Our studies have shown that the groups that have experienced success and longevity have successful inventors as mentors. The primary mission of the group is to build and improve the business skills of its members. This can be accomplished by better educating the members. The overall priority should always be to the member. Ideally, every support group should have a patent practitioner as an active contributing member or member of the Board of Directors.
Any patent can be the deciding factor on whether a new product succeeds or fails.
Do not rely on hearsay or rumors. Find someone qualified to explain the process. Caution is advised that the support group does not become just a vehicle to generate practitioner's business. This could easily evolve into a conflict of interest. Every support group should have a Board of Directors and elected officers.