Why Golf Can Be an Amazing Networking Tool: 6 Reasons to Build a Golf Network
By Bradley Turner, Keiser University College of Golf Director of Online Golf Instruction – MBA, PGA
Building your business network seems to be an American obsession, with a plethora of social media platforms vying for your attention. While expanding your connections through social media and the internet is a good idea, don’t forget about some good old-fashioned strategies that can build meaningful relationships with like-minded individuals. Golf is a unique opportunity to connect with potential clients and strategic partners in a relaxed and beautiful environment. Instead of entertaining customers at sporting events or music concerts where conversation can be limited, golf allows you plenty of focused time with your customer. Here are six reasons why golf can be an amazing networking tool for you and your associates.
Golf Business Networking
Listening and learning from seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the golf industry is paramount for both aspiring and seasoned individuals within the community. The golf industry thrives on a culture of collaboration, where the wisdom and insights of veterans play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the sport. Professionals who have been immersed in the nuances of golf for many years possess a wealth of knowledge, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of the game’s evolution. By actively engaging with these industry stalwarts, individuals can glean valuable insights, learn from historical trends, and gain a profound understanding of the dynamics that drive success in golf. The collaborative spirit within the golf community fosters a supportive environment where mentorship and shared experiences contribute to the continuous improvement and development of everyone involved, from players to instructors and administrators.
1. A Real Connection with Others
As a business professional, playing golf by yourself does not make good business sense. If you are going to spend four or five hours at the golf course, why not invite others to join your tee time? Connecting with others is something that the COVID pandemic has exposed to most of us…we need human interaction. There is an innate need to connect with others. Golf is the perfect sport to enjoy a great outdoor activity in the company of like-minded professionals. For the business owner, you have three times more chance of developing a new customer if you connect with others on the golf course. You never know who you will be paired with on the golf course, which can change the direction of your career.
2. Expand Your Business Network
If you are a small business owner in your local community, joining a golf club could be a savvy business opportunity. The more golf you play, the more likely it is that you can meet influential people who can help expand your business. If you are employed in a position that requires meeting potential customers, inviting them out for an afternoon of golf is a great way to build your customer network. If you are a great entertainer on the golf course with your clients, they will soon refer you to others. Expanding your golf network will expand your business network, too!
3. More Informal than a Business Event or Meeting
Golf is known as the sport of the business world. One of the primary reasons is that those who play the game are often influential in their communities and have financial resources to play the game. Joining a golf club has been a business strategy for over a century in America. Conducting business in a golf setting is a much more relaxed atmosphere than in a company conference room. People like to do business with people they like. After a round of golf and a post-round beverage, you will know if this business relationship will flourish or fizzle. Golf is amazing in revealing the character of those who play the game.
4. Golf Reveals Your True Character – On and Off the Course
You can learn a lot about a person by spending the day on the golf course with them. This is especially true when you are playing with experienced golfers who know the game. Do they accept the inevitable bad golf shot with humility, or do they begin making excuses? Do they pontificate on your golf game while they struggle to break 100? If they don’t play golf honorably, as in playing by the Rules of the Game, rest assured they have justified the reason to cheat, which may be how they conduct business. If an individual wants to win so badly that they pull out the foot wedge or miraculously finds the golf ball that was deep in the woods, you might want to consider future problems if you build a business relationship with this individual.
5. Provides an Opportunity to Impress Others with Your Skill Set
If you are an accomplished player, you will automatically impress your group with your golf skills. According to the USGA, the average golfer’s handicap is about a 14. However, only 12% of all golfers have an established handicap that can be verified by the USGA. Suffice it to say that if you can break 80, you are an amazing golfer in the eyes of those that wish to have your golf skills. How you manage this adoration is important in building your network of contacts and business associates. Be careful not to complain about any slight mistakes or mishit golf shots that are better than the best shots from your foursome. You do not want to be perceived as an arrogant know-it-all. Let your clubs do the talking and simply encourage others throughout the round.
6. You’re Able to Talk Business While Having Fun
It will not take very long in your round when you know that talking business will be a good idea. Some people want to talk business after the round, and others are fine as the round unfolds. Either way, you want to have fun with your group and avoid getting too competitive if you are playing a match. It is advisable to always keep your wager on the low side… in the end, you are not playing to make money. A friendly golf match combined with discussing business opportunities is a fun day on the golf course while making the day at the office a productive one.
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Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-344-4964.
