JP's example about the Chamber of Commerce is very valid: you have to visit, or otherwise find out/talk with someone, about the opportunities, possibilities and expectations in any given club or organization. It sounds like his local Chamber is much more intentional about networking opportunities.
JP, BNI is Business Networking International. It's an international organization with local chapters whose sole intention is learning about each others' business and trying to send business to your fellow club members. Like your Executive group, a chapter only accepts one person from a given profession. I started off as the token martial arts guy
, but now after several good testimonials and other actions to raise the value of my stock, so to speak, by trying to help others and serve the club, many members of the club refer to me as Master Chris with sincere respect of the title and accomplishment.
I don't care about that, per se, but I mention it to raise the point of earning trust and respect over time. So, now I'm the owner of the hottest (and only, which helps
) martial arts studio in town.
Being able and willing to refer business to others, and have them refer to you, as with a Chamber or your Executive's group, only happens with time, understanding and, most importantly, trust. Also, I have come to really appreciate that one has to give before they get, in any aspect of life, including business. My training some people for free is part of that being willing to give.
I forgot to mention earlier about the BNI membership requirement to answer a question asked of me. The requirement is to not exceed three misses in a semester, which is half a year. However, you can have someone else -- not a member who is also attending -- fill in for you. There are spouses, colleagues, and BNI members from other clubs who are generally willing to fill in when needed.
Is this horse dead yet?