Goal: Champions Program

Hi OLED365, 

First, to recruit some champions, it is important the call come from the top management but not only. What we have missed at my place is to effectively engage the middle management, the direct managers of the champions. It is easier to grow the community when the manager suggests : "who from the team is interested to be a champion?" rather than having the interested employees proactively volunteer. Also having a clear WIIFM is important! Think about what you want to set up for them first rather than recruit them first and actually have nothing that happens. You will lose them quickly. Maybe think as well of what is going to be their "onboarding path" as champions.

Then, in terms of connecting with them, I am organizing a monthly call with them with always an agenda covering what is new at Microsoft, what is new at our company regarding new ways of working + extra training offer, etc. Those monthly calls have really helped creating a "relationship" between our global office and the remote champions. We also have a Team (but a yammer group would also make the job) where news are shared, and where all champions can ask their questions. 

I am also sending a monthly newsletter following that call with a recap of the most important points. In terms of goals, we have 1 champion for 100 employees. I think this is ok when the change is well installed but to boost adoption, I could read 1 : 50 - 1 : 40 is recommended. This is what I target to achieve. 

I hope this gave you some ideas. Let me know if you are interested in a quick call to share experience!