Many of you reading this piece have likely been to a user group at some point in your career. Some may go every month, some may go a once or twice annually , and some may not have been for years. I also know some of you don't have a group in your area, or perhaps not enough people for a SQL Server group, but I would bet if you are working in technology, there are enough people to have some sort of technology group, perhaps even an online book club.

Recently I was speaking with Andy Warren about his group in Orlando. He's preparing to turn over leadership of the group to others, and he's actually looking for comments on the docs he's put together. I'd urge you to take a moment and think about your group and how you want it structured and check out what Andy has done. He'd appreciate comments on his effort, whether you are in leadership or just show up at meetings.

Our discussion, however, was on goals. What goals are appropriate for the group, and what guidelines should he leave for others. He's tended towards goals of "more", meaning more people touched, more attendance at meetings, more events. I've tended to aim for more ensuring you keep people interesting, inspired, and with some engagement, but not worried about size.

Whether you are in the leadership of a group, just an attendees, or wish you had a more interesting group of technical people to meet with regularly, what do you wish your group would accomplish next year? Are there things that matter to you for an organization outside of work that might help your career? Take a minute to think and leave me a comment today.