s the spice of life. BMUG has done formal and informal presentations, Marketo speed dating, round-robins and many other formats to keep things fresh. People learn in different ways, and there’s nothing else quite like a successful networking activity that also makes you a smarter Marketo expert.
We loved sharing our ideas with BMUG. Let us know if you would be interested in having us present for your Marketo User Group. I’m sure we can find a way to make it happen!
