Some clubs are founded around your job or your hobbies, and some are purely social. In general, city or country clubs are focused on shared interests, and members tend to have things in common. Joining one of these is not that hard, so long as you are also involved in the hobby or profession that the others share.

The situation is different for private clubs. Private clubs are harder to get into because they are just for fun and pride themselves on exclusivity. It won't be enough to just have interests in common with members. You have to be voted in by the entire membership.

Applying for membership isn't always that easy. For some clubs, the membership process can include an interview by board members. The board will form their impressions then bring up your candidacy with the membership at large.

Before this vote, your sponsor will likely be busy behind the scenes assessing the level of support for your candidacy. He or she will be talking with the other members to see if they are going to vote for you to get in.

Generally if you want to join a private club, it's best to wait for a friend to offer to sponsor you. You can hint if your friend does not offer, or if you think it's taking too long to get them to offer. Try mentioning that you wanted to join this club.

Be careful even leaving the most subtle of hints. This practice can backfire - unless your friend is fully ready to support you and sponsor you this can be very awkward for you both. It can even impair your friendship.

Instead, you need to assess your standing with your friend. Check to see what the friend thinks of you - subtly of course - before you ask your friend to sponsor you.

You are looking for enthusiasm. Ideally your friend will be wholeheartedly willing to help you get into the club. If this is the case, proceed. If your friend's reaction is even a bit negative, you probably want to back off.