Building Connections: How Community Engagement Elevates User Experience

Are you a professional services software user who dreams of spending less time drowning in updates and more time doing things that spark joy? Joining a community might just be your golden ticket. Not only will you get access to peers in your industry, but you’ll also feel like part of a secret society that knows all the best shortcuts, and who doesn’t love a good shortcut?

Many companies overlook the value of a community when they purchase a new software solution. However, having access to such a community can lead to better adoption and improved ROI, not to mention uncovering transformative uses of the software they may have never considered before. Exceptional software solutions offer not only valuable customer support but also foster a thriving, supportive community, ensuring that it provides meaningful connections and accurate answers for everyday work life.

Still on the fence? Discover more about these online spaces and their unique advantages right here.

Want to Find Your People? Your Community is Waiting for You

Ever found yourself stuck while solving a business problem using a software solution and thought, “Someone somewhere must have figured out a way to do this. Why can’t I just call them up and pick their brain?” Well, that’s what a B2B software community is all about. The reality is, any popular software has been used by hundreds or even thousands of people before you that may have faced the same business challenges. If the software is truly worth its salt, they’ve probably accomplished exactly what you want to do, and maybe even better than you imagined.

The great thing about software users who are passionate about the solutions they use is that they’re more than happy to help other users get on their level. And that’s where a community comes in handy. No more debating other users on Reddit. No need for a meetup at your local coffee shop where your passionate talks about Gantt charts get side-eye from the other customers. A well-constructed and curated community website brings you together with users from around the world.

The Biggest Benefits of a Software Community

Sure, being part of a B2B software community in the professional services industry can help you save time and money by optimizing your software usage. But the real, career-long benefits come from engaging with peers in your same position at other companies and in pursuit of similar goals.

Some of the biggest benefits include:

1. Enhanced User Experience

Alright, let’s be real. You’ve got this shiny solution packed with so many bells and whistles, it’s basically a Swiss Army knife on steroids. But you probably forgot half the features you were so jazzed about when you went through training. No worries, though—your community is teeming with people just like you, who’ve figured out all sorts of wild and wonderful ways to use the tool.

If you’re one of the lone rangers in your organization in your role, it can feel like you’re working in some kind of techie vacuum. Enter the community, and boom—you’re suddenly in an entire ecosystem of users to bounce ideas off of.

2. Improved Support and Problem-Solving

Picture this: you drop a question about a complex project configuration into the community, and within minutes, you’ve got a play-by-play guide from someone who’s already been there, done that, and got the T-shirt. Sure, the software most likely has some guides and videos, but we’re talking about those super-specific scenarios that are too niche for the official documentation.

With a solid community, you can post a question about the latest software update that you’re struggling with, and within an hour, you’ve got multiple responses from people who’ve already cracked the code. It’s like having a tech-savvy fairy godmother on speed dial.

3. Early Access to New Features

Even the best software solutions require testing before a wide release, and official communities are perfect for this purpose.

Whether it’s open to everyone in the community or just top members who have shown their dedication over the years, early access allows you to test the latest features in the software you rely on and help shape its development. Every major new feature goes through a beta period, giving you the chance to make suggestions that improve these features and the software’s future. Think of yourself as part of a brain trust, contributing to making the solution more useful for you and everyone else who depends on it daily.

4. Career and Skill Development

Alright, so you’ve gotten your answers, your examples, and your support. Now it’s time to network and build connections with like-minded users.

The great news is that you’ll be surrounded by individuals who are just as driven to improve their skills, whether it’s in software development, project management, human resources, or any other role that intersects with the solution you all share in common. Over time, you’ll likely begin to recognize and connect with fellow community members, and as you trade your knowledge of the solution back and forth, you’ll grow your skills together. And whether you’re looking to progress in your career at your current organization or a different one, your experience, training, and tangible value that you bring to the business will only make you an increasingly in-demand resource.

New and Improved Kantata Community

We believe in the power of community to enhance the experience of our users. That’s why we’ve relaunched the Kantata OX Community and created an all new Kanatata SX Community designed to foster stronger connections and quicker insights. Our updated platform offers features like real-time community questions, easy-to-navigate product topics, searchable knowledge bases, badges recognizing dedicated members, coverage of upcoming events, and regular product updates. We are excited to support a vibrant community where users can find the answers they need to succeed. If you are a Kantata customer, contact your CSM to learn more.