Going to the Right Parties

Joining the right group on your organisation’s social networking, such as Microsoft’s Viva Engage, is like attending the best parties. Get into a good one, and you’ll be informed, engaged, eager to participate, and find immense value in your time spent within the group. But join the wrong one, and it becomes a total waste of time.

Here are three quick tips to ensure you can spot a good group to join (beyond just the subject matter):

1. Check for a Site Admin: A ‘Site Admin’ is like a stellar party host who ensures there’s content and engagement to get the party started. If there’s no Site Admin, be wary—it might mean the group is fading and offers little value.
2. Look at the INFO Section: There is normally a INFO or ‘About the group’ on a community. If the Site Admin hasn’t updated it, it could be a sign the group lacks a strong purpose, which often equates to an unsuccessful group.
3. Check Recent Activity: If there’s been no activity within the last month, it may indicate that the group’s main participants have drifted away. It’s like a party where everyone is standing around the edges, not speaking. Time to make an excuse and exit.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. You might stumble upon a valuable group with no Admin, no information about its purpose, and no active content—but that’s a rare find.