If you are looking at your calendar and sagging under the weight of your commitments, now might be a good time to start making plans to gracefully exit (or run for the door) from association memberships that aren't returning on your investment.

Start by making a list of your current memberships, then ask yourself these four questions as suggested by Jaimie Fields, Esq. in her recent blog post, "Re-Evaluate Your Associations."

1.  How long have you been a member?

2.  Do you like the people in the group?

3.  Have you received any business from the group?

4.  Are you learning anything by being a part of the group that will help you in your career?

If your answer is NO to these questions, then it's time to revisit your commitment. But, before you drop them altogether, consider...

• Have you given the organization enough time to really know its value?
• Do you really dislike your fellow members?
• Have you been a good source of business yourself?

As you race to the 2012 finish line, your time is your most precious commodity. Don't invest it where there is no return. At the same time, be sure others are making a good investment in groups you belong to by being a source of business for them where appropriate.

And, just because you leave a group does not mean you have to leave all the relationships you have formed. Stay in touch with the people you do like. Perhaps you will start your own group!

Until next time,

Robin