n of others.

Are you meeting with members individually outside the normal group meetings? No matter whether it is the chamber lunch, the association meeting or the Board of Director’s gathering, developing stronger relationships is impossible at during the scheduled meeting time. Having the group in

The voice could be the one inside your head, or you could be overhearing a conversation. It really doesn’t matter who, what really matters is what is being said. It probably sounds something like this, “I’m not going to renew my membership because "they" aren’t helping me.” Or similar, “I joined this group to get more business and nobody has given me anything worthwhile.”

Actually quitting may not be such a bad move. If you are a member of too many groups, your return on your investment may be diluted. Instead of pointing the finger at them, though, you need to do some soul-searching about your own responsibility. As the old saying goes, “When you are pointing a finger at others, three of your fingers are pointing back at you.”

If quitting doesn’t sound like the right idea, then the first step is to determine what value you add to the group or groups you belong. If you are seen only as a taker instead of someone who gives time and effort, members will shy away from you. Do you have organizational talents that will help the group function better? Can you bring new member prospects to the group to help strengthen and diversify the organization? Giving of yourself willingly will catch the attention of others.

Are you meeting with members individually outside the normal group meetings? No matter whether it is the chamber lunch, the association meeting or the Board of Director’s gathering, developing stronger relationships is impossible at during the scheduled meeting time. Having the group in

up to get more business and nobody has given me anything worthwhile.”

Actually quitting may not be such a bad move. If you are a member of too many groups, your return on your investment may be diluted. Instead of pointing the finger at them, though, you need to do some soul-searching about your own responsibility. As the old saying goes, “When you are pointing a finger at others, three of your fingers are pointing back at you.”

If quitting doesn’t sound like the right idea, then the first step is to determine what value you add to the group or groups you belong. If you are seen only as a taker instead of someone who gives time and effort, members will shy away from you. Do you have organizational talents that will help the group function better? Can you bring new member prospects to the group to help strengthen and diversify the organization? Giving of yourself willingly will catch the attention of others.

Are you meeting with members individually outside the normal group meetings? No matter whether it is the chamber lunch, the association meeting or the Board of Director’s gathering, developing stronger relationships is impossible at during the scheduled meeting time. Having the group in

responsibility. As the old saying goes, “When you are pointing a finger at others, three of your fingers are pointing back at you.”

If quitting doesn’t sound like the right idea, then the first step is to determine what value you add to the group or groups you belong. If you are seen only as a taker instead of someone who gives time and effort, members will shy away from you. Do you have organizational talents that will help the group function better? Can you bring new member prospects to the group to help strengthen and diversify the organization? Giving of yourself willingly will catch the attention of others.

Are you meeting with members individually outside the normal group meetings? No matter whether it is the chamber lunch, the association meeting or the Board of Director’s gathering, developing stronger relationships is impossible at during the scheduled meeting time. Having the group in

instead of someone who gives time and effort, members will shy away from you. Do you have organizational talents that will help the group function better? Can you bring new member prospects to the group to help strengthen and diversify the organization? Giving of yourself willingly will catch the attention of others.

Are you meeting with members individually outside the normal group meetings? No matter whether it is the chamber lunch, the association meeting or the Board of Director’s gathering, developing stronger relationships is impossible at during the scheduled meeting time. Having the group in

n of others.

Are you meeting with members individually outside the normal group meetings? No matter whether it is the chamber lunch, the association meeting or the Board of Director’s gathering, developing stronger relationships is impossible at during the scheduled meeting time. Having the group in common, however, gives you the opportunity to develop more credibility by meeting later over coffee. Be sure to have your appointment book with you to facilitate scheduling these appointments.

Look around you. Who else is needed in the group? This is where you can keep your own needs in mind along with the group’s requirements. Make it your rule to invite guests to all group meetings. Invite those who will be a positive force for the group. Bringing those resource people will enhance your credibility as a member.

After determining which groups you may want to stay as a member, write a plan of action for how you will operate with these organizations. For those that don’t seem to be working, even if you are following this plan, you have one more step. Write a letter of resignation. The extra time will allow you to concentrate you efforts and gain a better return on the investment with the groups you do remain a member.