Is there a right time to leave a networking group?

This post was inspired when I was asked recently for a quote for a new book from Andy Lopata on when to leave a networking group.

There are times when you move on in business and different networking groups become more appropriate. If you are networking as part of an overall plan then you will be able to work out when to move on. My experience is that more people leave for the wrong reasons than the right reasons. Many people leave groups because they never really worked out why they should be there in the first place!

Then there are the people who do it for a year and stop because they think it isn’t working. The great shame is that they are usually at the point where their investment is about to reap rewards. They have become known, liked, rated and trusted. Instead of strengthening the relationships they have built they move on to start the whole process again with new people.

Most weeks I will be at an event and someone will ask where X or Y is because they have something for them. If I say they have left the group they almost always ask for a recommendation to somebody else even if I offer to pass their message on.

Good Networking!
Dave Clarke