The following are examples of some of the practices and processes for launching online communities:

• Access to reference materials and best practices
• Make it easy to contribute and share content
• Discussing and having dialog with peers and other experts 
• Reviewing presentations by peers and other experts
• Leadership led dialogues and discussions
• Exposure to other departments and roles
• Subscribing to and reading work related posts –  inexpensive way of communication
• Creating “lessons learned”  after projects or other work is complete and reviewing learned experience of others
• Using social networking tools to find and connect  with people to communicate with and learn from
• Access to frequently asked questions and answers of others
• Coaching and mentoring by more experienced workers
• Ask colleagues to help with problem solving
• Working with and observing more experienced colleagues

Source:  SRI Report