Originally presented at Content Convergence & Integration 2008. Wikis, with their free-flowing unstructured approach to knowledge management are catching on like wildfire within organizations. However, there are pitfalls to avoid before rolling them out within your company. This presentation outlines the six key factors to consider before launching one of these applications. Using examples based on real-life success stories using <a href="http://www.thoughtfarmer.com/">ThoughtFarmer</a>, Darren will provide recommendations that will help you achieve success regardless of the wiki platform you choose.

1. Launching an Enterprise Wiki 6 Steps to Success Darren Gibbons ThoughtFarmer [email_address]

5. Why use an Enterprise wiki?

9. Turn users into authors

13. The Green Place Green is no longer the domain of a few crusaders on the fringes of society; it has matured into an established reality. We feel that it is the responsibility of each human and every organization to advance the cause of sustainability, playing a key role through behaviours and decision making. In light of this, we are formally declaring our support for and commitment to initiatives that have as their goal to reduce the impact Kermit.jpg

15. In the beginning was the document.

16. They’ve been around for a while

19. And then there was email

26. The six steps to Enterprise Wiki Success

27. Step 1: Pilot with the right group

28. Don’t make The pilot group too BIG

29. Don’t make The pilot group too BIG But don’t make it too small either

30. Attitude Choose keeners that aren’t afraid to try new things www.flickr.com/photos/morgantepsic/281890763/

31. Seniority Get at least one – preferably more senior member in the pilot group www.flickr.com/photos/pierrelaphoto/2257803239/

32. Step 2: Designate a Wiki Gardener

33. Wiki Gardener Performs small edits, increase overall value of everyone’s content flickr.com/photos/nakae/204037619/

35. Step 3: Start with a basic structure

36. Blank slate is bad Start with a skeleton It’s easier to edit than create flickr.com/photos/cjmaru/2212612091/ /

38. Step 4: Migrate existing content

39. Barn raising Get 4 or 5 people to migrate content from existing systems flickr.com/photos/teagrrl/232123946/

40. Employee Directory Get employee information into the system

41. Keep it fresh Aim for new content every day www.flickr.com/photos/morgantepsic/281890763/

42. Step 5: Training and Support

46. Step 6: Promote and Launch!

47. Promote: Generate interest

48. Launch: Make it an event Bring donuts www.flickr.com/photos/morgantepsic/281890763/