Recurring Theme: Build Relationships
Start by recognizing that everyone is busy. They probably do not have time to do much for the group (or at least that is what they think). So, we need to start out slow. For those that are regular members of your group, start off by asking them to do things during the meeting. Maybe you want to have them go around and pick business cards for the drawing or watch the swag table so things do not walk. Once you engage them at the meeting and get to know them (and they get to know you) they will be more interested in doing more for you.
Then ask them to do small but easy things for the group. That might look like this:
1) Hey Jack, can you do me a favor. I heard Citrix is coming out with a new product and I am thinking our group might be interested in learning more about it. Would you mind doing a bit of research on the product and give me your opinion on how interesting it may be to our group?
2) Hey Randy, I wonder if you could do me a favor sometime in the next couple weeks? Answer: what is it? Our topic next month is going to be on Application Virtualization and I was wondering if you would mind looking online to get me some Links of new news about Application Virtualization that I can use to share with our members next month. Also, if you happen to stumble on any local companies in the space, send me their URL so I can reach out to them to sponsor the meeting.
3) I was thinking that I would like to put together a slide of online and local training classes that are available on XYZ topic. Would you mind doing a bit of research for me to see if you can find any. If you do, just send me whatever you get and I will followup.
Whatever you do ... never, Never, NEVER give a brand new person a hard task like calling on a potential sponsors. That is something you have to work up to. If they have a relationship with someone, then you can have them call from the beginning but DO NOT ask them to do any cold calling!!!! In fact, even if they volunteer, thank them but do let them take on that pressure. Eventually, after you work with them for several months and they read up on how to do it, you can let them do it for you. For the really hard stuff like getting sponsor, the leader of the group ALWAYS needs to be involved. This is not something you can pawn off on other leaders. Others may eventually be responsible for it but it will always be your job too!