I have been a member of the BuRG networking group, and its predecessor groups, for more than 18 years. I have invested a tremendous amount of my time, and energy, into this networking group. It is the BEST investment that I have ever made in my life. First let me talk about the core members. There are close to a dozen members who have been a part of the group for a number of years. They are among the best friends that I have ever made. The value of long-term, professional relationships simply cannot be overstated. Then there are the other members, people who have joined, and left, the group, over the past 18 years. They number in the hundreds. Many people have good reason to leave a networking group, including changing employers or even careers. And every year new members join us. For long-term members of the BuRG, this means a constant exposure to an ever-changing group of professionals. Some of my best current clients are former members of the group, or referrals I received from former members. A good networker stays in touch with members who leave the group, creating an ever-widening network of contacts. Joining the BuRG networking group (and its predecessor 18 years ago), was the single most important, and successful, business decision that I have made in my career.