10 Ways to Network With the Wealthy (When You Aren't Wealthy)

2. Join the country club with a social membership.

Years ago, it was said big business deals were sealed on the golf course. People might bet among themselves while playing. You are not in this league. The fact that you are a lousy golfer is a problem.

Solution: Many country clubs need members. They often offer a cheaper category, the social membership. It takes golf privileges off the table. You get to drink at the bar, dine in the restaurant and attend social events. What more do you need?

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3. Read up on your alma mater’s donor levels.

Schools want to cultivate alumni, getting them in the habit of giving more money as they progress through their careers. Your school might have higher-tier giving categories involving black tie events that are too rich for your blood.

Solution: Read the donor requirements. They might get in at a reduced giving level if you are under age 30. Some museums or large cultural organizations do this too. Do some research, then join the right organization(s) at a reduced rate. Use your age to your advantage.

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4. Join the right gym.

You work in town and live in the suburbs. Where do the wealthy work out, assuming they do not have a home gym? Some apartment complexes have a gym built in. Luxury hotels also have gyms. Upscale neighborhoods have gyms and tennis clubs.

Solution: You intend to work out anyway. Research what the upscale gyms in your area are charging. Is it that different from the gym near your home that is part of a chain? Assuming the prices are similar, join the more prestigious gym.

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5. Get more involved in your congregation.

Let us assume you attend church services on a regular basis. Your congregation likely consists of a cross-section of the community.

Solution: Take the next step and get involved with one of the committees or clubs so you can meet people. Ideally, you want to be in a role that puts you in front of plenty of people. Do they have a coffee hour after services? Always be willing to help. Dress well.

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6. Dig into your family tree.

It’s easy to overlook your family while searching for wealthy individuals in the local area. You think about the family members you see all the time and say, “They have no money,” or “They aren’t rich.”

Solution: Your extended family includes aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. Who are they? Make a chart. What do you know about each of them? Do they know what you do? How are you going to tactfully raise their awareness?

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7. Find the right hobby.

Yes, restoring a muscle car can get expensive. So can owning a boat. Do you have a passion, something that really gets you smiling and excited? It might be wine, coins or stamps. Maybe you got into it as a child and moved onto other things. Dust off your old collection.

Solution: Join a club of like-minded individuals. They will sense your sincere enthusiasm. This will help you get to know them better. Ideally, it’s a hobby that attracts wealthy people.

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8. Pick the right museum.

Cities have cultural institutions that have been around forever. New ones often start up, too. They will be looking for donors to help them get off the ground.

Solution: Get involved with a newer cultural organization where you have an interest. The donor levels and event tickets should be cheaper. Get involved on the fundraising side. You will meet HNW individuals.

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9. Use sports to your advantage.

College-level and professional sports have plenty of local fans spanning the economic spectrum. Unlike a sports car club, you do not need to own the “playing piece” to get in, you just need to be a fan of the team.

Solution: Figure out where people go to watch the game in the wealthy areas near you. Go to the same places. Join the crowd and cheer. Become a regular.

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10. Remind your friends what you do.

Your friends only think they know what you do. We put people in categories. Profiling is a bad word, but most people do it without thinking about it. You are an agent or advisor in your friend’s eyes.

Solution: Everyone asks “How’s business?” You do not want to go into sales mode with your friends, but drip on them with anonymous success stories about how you helped someone. Do they know your firm has a banking side or they do college education planning? Probably not. You are gradually painting a picture. They know people who talk about their problems. Become top of mind as a problem solver.

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