9 ways to reach clients in a big city

Do: Make friends. Volunteer. Get to know your religious leader. From time to time members of the congregation approach them for financial advice. You are a resource.

5. Homeowners associations:  If you make a comfortable living, chances are your neighbors are in similar circumstances. Neighborhood or resident’s associations are a good way to meet them.

Don’t: Look outside your neighborhood unless you are joining a city organization open to residents. You are a stakeholder in the place you live.

Do: Attend meetings, listen and learn about the politics. Learn the issues important to fellow neighbors. If you feel the same way, that’s an interest in common.

6. Alumni association – Many graduates maintain a link with their college. It gives you a common bond with all alumni regardless of age or social position.

Don’t: Be discouraged if your school is far away. They likely have a local alumni club that meets monthly over lunch. Do they feature speakers?

Do: Widen your horizons. High schools, prep schools and graduate schools usually have alumni groups. 

7. Hospitals – Visit the lobby and look at the plaques. People often give plenty of money to the hospital that saved their life.

Don’t: Limit yourself to the high profile hospitals when considering donating or volunteering. Raising your visibility can be expensive.

Do: Consider children’s hospitals or those focused on a specific disease. They do important work, yet may have a lower profile in the metro area.

8. Country clubs – They provide a relaxed, private environment. This has value to senior executives and other wealthy residents. You want to mingle with them.

Don’t: Be discouraged if it’s so exclusive that there’s a waiting list and other barriers to entry. When you consider initiation fees, dues and monthly minimum spending thresholds, it can be expensive.

Do: Learn about city clubs and yacht clubs. Often they have a bar, restaurant and possibly overnight accommodations. Many have experienced a decline in popularity. They can be an overlooked alternative.

9. Special interest clubs – Successful people often own classic cars, RVs or private planes. They like to affiliate. You can too.

Don’t:  Embarrass yourself. If you join a sports car club, the members will want to see your sports car. It can’t always be in the shop. You are expected to own the playing piece.

Do: Join a wine club. Wine is a great crossover category of collecting. Wealthy people collect yet the field doesn’t have high cost barriers of entry for newcomers. Enthusiasts often enjoy sharing their knowledge with newcomers who are eager to learn.

Be involved for the right reasons. The community supports your business and provides your clients. You want to give back. Invest the time to get to know people and give them the chance to get to like you. Choosing the right organizations provides the opportunity to socialize in a less competitive environment.