By Tinka Denisheva

“Tinka, do I really need a membership club? Can’t I just network on my own?”

The psychology of belonging and networking success

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs shows that belonging is a fundamental human motivator. When we feel connected to others, our confidence grows, our ideas expand, and our ability to take risks increases.

In business, belonging is not optional—it’s strategic:

• People recommend those they know and trust.
• Opportunities flow where credibility is shared.
• Emotional support turns burnout into momentum and courage.

A membership club transforms isolation into influence, giving you access, trust, and resilience that solo networking rarely provides.

Lessons from Dale Carnegie and Stephen Covey

Dale Carnegie wrote: “You can make more friends in two months by being genuinely interested in others than in two years trying to get people interested in you.”

Stephen Covey advised: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

These principles remind us that networking is not about volume, business cards, or pitches—it’s about connection, listening, and genuine curiosity that builds trust over time.

Three iconic women who built empires through community and belonging

• Kendra Scott (Kendra Scott Jewelry) – Started her business with just $500 and built it through deep community ties—hosting “Kendra Gives Back” events, partnering with local schools and charities, and connecting personally with her customers. Today, her brand is valued at over $1 billion, and her personal net worth is estimated around $900 million, proof that trust and generosity scale.
• Melanie Perkins (Canva) – Co-founded the platform after building a loyal community of design students and educators who believed in her mission to make design simple for everyone. By involving users in co-creation and fostering a collaborative community, Canva has become a global giant valued at over $26 billion, with Melanie and her husband’s combined fortune estimated at $11.5 billion.
• Beyoncé (Parkwood Entertainment, BeyGOOD) – Turned fan engagement into an empowered, purpose-driven community. Through initiatives like BeyGOOD, she amplified her message of resilience, empowerment, and belonging, converting audience trust into cultural and business influence. As of 2025, her net worth is estimated at $780 million, driven by a fiercely loyal and engaged community.

Each of these women proves that businesses don’t rise alone—they rise on trust, community, and belonging.

Seven reasons to join a membership club today

• Access to opportunities that happen only through trusted introductions.
• Instant credibility when you’re part of a respected network.
• Shared knowledge that saves you years of mistakes.
• Accountability that keeps you consistent even on hard days.
• A safe space to ask for feedback, support, and honest advice.
• Amplification of your name in rooms you haven’t entered yet.
• Emotional fuel and confidence that only belonging can give.

Seven steps to make the most of a membership club

• Be intentional—choose a club aligned with your mission and values.
• Show up regularly—consistency builds familiarity and trust.
• Follow Dale Carnegie’s advice: be genuinely curious about others.
• Follow Stephen Covey’s principle: think win-win, seek understanding first.
• Create micro-moments of value—introductions, shared resources, celebrating wins.
• Be reliable—keep promises, follow up, and show integrity in every interaction.
• Give freely—buy their books, attend their events, support their launches—without expecting anything in return.

Three-week action plan to leverage membership effectively

Week 1 – Explore with curiosity

• Research 3–5 clubs aligned with your purpose.
• Attend an introductory session and engage with members.
• Learn about their journeys—read their books, listen to their podcasts, understand their work and vision.

Week 2 – Engage and add value

• Officially join one club and introduce yourself authentically.
• Invite members to coffee chats or virtual meetups.
• Join their webinars, attend their masterminds, purchase their services to show genuine support.
• Offer help with your expertise or network—give value before asking for anything.

Week 3 – Build consistency and advocacy

• Follow up with five members to thank or reconnect.
• Make thoughtful introductions between women who can help each other.
• Show up again at the next meeting or event to deepen familiarity.
• Celebrate their achievements publicly and privately, building trust that lasts.

Repeat this every month and you’ll see Covey’s “trust deposits” grow, turning strangers into allies and connections into opportunities.

Closing thoughts

Joining a membership club isn’t about paying a fee or adding a badge to your profile—it’s about entering a circle where your presence, your story, and your mission are truly seen and supported.

When you approach it with generosity, curiosity, and consistency, you won’t just build contacts—you’ll build a community that believes in you and carries your name further than you ever could alone.