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Mapping User Groups
What is a Mapping User Group?
A Mapping User Group, also known as a MUG, is an affiliation of people trained in the Information Mapping method who meet on a regular basis to improve their skills.
Why Start a Mapping User Group?
A MUG is a great way to
- coach new mappers
- pool resources, expertise, and ideas
- bring cross-functional people together to help Mappers master their skills, and
- educate others about Mapping.
To receive your free MUG Facilitator's Guide, e-mail us today at inquiry@infomap.com.
How To Get MUG Members
There are three ways to get in touch with trained mappers within your company:
- Ask your account manager
- Contact your training or HR department, and
- Send an all-company e-mail.
To get members from other companies, try contacting local professional organizations such as ASTD, STC, or ISPI.
Starting a MUG
Before you begin a MUG, you need to make sure that your MUG has a clear purpose and addresses the topics your members want. You should survey members to learn what their writing and Mapping interests are.
The first meeting is the most challenging. The best way to ensure the success of the meeting is to manage expectations from the start. Discuss what everyone would like to get out of membership. From this, you can create a purpose or objective and determine how frequently and when and where to hold meetings.
What To Do At Meetings
Choose a topic or theme for each meeting. Some popular meeting activities include:
- Bringing in documents for the group to review and practice editing. Members break into teams to do this, then share the results with the whole group. Partner newly trained Mappers with more experienced ones as mentors,
- Discussing new and different ways they've seen Mapping used. Mapping as an interview tool, or creating an SGML document, and/or
- Sharing communication challenges each member is facing and brainstorm solutions.
Keeping It Going
Once started, a MUG is easy to keep going. Continue asking members for topics of interest and keep posting e-mails and notices for upcoming meetings and topics.
Support From Information Mapping
Information Mapping is happy to support your MUG in any way possible. We can provide speakers for meetings, ranging from instructors who provide a refresher in Mapping skills to consultants who address specific Mapping application issues. We may also be able to put you in touch with others who have MUGs, allowing you to network.
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