Most networking groups prioritize regular attendance because consistent participation increases the chances of building strong relationships that lead to referrals.
There can be many legitimate reasons for missing a meeting, such as holidays, illness, family emergencies, unavoidable meetings, and last-minute business trips. However, here are some tongue-in-cheek excuses that shouldn't be used:
You have all the business you need, now and in the future.
You have just won the lottery.
You have taken a vow of poverty.
You hate to succeed.
You don’t like sharing your contacts with others who can help your friends and acquaintances.
Membership in a business networking group, like any other organization, comes with responsibilities, and one of the most important is attendance.
Why should you attend every meeting?
Networking is like surfing. Once you catch a wave, you must maintain your momentum or risk being thrown off and left behind. As you struggle to regain your footing, you see your fellow surfers enjoying the ride, moving forward without you.
But don’t despair—there will be another wave, just as there will be another meeting next week, giving you another chance to ride the wave to success.
Many people misunderstand attendance policies at networking organizations. These policies are not designed as punishments. They exist to ensure everyone remains engaged and benefits from the group's activities.
For planned absences like holidays, most groups allow you to send a substitute to represent you, keeping your business in people's minds.
Unexpected absences, such as those due to illness, are understandable. Most groups recognize that illness happens and will make allowances for it.
Returning to the surfing analogy, if you miss a meeting (fall off the wave), your fellow surfers might notice your absence momentarily, but their focus will quickly shift back to staying on their own waves. In networking, like surfing, the focus is on the present and future, not the past.
When you can’t attend a meeting, ensure you are represented. By doing so, you keep your company in the minds of your colleagues, increasing your chances of being referred and gaining new business.