Professional Networking Organizations

A few of my friends who have their own small business ventures have joined "professional networking organizations." I must admit, I am extremely skeptical of these organizations. Their purpose is getting small business owners referral busines from other small business owners. Although I think the concept is good, I object somewhat to the large fees that professional networking organiations require for membership. Surely, people could organize these groups independently, pick up their own tab when they went out to eat for networking meetings, and not have to pay any membership dues.

Furthermore, professional networking organizations require you to attend weekly or bi-weekly membership meetings durnig business hours. Shouldn't your average small business owner be working during business hours (and beyond), I wonder? I have heard that marketing and growing your business is the most often-overlooked aspect of business ownership, but I feel like there has to be a better way to address the issue of getting new business than paying for referrals from other business owners in completely different industries.

I can see how they might work, but I wonder if they do work... I shall have to hunt for some success and/or horror stories. If you have one, your comments are most welcome!