Starting a TIMEX Personal Computer Users’ group is a great idea! A users’ group in your area is an excellent way for all T/S owners — from the beginner to the expert — to investigate the fascinating world of the TIMEX Personal Computer Your users’ group will rapidly become a powerful magnet for the exchange of ideas, programs, equipment, and software.
You’ll be looking forward to a pleasurable and rewarding experience — and at the beginning, a busy time, too. So, if you’re aware of any other T/S owners — who would like to reap the benefits of a T/S users’ group — get them to pitch in, too.
DEVELOP A PURPOSE
A users’ group is much like any other organization. You’ll want to establish the group’s direction — and the best way of accomplishing this is to create an informal (at first) charter which defines the purpose, scope, and interests of the group. Formalizing the goals of your group provides general guidelines to help the club “get off the ground” at inception, and keep from straying too far from the “beaten path” during times of dynamic growth. You’ll want the charter to be simple, timely, flexible, and at the same time, responsive to the changing needs of its members.
DEVELOPING AN ORGANIZATION
Now, you’ll want to pick out a group name and establish a cadre of officers. A good name not only will project a positive image, but at the same time, suggests the guiding purpose of the organization. Be sure to utilize others to absorb some of the workload (it is unfair to ask you to do everything). And a good way to obtain help is to establish a Board of Directors and appoint the officers of the organization.
Later — as the club grows — ask individual members to devote time and energy to help plan and run the various events; you’ll get more out of the group — and so will they.
LOCATING A MEETING PLACE
Admittedly, this is one of the most difficult — but most important — start-up requirements. You’ll want a site that is centrally (but conveniently) located and one that is large enough to comfortably accommodate everyone.
It may be possible to acquire a meeting hall — at little or no charge. Good candidates for accommodations are local computer dealers, public schools, places of worship, local companies, or local fraternal organizations. When meeting with the appropriate individual, do explain the needs and purpose of your group — and above all, emphasize that your organization is responsible and will properly care for — and clean up — the facility.
RECRUITING MEMBERS
With a receptive audience of more than 600,000 T/S owners from coast to coast, this is one of the easiest parts of all. Publicizing your group to recruit new members can be accomplished in a number of ways:
- Word of Mouth. Talk to friends, neighbors, business associates, church and fraternal clubs — this is the fastest, cheapest, and most effective method.
- Contact Local Computer Dealers. Computer dealers are always looking for more business. More computer users translates into more potential customers. Therefore, they are most helpful to new users’ groups. Do be sure to drop off literature or post it on bulletin boards at their business location.
- Newspaper and Radio Announcements. Most local newspapers and radio stations provide free publicity — if you’ll prepare a simple press release. If you’ve never prepared a press release, pick up a book at the library or call the newspaper or radio station for help. They’ll either tell you how to prepare one or take the announcement over the telephone.
- Communicate with Local Businesses. Almost all businesses are interested in encouraging their employees to develop new skills; computer knowledge is most certainly a valuable asset in today’s technological world. Contact the Personnel or PR department and tell them about your group.
- Use RAMBLINGS to Spread the Word. If you request publicity and provide us with the appropriate information (name of group, phone number where you can be reached, etc.) we’ll publicize your group in your local geographical area. Contact the RAMBLINGS Editor.
RUNNING YOUR USERS’ GROUP
Once you’re off and running, hold meetings at regularly scheduled intervals. Advertise the time, place, and date of each meeting well in advance — this will help to insure a good turnout.
During the meeting keep business (club business) short and to-the-point. Group interest is best stimulated by providing something for everyone — from the unsophisticated beginner to the computer expert. Club members will eagerly look forward to demonstrations (contact experienced club members, local dealers, and computer manufacturers), speakers, and special events (i.e., computer fair or trip to a computer exhibition).
Finally, the users’ group shouldn’t be a personal financial burden. Charge a membership fee ($10 to $25 is typical) to put the users’ group on a self-sustaining basis. This will help to offset the expenses associated with publicity and postage.
GROUP NEWSLETTER
You’ll want to start a newsletter to promote the group and also provide a forum to exchange ideas, programs, and operating techniques.
The newsletter need not be expensive or elaborate — photocopies will do fine! But do be sure to present a professional image — typos, misspelling, and sloppy typing can turn the best newsletter into one that is “circular filed,” instead of read.
Don’t be bashful about asking for articles, programs, and other contributions from the members — and above all, ask the members to volunteer their services to help write, produce, and mail the newsletter.
The expense of the newsletter can be offset by soliciting advertisements from local and national dealers. The very real danger here is that the newsletter could become overcommercialized; take special pains to avoid this.
TIMEX SUPPORT
TIMEX will assist your T/S user group by providing technical support, the TIMEX newsletter, and by answering your inquiries. Please direct your users’ group questions to Margo Murphy.
We look forward to hearing about your new users’ group — good luck!