Spend some time on the Rotary Club website https://www. rotary. org/en, just like you would if it were a college you were applying to. Educate yourself by clicking through each tab on their website, gathering knowledge you may be able to use later in the application process.

See if your city’s Rotary Club has its own website. Some branches have their own questionnaires for applicants, which you should fill out in addition to the one on Rotary’s main page.

This first contact with a Rotary Club rep will be similar to when a job interviewer says, “So tell me a little about yourself. ” Your response should be formatted around Present/Past/Future: first, tell the interviewer about your current profession including its scope and your accomplishments; second, tell the interviewer what past experience has led you to the Rotary Club; and lastly, tell the interviewer how the Rotary Club is part of your future plans of action. [3] X Research source Correspond with your local club representative in a timely, professional manner. Once they’ve reached out to you, don’t take longer than 2 days max to respond to an e-mail or phone call at any point in the process; the quicker you get back to them, the better.

Though networking can be intimidating, it’s one of the most important parts of a successful professional career, and it’s certainly something you should do when you meet the club for the first time.
It is perfectly normal to walk up to strangers, extend your hand for a shake, and introduce yourself—in fact, they’re expecting it.
Make lots of eye contact and ask people questions about their careers and what brought them to the Rotary Club.
Don’t be afraid to talk about your own accomplishments when asked, and don’t downplay them.
E.
g.
instead of, “I’m building a tech start-up right now, but it’s still really very small,” try, “I’ve founded my own tech company and right now we’re looking to expand. ”

Remember that if you don’t get an invitation this time, it doesn’t bar you from joining sometime in the future. Try again at a later point in your career or in a different city![6] X Research source

One of the world’s best networking hacks is to have an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a 30-second spiel you give to pique other people’s interest in you and your current project. It’s all about brevity, so only include information that’s both interesting and relevant.

Rotary Clubs also have scholarships and grants https://www. rotary. org/en/our-programs/grants for young entrepreneurs or humanitarians. Check out their website for more information on how to apply for funding for your project.