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This book is about starting and sustaining a technology user group. User groups are a wonderful way to connect with local and like-minded professionals for networking and learning. All the forums and social media on the internet can´t replace face-to-face time spent discussing problems, upcoming technologies, and other pertinent topics. What every user group needs is leaders to organize meetings, find speakers, and connect the community.
What every leader needs is good advice and guidance on how to begin a group and nurture new leadership to keep the group sustainable, and Michelle Malcher provides just that right sort of guidance in her book on User Group Leadership. This book is designed to help you understand what goes into starting and building a user group, giving you the tools and resources to do so. Learn what to expect before your first meeting, in the first three months, and in the first year.
Malcher has experience from the local group level on up to the international level with the Independent Oracle User Group. If you´re involved in technology and are ready to take on a position of leadership by which to help others network, succeed, and grow, then grab a copy of this book. You won´t find a better source of guidance for starting and growing a new group on the technology of your choice.
Learn what to know before you ever have your first meeting Prepare for each meeting with a list of things that should be done Grow your local members into future leaders

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1. Development of a User Group

2. User Group Governance

3. Building Leaders and Volunteers

4. User Group Planning

5. User Group Members

6. Challenges

7. Career Development

8. From Techie to Leader

9. Qualities of a User Group Leader

10. Qualities of a User Group Volunteer

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Michelle Malcher is a database professional with a vast knowledge in database environments and security developed from her 17+ years in this field. She is a well-known volunteer leader in the database and security communities, with roles as Independent Oracle User Group (IOUG) past-President, and as a Fuel Founding Board member. Her deep technical expertise from database to development, as well as her senior level contributions as a speaker, author, Oracle ACE Director, and customer advisory board participation have aided many corporations spanning architecture and risk assessment, purchasing and installation, and ongoing systems oversight, including Wells Fargo & Company, where Michelle is currently team lead for Enterprise Database Security.

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