Young people are networking on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. It might leave you wondering if private clubs are relevant.
“That is the fun of it,” said Richelle Tragge, the General Manager of the Skyline Club in Southfield. “How do you stay relevant to the younger people you have in your club?”
At the Skyline Club, which is located on the 28th floor of the Town Center Building in Southfield, membership has increased since 2011.
Tragge says one reason is the club has made a concerted effort to reach out to young professionals and show them the value of face to face networking.
“The biggest value of membership is the people you meet while you are here,” said Tragge.
The club offers access to many clubs around the country that offer everything from golf to recreation.
The Skyline Club itself offers a fitness center, fine dining, meeting space, and networking events.
“Mingling with professionals can really benefit your career,” said Tony DeKroub, a member of the Oak Pointe Country Club in Brighton, a sister club of the Skyline Club.
He and his wife Renee say the membership has benefited not only their business but their family.
“Our children, we have them experience different things in life, different cultures, different food. The club is part of that,” said Renee DeKroub.
“I assume there are a lot of networking opportunities for people like me, who are still in school,” said Zack Brown, their son, who says he plans to join the club someday.
Brown says he plans to join the club. When he does, the Skyline Club says he will pay less than his dad.
To encourage younger professionals to join, they are charged lower rates. At the Skyline Club memberships start around $115 per month.
“Those younger to mid-age members are the ones that keep clubs thriving,” said Tragge.
