The power of Golf

[chanson]

I own an doperate a web development and marketing company which has been doing very well th elast little while and making substantial gains. I have also been a YE member since before I started my company about 14 months ago. I realized in the line of work I do advertising is a bit ineffective(in comparison to a retail product)> Our business thrives mostly of networking and pressing palms!

This year I decided to get a membership at one of the new golf courses which was voted best new course in canada and is host to a professional event this year. WTF does this have to do with anything related to general business you ask?

Well for those of you who play golf you know that it is not a cheap sport and you also know alot of middle aged gentlmen like to play it. So what i do is book a t time during the weekdays by myself and get put into a group that needs an extra. This gives me an opportunity to meet 2 or 3 new peple, and spend 4-5 hours in a casual enjoyable environment. BY getting a membership at one of the nicer courses it also gives me a bit better chance of getting paired up with someone that either has alot of money or good connections etc ets. I also find by telling them Im a member they build some comraderie and want to know more about what you do and your business.

The golf course has made me money and I never realized it until I got out there one day, so if you own a business and your looking for ways to network take up golf!

[SophieM]

That's a great way to network especially the extra in a group bit!

Unfortunately my dad refuses to take me to play golf with him any more....

[chanson]

thats even better. Go on your own after you take a couple lessons or come golf with me in canada.. quick though we only get about 6 days of warm weather lol

[SophieM]

Excellent if I'm ever in Canada and I ever manage to actually hit the ball on the first time of trying I'll let you know!

[SophieM]

I'm having a hard time thinking of any other sports that are really as sociable as golf, where there is actually time to talk during the sport...can anyone think of any similar sports?

[chanson]

Not only that but a sport that you have the "right people" or "target group" that will benefit you networking wise. I also train for mixed martial arts and have met so many good people through that and you really build a strong bond training with them everyday and kicking the snot out of each other.. but there is only so much you can say between shots to the teeth :P

[RLorenzen]

The golf course and country club is one of the best places to do business. I took lessons when I first learned and I loved it. I not only get to have a great time, but I meet so many new contacts.

[Nigami Enterprise]

Go Karting also works well during the weekdays. You get plenty of time to talk during pitt breaks.

[Aletheides]

This makes me want to take some lessons.

[ghart36]

I have recently came to this conclusion also. Golf is definitely an important networking resource, too bad my short game is horrible! Off to the range...

[Iberianwolf]

playing the game since 2004... Golf is an addition once you start.
I totally agree that excellent business opportunities raise during a golf round... the fact you are 4 hours with someone you nay even not met before helps a lot...

[Squandered Halfpints]

Golfing is a great way to network. But if you're a real hacker some people may affiliate your sloppy golf with perceptions of a sloppy business. I've been golfing since I was little and I always dreamed of having a job where I did "business deals" on the course - the kind of stuff you see in the movies.

I found another great networking sport is skiing/snowboarding. I grew up in South Lake Tahoe, CA and I would always ride up the chairlift with tourist. The conversation would start as -this place is so beautiful - to me saying I lived there - to them commenting on buying a house in the area - to me giving them my moms business card (real esate broker). I ski off and later get my referal $$$$.

[BusinessAdviser]

Now, there are plenty of exceptions if you dig hard enough, but the majority of very successful businessmen, especially those involved in sales at all (which almost all are in one way or another), play golf. To be unable really can put you at a disadvantage. I took up the game a few years ago and can play well enough to neither embarrass myself nor annoy others by taking too long. Looking at joining a country club very soon to get to know a wide variety of affluential individuals in the community. Most country clubs offer VERY good prices for junior members, which usually includes those into their 30s at least.

[x3xsolxdierx3x]

Great post! Middle aged men with expendable income......brilliant

[just1guy]

It must be ironic to some to see a younger generation 'rediscovering' things they knew in the past. There's a reason for the 'business deals made on a golf course' cliche.

Since you are a member now, you can possibly expand the the use of golf to include rounds as good customer rewards or organize a specific customer event.