Leverage the power of a peer network with a Peer Group and/or Special Interest Group!
Peer Groups and Special Interest Groups offer CSIA members a way to organize around job roles, interests or career goals.
Peer Groups and Special Interest Groups are both small groups of people with a common interest.
However, Peer Groups are organized and driven by volunteers or paid facilitators outside of CSIA. Often, members of Peer Groups consist of the C-suite or other job title to share knowledge around business goals, challenges and strategy. They are typically limited to system integrators.
Participants often enter into non-disclosure agreements and formalize the rules to foster trust and transparency and must adhere to strict guidelines.
(As a side note: As a non-profit trade association, CSIA needs to be very mindful of antitrust laws, so positioning Peer Groups outside of the CSIA structure adds a layer of protection for the association and its members.)
The purpose of peer groups is to provide a deeper experience for CSIA members. Typically composed of 7 – 10 companies, members can share best practices, learn from one another and develop long-lasting relationships.
Peer groups have existed for many years, and the companies that participate find significant benefit from the more intimate relationship these smaller groups can provide.
CSIA has developed a set of Peer Group Guidelines to help new peer groups by providing examples based on the structures and approaches that current peer groups have used.
The guidelines provide options for organization, but do not dictate how a peer group will operate, as each group is free to choose a structure that best fits its needs.
On the other hand, Special Interest Groups are less formal peer networks that coalesce around a topic of interest – marketing, for example. They are volunteer fueled but supported by CSIA staff and infrastructure.
Participation is fluid (outside a core group of volunteers who plan and organize events), and events are open to any CSIA member who wants to join – as their time and interest allow.
You will often find upcoming meetings on the CSIA events schedule, and you can register at any time.
The Emerging Leaders Special Interest Group helps develop aspiring professionals for future leadership positions within their companies and CSIA. The group engages with the next generation of CSIA member executives and helps them leverage their affiliation for personal development and for the development of the association.
Growing new leaders is a consistent challenge for many SI companies. Many companies are faced with leadership transitions in the near future, making it crucial to have a pool of qualified leaders to enable a smooth succession plan.
This group will build a bridge with the new wave of talent that is entering the SI industry by developing a network of future leaders.
Emerging leaders face different challenges than those already established at the top. Emerging leaders may not have much experience with common leadership challenges like setting a vision, managing direct reports, holding people accountable and implementing change. They also face unique problems related to career progression and stepping into new leadership roles.
If this sounds like you, consider attending an Emerging Leaders SIG event (most are virtual, but there are in-person events during the CSIA Conference.)
The CSIA Marketing Special Interest Group (SIG) helps CSIA members exchange ideas, stay current and build a community of like-minded people interested in marketing for system integrators.
Marketing is a consistent challenge for many SI companies. And too often the typical B2B advice in the general marketplace just doesn’t cut it.
Marketers in the system integration space face unique situations — including shoestring resources and limited support. The good news is that you are not alone. The CSIA Marketing SIG will make sure of that!
How? By crowdsourcing real-life experiences and advice covering topics such as:
If you have a topic you’d like to see covered — or would like to contribute to the community – get in touch!
The Marketing SIG will meet virtually throughout the year and in person at the CSIA Conference.
Co-Chairs: John Weber, Software Toolbox, Inc; Jose Rivera, CSIA CEO
The Partner Special Interest Group is dedicated to creating a mutually beneficial relationship between partners and the integrator community. This SIG usually gets together once per year in the fall — typically in person and hosted by a partner member.
Cooperation, collaboration and community are core values of CSIA — and that extends to all member types. The Partner SIG is your opportunity to hear what other companies are experiencing, provide feedback and ideas to CSIA leadership and staff, and strengthen your relationships with other CSIA members outside of the annual conference.
Any CSIA member is welcome to attend — that includes system integrators!
Looking for a way to give back to your profession while supporting CSIA and developing leadership skills? Consider participating in or heading a CSIA Committee.
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I was lucky that DMC’s president pulled me into the CSIA Conference as I was growing in my career. I got involved in the Emerging Leaders group, which was a great springboard for building my skills and connections. The connections have also been invaluable in growing my company as I have been able to avoid mistakes others have made and build on successes that others have had.
CSIA is a community of forward-thinking professionals that want to lead, mentor, and shape the future of the system integration industry. Through our involvement with CSIA, we have partnered with organizations and participated in peer groups to bring back innovative ideas for our organization.
I have grown as a professional and as a person by learning and contributing to the CSIA. The key was jumping in with both feet. I joined a peer group and a committee to fully immerse myself in the motto that if you share one idea you’ll get 10 in return. This has proven true over and over again.
