We mean BUSINESS!
Doing Business on the Golf Course

In this fast-paced world of Blackberries, cell phones and video-conferencing, it is rare that you have the chance to spend some real quality time getting to know the people with whom you do business.  The business golf game offers the unique opportunity to slow down the pace and build true relationships with potential business contacts.  Think about it – what other venue allows you to have 4-5 hours of uninterrupted rapport time with your business associates?  It’s a golden opportunity – let’s make sure you make the most out of it!

  

Business Golf Tip #1 – Have Realistic Expectations

The most important thing to remember about business golf is why you’re there.  You’re not on the golf course to do a hard sell between shots or to sign multi-million dollar deals on the back of a scorecard.  You’re there to enjoy a friendly game with colleagues/clients/suppliers/customers and in the process build the relationships that could help take your business or career further down the road.  Make the day about the camaraderie, about putting your best foot forward and about getting to know your playing partner.

Business Golf Tip #2 – Observe, Observe, Observe

You can experience the ups and downs of life during one round of golf – success, failure, pressure, relaxation – golf has it all!  Playing 18 holes with a colleague gives you a real window into their personality and can help you determine what they might be like as a business contact.  Did they break their driver by beating the side of a tree that their ball landed behind, or did they laugh about their unfortunate shot and move on?  Did they join you in celebrating your birdie on the 2nd tee, or did the green-eyed monster of jealousy rear its ugly head?  Paying close attention to how someone behaves on the golf course can give you an indication as to whether or not you want to continue or establish a business relationship with them.   

Business Golf Tip #3 – Remember, you’re being observed as well!

While you’re busy sizing up the personality of your playing partner, keep in mind that they will be observing you as well.  They could be looking for clues about your level of competitiveness, how you deal with setbacks, your ethics or your sense of humour.  Be professional, friendly, pay attention to the rules and etiquette of golf, but most importantly, be yourself – that is the easiest way to put your best foot forward.

In addition, here are a few “common sense” rules to keep in mind when you’re golfing with potential or current business associates:

  1. Be courteous and adhere to the rules and etiquette of the game.  (Don’t talk when others are teeing off, don’t walk in the path of someone else’s lie on the green, etc.)
  2. Leave the technology behind – keep your cell phones and PDAs turned off.  Make sure the game and your playing partners have your undivided attention.

  3. Keep the trips to the beverage cart to a minimum – unless it’s for water or Gatorade.  You want to make sure you have a clear head.  Save the celebratory cocktails for the 19th hole.

  4. Keep the game friendly – don’t focus too much on your business goals.  People will be turned off by a hard sell.  If you do want to follow up on a business related matter – ask for contact info after the round is over to touch base at a later time.

  5. Enjoy yourself!  After all, you’re on the golf course breathing fresh air and enjoying a friendly game.  If you’re having fun in the process, that positive energy will come through and contribute to a good impression.

So the next time you’re invited for a round of golf by a business associate, cherish the opportunity to deepen your business relationship.  And have fun!

 


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