The best networking groups have something you can feel the moment you walk in – a kind of energy that’s hard to define, but impossible to fake. But what happens when that energy fades?
It’s more common than you think. A group that once felt vibrant and valuable can start to drift – into habit, into repetition, into something that still functions, but no longer thrives. Sometimes, it’s subtle. Fewer introductions. Lighter conversations. Familiar faces, but no real forward motion.
This isn’t a failure. It’s a sign. And it’s one that both organisers and attendees can respond to – with attention, with creativity, and with a renewed sense of shared purpose.
What Does “Coasting” Look Like?
- You recognise almost everyone in the room – but haven’t made a new connection in weeks.
- People come late, leave early, or disengage during sessions.
- Event formats rarely change. Speakers are familiar. So are the topics.
- There’s energy at the start – but no follow-up. No momentum.
None of these are dealbreakers on their own. But together, they paint a picture: one of a group that’s running on routine, not intention.
For Organisers: Shake the Format
Sometimes, a small change is enough to reawaken attention. Try breaking the rhythm:
- Invite a speaker from a completely different industry.
- Introduce an activity that encourages pair work or unexpected connections.
- Change the setting – switch rooms, try an outdoor session, or surprise people with breakfast instead of evening drinks.
You don’t have to overhaul everything. You just need to show that attention is still being paid.
For Attendees: Contribute With Intention
It’s easy to fall into passive mode – showing up, waiting to be impressed, and drifting out unchanged. But the best networking happens when attendees participate. Try this:
- Set a micro-goal before each event – make one new connection, ask one person about their current challenge, offer one idea freely.
- Circle back. Reconnect with someone from a past event and check in on their progress.
- Give feedback. Thoughtful input helps organisers stay attuned to what’s working – and what isn’t.
Organisers don’t create energy alone. They hold the space for it. The rest is co-created.
Signs of a Group That’s Evolving
If things feel different lately – don’t assume it’s bad. A quieter event might be brewing new depth. A shift in faces might mean fresh perspectives are arriving. Look for:
- New types of conversations
- People showing up with more clarity, less pitch
- Moments of stillness – followed by surprising breakthroughs
Change doesn’t always feel electric. Sometimes, it feels like focus.
Coasting Isn’t the End – It’s the Nudge
If your networking group has lost a little spark, it’s not a crisis. It’s a cue. A chance to look again at why the group exists, what people need from it now, and how everyone involved can help shape what’s next.
Every group drifts, eventually. What matters is how – and whether – it finds its way back.
