When I say “investment,” I’m referring not only to the financial cost but also to the commitment—and above all, the time they require.
The shortest answer would be: Yes… but. And that “but” is a significant one.
I would give the same answer to someone asking me, “Is entrepreneurship worth it, or should I remain an employee?” My response would be: Yes, entrepreneurship is wonderful—but it depends on several factors, the most important of which is you. Not everyone is meant to run a business, just as not everyone is suited to joining a networking club.
In my opinion, the single most important ingredient for succeeding in these clubs is your personality.
Your personality is far more important than the product or service you are trying to promote. Before selling your business, you must first learn to sell yourself. Members of your networking group need to appreciate and respect you for who you are. You must build a strong and memorable personal brand in the minds of your peers.
It is essential that your face and your name become associated with excellence and expertise in your field. You cannot simply be another coach, another consultant, or another caterer. You need to stand out. Your friendliness, professionalism, and charisma should inspire confidence. Ultimately, you want to become the reference in your profession—the first person people think of when they need your services.
I say this because, over the years, a large number of entrepreneurs have asked me for my opinion after experiencing complete disappointment with local networking clubs. Many told me that after one or even two years of membership, they had not received a single purchase order, referral, or meaningful recommendation.
So the real question becomes:
Should we blame the networking clubs when things don’t work out, or should we first look in the mirror and honestly evaluate our own efforts?
Have we done everything possible to build meaningful relationships? Have we scheduled one-on-one meetings to strengthen those connections? Have we followed up consistently on every potential business opportunity?
Having been a member of the CDD networking club for nearly two years—and having attended many other networking organizations as a guest—I observed one recurring pattern: passivity.
Many members attended meetings regularly but seemed to expect a miracle. They believed business would naturally come their way simply because they were members or because they showed up at every event.
The reality is very different.
Business is rarely handed to you—it must be earned. Opportunities are created through strong relationships, persistent effort, and thoughtful, personalized follow-ups.
Those who are not willing to take networking and business development seriously may be better off exploring other strategies that better match their personality.
For example, many entrepreneurs would benefit more from working with a qualified digital marketing agency. Through online advertising, sponsored social media campaigns, and Google Ads, they can generate inbound leads that come directly to them, reducing the need for traditional networking and field prospecting. While this approach may require a larger financial investment, it can be far better suited to individuals who are less comfortable with face-to-face networking. (I’d be happy to recommend reputable agencies if needed.)
On the other hand, for those who genuinely want to learn how to present themselves confidently and sell their services more effectively, I strongly recommend coaching or training focused on the fundamentals of sales excellence, communication, soft skills, strategy, and relationship building.
With these skills, winning people’s trust, building lasting relationships, and converting opportunities into business becomes significantly easier.
I’m always available to help with that part of the journey.
— Karim Kadiri
May 8, 2026