How to Start & Recruit for a Group

How Do I Start / Recruiting

How Do I Start

         Well like most you have an idea in your head and can’t wait to get started. The only problem is how do I start? Hopefully this will be able to get you on your way.

         Remember in order to have a group you must be an upgraded member with Writing.Com. "Invalid Item"  Be aware that when your upgrade runs out so does your group. Make provisions if you cannot maintain your upgrade. Have a backup member to transfer your group to so that the group may continue during your absence.

         Sometimes the most beneficial way to establish if your idea is sound is to do a survey to see what kind of response you might have. This will also aid in recruiting of ideas, which could benefit not only you but also the group you are about to form.

         During this process it is to your benefit to set up all your needs prior to opening your group to the public members. For this purpose it is easiest to work all your items in “Keep Private-For My Eyes Only” access. This gives you the freedom and the time to make sure you are doting all your "i's" and crossing all your "t's". Once your set-up of everything is complete you can change the access accordingly and welcome new group members.

         To start your process and for easy record access it is best to set up a folder within your portfolio exclusively for your new group. Once you have the folder in place you can then add all pertaining items in that folder.

         This is a list of items that you may or may not require to form your group. A suggestion of what type of feature to use to complete it is also included.

Home Page – Groups

Recruit Forum – Message Forum

Group Working Forum – Message Forum

Group Review Forum – In & Out

Group Sign In – Message Forum

Groups Graphics – New Folder

Graphics – Images

Group Information – New Folder

Welcome Letter – Static Item

Rules and General Group Info – Static Item

Newsletters – Static Item/Journal

Updates – Static Item/Journal

Activity/Record Tracking – Journal/Static Item

Group Surveys – Survey Form

Group Polls – User Poll

Contests - Message Forum

Stories - Campfire Creative/Interactive Story/Journal/Static Item

         While you may think of more ways to perfect your group requirements, this is just a possible working guideline.


Recruiting

         Recruiting members for your group can at times be difficult. What you thought might be a great idea, other's may or may not want to be bothered with. If you believe your idea is sound but no one is joining then it is time for you to look for members.

         Depending on what genre you selected, this is probably the first place that you will look for new members. Not everyone reads the message forums or checks out what new groups have been established. When reading someone's work you will be able to determine if this person might be suitable to join your group. A simple comment in your rate and review of their item is sometimes all it takes to get them motivated to check out your group home page.

         Perhaps you need the experience of an individual. We have all met at least one muse on this site, and they may not even write in the same genre as yourself but that does not mean that they would not make an excellent addition to the group. Often members need variety in their writing and are looking for a way to branch out in to different genres. What better way, then to join a group of writers.

         Always remember though, do not add a member to your group unless they want to join. Arm-twisting a member to join will only provide you with an inactive group member. It is not important as to how many members you have in your group as long as they are all productive.

         If you choose to add a member to your group with out their knowledge you should do one of two (2) things. Send them an email with blanket statement that they are not obligated to remain in the group if it is not to their liking. Or prepare your welcome letter based on the fact that everyone who receives it knows nothing about the group and that they are free to remain or remove themselves.

         Members talk to each other a lot. Giving your group members the opportunity to suggest possible recruits or inviting other members to join can be beneficial to you as well.

         Posting on the various message boards that you frequent is a good way to get your message across with an open invitation for members to check out your group. Newbies are always looking for a way to become more involved and a place to belong. Extend your invitation to them.

         Keep in mind as well the more members you have in your group the more creative ideas you will have to have to keep your group motivated and active. Communication is an important key during the start up process. If you're too busy looking for more group members to get your project underway you may neglect the current group members that you have attracted and lose them before the project gets started.

         Having an opening exercise to keep them busy is always a good idea. New recruits can always join into the current exercise as they arrive. Once you have your required amount of group members than you are clear to go in the direction that you had originally planned.