If you do not enter the tiger's cave, you will not catch its cub.

As with any business opportunity there is risk and reward. Other than the financial and time risk of networking groups, the real risk is personal vulnerability and trust. There will be many times where you have to extend your trust to someone you barely know in order to get the ball rolling. Let’s say that you own a carpet cleaning business and you have a new client who just mentioned to you that they are in the market for all new blinds, shades, and drapes. There is a lady in your networking group who provides this service, but you have spent very little time getting to know her and you are nervous about passing a referral because this new clients seems like they could be an ideal client for you in the long run. They also have a bunch of oddly shaped windows and you are sure that the job referral you are passing is a big one. While from the outside this may seem like a no brainer, when you are in the thick of it sometimes this is a very difficult decision.

You joined the group to get referrals, and so did everyone else. This only works if everyone is giving referrals. A group full of takers gets nothing. There will be plenty of times where even though you have not be given an equal amount of referrals you will have to give a few big ones on faith.

You will also have to dive into a few referral situations and potentially put your reputation on the line. You may over hear two members having a conversation about a deal going down that would be a great referral for you. You may just have to bud in and get involved.

You may also have to do some less than pleasant work for an influential member of the group to prove yourself. You joined the group to grow your business. Do whatever it takes to make that reality.