Join the Club

Membership in organizations and associations can be useful.

People tend to do business with people they know-and one of thequickest ways to meet people is through associations. Before yousign on, though, make sure the group is worthy of your investmentof dollars and of time. Will you get the return you seek? To findout, ask yourself these questions before deciding to join agroup:

  • What do I want from this group? Advice? Accreditation?
  • What do I have to give? Time? Money? Referrals?
  • Is the cost greater than the benefit?
  • How committed is the group leadership?
  • Do I like these people?

Once a member, make sure you spend time at the meetings. Andgive the group a fair shot-at least a year-before deciding it'snot for you.

Excerpted from Get Smart: 365 Tips To Boost Your EntrepreneurialIQ

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