| Are you thinking of joining a city or country club? | | | | there is sufficient support for you to get in. |
| If so, you have probably discovered that many of | | | | You can't push for entry into a private club. Your |
| them are centered around an interest or | | | | best bet is to wait for a friend of yours who is a |
| profession. Choose the right one, and take the | | | | member to offer to sponsor you. If you are not |
| time and effort to apply. | | | | getting an invitation as quickly as you'd like, you |
| Private clubs are harder to get into because they | | | | can drop a subtle hint about being interested in |
| are not structured around a hobby or a | | | | joining. |
| profession. These are largely social and can be | | | | Be careful even leaving the most subtle of hints. |
| exclusive. Just because you have things in | | | | This practice can backfire, unless your friend is |
| common with the other members does not mean | | | | fully ready to support you and sponsor you this |
| that you are going to get in. Instead, you have to | | | | can be very awkward for you both. It can even |
| apply for membership and be accepted by every | | | | impair your friendship. |
| other member of the club. | | | | Instead, you need to assess your standing with |
| Applying for membership isn't always that easy. | | | | your friend. Check to see what the friend thinks |
| For some clubs, the membership process can | | | | of you, subtly of course, before you ask your |
| include an interview by board members. The | | | | friend to sponsor you. |
| board will form their impressions then bring up | | | | You are looking for enthusiasm. Ideally your friend |
| your candidacy with the membership at large. | | | | will be wholeheartedly willing to help you get into |
| If you have a sponsor, this is a good time for him | | | | the club. If this is the case, proceed. If your |
| or her to intervene on your behalf. Before a vote | | | | friend's reaction is even a bit negative, you |
| takes place, the sponsor can go around to see if | | | | probably want to back off. |