Ten Rules to Remember When Networking on the Golf Course
It’s almost that time of year again, the grass is greening, the temperature is climbing and my golf clubs are calling. I have cleaned up my clubs, got all the new balls I will need for the first game and bought my new shoes. I am ready to go.
Every year thousands of people hit the golf courses for fun and business. There more networking done on the golf course as there is during chamber meetings.. When done right it is a great place to build strong referral relationships with your networking friends. After all, you have an extended amount of time with one to four people.
There are a few rules that you might want to be aware of when you hit the course with your referral sources.
1. Leave your cell phone in the car.
2. Use your time building relationships; don’t try to strong arm a deal.
3. Know the rules and etiquette of the game.
4. Don’t over indulge in the booze, this will not build credibility with your referral sources.
5. Don’t lose your temper on the course.
6. No cheating on the scorecard, remember you are trying to build trust.
7. Off colored language, whining or making excuses on the course are not in your best interest.
8. Avoid religious or political conversations.
9. Arrive early to get organized and practice.
10. Dress appropriately in attire that will take you from the links to the clubhouse. Denims, sleeveless shirts and short shorts are not acceptable
Plan strategically who you are playing with; have your best referral source bring someone you really want to meet, and you bring that person your referral source really wants to build a strong relationship
Most of all, enjoy the day.
5 Comments to “Ten Rules to Remember When Networking on the Golf Course”
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Excellent rules to follow for capturing maximum relationship building experiences.
That’s an awesome list! I’ll have to remember that as I’ve made it one of my networking goals for 2010 to network a lot more on the links.
Here’s a question though… What if you’re either a really good golfer or a really bad golfer. If you’re really good, should you dial it back a bit or go all out? What do you do if (like me) you’re really really bad?
Good question Colin, seems many people wonder about how to handle that. It is my belief that you always play your best. I would never recommend that you throw a game. If you are a poor player, go get some lessons, improve you game, ask your guest to tips. Let them know that you are learning and are open to suggestions. Build relationships on the Golf course, but remember relationships need to be built on honesty.
I love these tips for networking on the golf course. Down here in Florida, we play golf year round, and it’s great to know the ins & out of networking on the course.
(And I always recommend a nice polo shirt with your company logo you can wear when you are playing, and golf tees you can share with your logo on them)
Eh bien en France, c’est pareil !
Merci Hazel