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Give newsletters to guests (old issues???)
Be friendly to guests (designate members to speak with guests during break)
Cut off presenter if meeting is dragging and audience is losing interest
Be consistent on meeting start and ending times
Members need to know what to expect
Usually bring raffle produce and special offers
Can be other related presenters than just software companies
Ergonomics / chiropractor
Local ISP
Members
Good idea, but attendance is usually low for these meetings
Get balance of both, mix it up keeps all interested
Two different topics can bring and keep more members
Level of presentation
Have he equipment and know how to set it up (projector, mics, etc.)
Set-up early – be prepared and organized
If member presentation, use two people to make it better
Game night to attract younger crowd
Have a take-charge person to keep it going and run smoothly; doesn’t have to be the most knowledgeable.
Have member talk on topic they know well
Be sure they are a good speaker, not just knowledgeable
Demo training CD-ROMS / shareware from the library
Have person who did review in newsletter talk about program and answer
Questions
Have a member ready with a software presentation (see Presentation-in-a-Box list)
Q&A (Random Access)
Put a time limit on it
Stretch it if people are interested
If topic gets derailed, suggest people take it off-line and meet during break
Best to have it at the start of the meeting
Better to have knowledgeable person to lead it
Write questions on cards
Have a panel answer questions
Have a ‘stump-the-panel’ night
E-mail questions ahead of time
Know your group, keep their interest – don’t let someone go on and on
about a personal topic
Give everyone one ticket at check-in and then a chance to buy more
Announce at the beginning if drawing is for members only
Display product(s) for drawing at start of meeting
Ask for vendor and local company donations whenever possible
CD-ROM/Video training library
Giveaway table – magazines, member’s bring in software/hardware they don’t need anymore
Discount coupons and vendor special offers
Local computer store discounts
Give them space in the newsletter and on the web page
Give bottled water before presentation
Send thank you letters and certificates
Get name of supervisor to send thank you note