Networking, the best way to grow your practice

I went along to one of these meetings as a guest of a printer who had gone to meetings in one town for over a year, awaiting an opening in the town where his business was. He attended very regularly and worked hard to give referrals. However, the referrals didn't generate the level of business required (he refused to play the over-egging the pudding game that others were playing) and he was eventually kicked out.
Membership had to be paid by monthly standing order, and as their accountant I never saw one invoice.
I would have liked to join myself before I knew of the above problems, however, the entire area seems to have been snatched by one firm of accountants with several offices. At the meeting I went to, the fat cat accountant even fell asleep. I recall that there were around six other accountants presenting as guests on that day. I guess, if you can get in at the start of a chapter, then never let go....

'Word of mouth' (WOM) is always cited as the principle means of getting new clients but I would have thought it could be augmented by showing you have expertise via your clients and get them to be your best advocates. Otherwise, all you're doing is engaging in a talking shop? Or have I missedsomething here. I know that professional referrals are always welcome - we all trust whom we trust - but the real relationship is with clients, not peers - isn't it?