This document provides guidance on defining next steps for a community by evaluating existing participation levels and needs, determining business and customer needs, brainstorming projects that balance short and long-term goals, and continuing to measure success. Key aspects include analyzing current participation depth and loyalty, identifying top customer needs and opportunities, finding projects that address business objectives, clearly communicating plans, and proving value through metrics. The overall message is to thoughtfully plan new initiatives by understanding both the community and business.

1. Defining Next for your Community Dawn Lacallade Community Manager, SolarWinds @DawnL and #solarwinds

2. Picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/haagsuitburo

4. Crossroads http://www.flickr.com/photos/kh-67/3339157498/

6. Crossroads http://www.flickr.com/photos/kh-67/3339157498/

7. Determine what you need - Slide - Customer/ Community Needs Business Needs http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimandshannon/3806011383/

9. Narrow Thinking - Slide - http://www.flickr.com/photos/chough/87501689/

12. Crossroads http://www.flickr.com/photos/kh-67/3339157498/

15. - Slide - Caution: Be Realistic (What is reasonable to expect from your users) Understand Community (What it is and is not good for) Be True to your Brand

16. Crossroads http://www.flickr.com/photos/kh-67/3339157498/

17. Thank You! Questions?