Young Executives Networking At Private Clubs Once seen as the domain of an elite few, Brisbane's private CBD clubs are being increasingly embraced by some of the city's top young executives. The Brisbane Polo Club has reported a 60 per cent increase in the number of young executives joining its ranks since 2012, with 35 per cent of those new memberships belonging to women. Bank West Business Development Manager Leighton Crisp, 27, is among a new group of business leaders changing the perception that the Brisbane institution and those like it are little more than an old boys' clubs. For Mr Crisp, his Polo Club membership is a guarantee of "quality and confidentiality and privacy." "When you are discussing contract and financing issues, you don't want to be discussing it in a public environment," he said. Recently named as one of the 30 under 30 "Making A Mark" by the Brisbane branch of the Australian Institute of Management, Mr Crisp said today's business environment necessitated "going above and beyond" for a client. "[Membership to a club] helps seal the deal," he said. The apparent trend coincides with a rapid expansion in the use of online professional networking tools. In March, it was reported that the popular networking website LinkedIn had recruited its four millionth member. Mr Crisp acknowledged that LinkedIn had become an invaluable tool for conducting business. His own online profile has seen him generate more than 500 professional connections. However, he said online networking complemented, rather than replaced, traditional networking. You don't connect with people without meeting them. You want to meet them first ... That's where the club comes into play," he said. Michelle Cooper of the Australian Institute of Management agreed. She said online hubs could not offer the same opportunities as traditional face-to-face networking. It doesn't allow you to engage all your communication skills ... It doesn't allow you to read [other people's] tone or body language. Cooper said the importance of professionals cultivating their people skills should not be underestimated. "It's definitely a skill, it's definitely an art," she said. People that are astute enough to realise that will make a big impact on their career. Ms Cooper said a club environment could facilitate that process, allowing individuals to "show their formal talents and informal talents, both at their peer level and more senior level."