Though most of our day-to-day business happens on our screens, it’s still important to carve out time for in-person connections. Networking isn’t just another way to grow your business – it’s a chance to build genuine relationships that can offer personal and professional value.
Private members’ clubs, especially those focused on impact, have become a rare but deeply valuable space for people to connect over shared goals. Whether it’s a passion for sustainability, social justice, or economic reform, these clubs allow people from all backgrounds to exchange ideas, inspire each other, and work together toward real solutions.
At these clubs, you’re not only surrounded by those in your own field but by an array of people whose expertise and viewpoints might be entirely different from yours. An entrepreneur focused on green technology might meet an artist with a passion for environmental activism, or a grassroots organiser could connect with a corporate leader working on inclusive business practices. These crossovers aren’t accidental, but are built into the fabric of the club’s purpose, creating a melting pot of ideas where collaboration and innovation are almost inevitable.
Whether you’re new to these kinds of clubs, or a seasoned veteran, The Conduit, a private members club in London, has put together a few tips to help you get involved and make the most of your experience.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Private Members Club
Go Beyond Business Cards
Focus on making genuine connections, not just expanding your contact list. When meeting someone, ask questions that go a bit deeper—like what brought them to the club or what issues they’re most passionate about solving. This makes the conversation more meaningful, straight off the bat, and creates a groundwork for lasting relationships.
Attend a variety of events – don’t just stick to the ones in your own field. Clubs often host talks, workshops, and casual gatherings; taking them all in helps you meet people in different contexts, where they’re often more open and relaxed.
Stay Curious
Embrace the mmix of perspectives that these spaces naturally attract. Often, the most exciting ideas come from the unexpected conversations you have with people outside your usual circles. We’ve already alluded to the benefits of sitting in on talks that aren’t directly related to your work, and it’s fair to say that this will help you to consider new insights that might apply to your own goals. Don’t shy away from asking questions that reveal what you don’t know – it’s one of the fastest ways to learn and make a memorable impression. Plus, if you’re unsure about something, there’s a good chance someone else is, too, and they’ll be grateful you spoke up.
Get Involved in Club Initiatives
Clubs host programs, workshops, or volunteer opportunities centred around specific social or environmental causes. Whether it’s a monthly sustainability project or an initiative to support local entrepreneurs, these events are golden opportunities to contribute and learn from hands-on experience. If you can, take it a step further—volunteer to help organise or promote these programs. Not only does this show off your skills, but it also lets you connect with others over shared goals.
Be a Regular
Consistency is key. Showing up regularly not only helps you stay updated on what’s happening, but also allows you to become part of the community fabric. Members will start to recognise you, and you’ll begin to see familiar faces, making it easier to strike up conversations and build lasting connections. If possible, create a routine – maybe you always attend a certain weekly event, or drop by at a particular time on a particular day. By building a rhythm, you become someone others look forward to seeing, which can lead to deeper friendships and professional connections.
Experiment and Collaborate
Private member’s clubs can be great incubators for new ideas. If you have a project or an idea that aligns with the club’s mission, don’t be afraid to bring it up. Test the waters by sharing your ideas informally in conversations. People in these spaces are often open to giving feedback or lending a hand if they resonate with your vision.
Some clubs even provide meeting rooms, workshops, or resources to support collaborative projects. Make the most of these resources, and consider organising a small creative session or inviting a few members to help flesh out your concept.
Make Use of the Club’s Expertise and Resources
Many clubs have exclusive access to resources that can help you grow or learn new skills – this could be anything from workshops and lectures to member-only publications or access to subject matter experts.
Take advantage of these offerings to deepen your understanding of new areas or strengthen your existing expertise. If the club offers mentorship programs or connects members with advisors, consider signing up. Getting guidance from someone further along in their journey can be invaluable.
Stay Open and Reflect Often
Every now and then, take a step back and reflect on what you’ve gained from the club and what you’re bringing to it. Think about your experiences, the people you’ve met, and any shifts in your perspective or goals. Staying reflective helps you see the ways the community has impacted you and clarifies how you might contribute going forward.
It can also inspire you to reach out to new people, attend a different kind of event, or even bring fresh ideas to the group. If, after some time, you feel you’re not finding value, it’s okay to look elsewhere – not every club is the right fit, and it’s better to find a place that aligns with your interests.
Things You Might Want To Avoid
Don’t Treat It Like a Transactional Space
Avoid going in with a mindset built purely from the question of “What can I get out of this?”. These clubs are built on shared values and collective goals, so it’s best to approach them with a spirit of collaboration and curiosity. People are more likely to be open if they sense genuine interest, not just an agenda. Instead of trying to sell yourself or your business, focus on understanding others and contributing to meaningful discussions.
Don’t Ignore the Club’s Values
Every club has a unique mission. Whether focused on sustainability, social impact, or economic change, respect the values that shape the club’s activities. Engage with others in ways that align with these principles to build authentic relationships.
Don’t Just Stick with Familiar Faces
It’s natural to gravitate toward people you know or those from similar backgrounds. But if you only interact with a small, familiar group, you’ll miss out on the diverse perspectives and ideas these clubs have to offer. Step out of your comfort zone by joining events where you might not know anyone, or engage with members from different industries. Often, the most unexpected conversations lead to the richest insights.
Don’t Expect Instant Results
Building meaningful connections takes time, especially in purpose-driven communities. You may not see immediate benefits right away, and that’s okay. Try not to pressure yourself to achieve specific outcomes too quickly. Relationships in these spaces are often slow-growing and based on trust, so give yourself time to build rapport naturally.
Don’t Overstep Boundaries
Private clubs are, by nature, intimate spaces. Respecting personal boundaries and confidentiality is crucial, especially in conversations where sensitive or impactful work is discussed. Avoid prying into personal details or pushing for information that isn’t openly shared. Many members are likely working on projects that involve delicate or challenging topics, and maintaining a respectful distance helps foster a sense of trust in the community.
Don’t Rely Solely on the Club for Progress
While these spaces offer valuable resources, connections, and support, don’t make them your sole source of progress or validation. Bring your own energy, ideas, and proactive spirit to the table, and remember that the club is a support system—not a magic fix. The value you get often reflects the value you put in, so don’t expect the club to single handedly advance your goals without effort on your part.
Don’t Dominate Conversations
It’s tempting to share your knowledge and ideas, especially if you’re passionate about a topic. But remember, listening is often just as important as speaking. Avoid dominating discussions, and make space for others to share their perspectives. Not only does this create a more inclusive atmosphere, but it also lets you learn from the experiences and insights of others.
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Follow-Up
Don’t make connections and then let them fizzle out. If you meet someone with whom you had a meaningful conversation, don’t hesitate to follow up. Send a friendly message or suggest a coffee chat to keep the connection alive. Consistent engagement helps build lasting relationships and shows that you value the connections you make.
Why These Clubs Matter
Contrary to common belief, having access to private members clubs isn’t just an announcement of status or wealth. These are places to find collaborators, learn something new, and contribute to shared goals.
By approaching your experience with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to give back, you don’t just enrich your own journey – you become part of something bigger. These connections and shared ideas don’t just stay within the club; they go out into the world, creating ripples of change that extend far beyond a single space.
