The Rebbe responds to someone considering coming to study by him and be among Chassidim. He advises not to rush, and suggests that for now it's better to strengthen local Torah learning and outreach, noting that spreading Chassidus may hold even greater personal and communal value than being in the Rebbe's presence.
https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/004_igros_kodesh/iyar/1018