Teeing Up For Business: How Golf Can Get You in the Game
By Pam Swensen
What we’ve heard all along is a myth. Deals are seldom finalized on the golf course. However, that is where many deal-closing relationships are made. Women who play golf have an added advantage for greater business success. Shouldn’t you get in the game?
While it is a myth that many business deals are closed on the golf course, don’t be confused—many are started and sealed there. Business golf is not a meeting moved outdoors. The fine points of a contract probably will be covered at another time. But what transpires during a round of golf can be the foundation for a lasting business relationship. Golf provides the opportunity to spend as much as 4 to 6 hours of quality time with a business client or colleague. Few other venues offer such an extended period to interact and develop mutual respect.
It has been said that golf brings out the best and worst in people, which is why so many business leaders play golf with important clients, suppliers and potential hires. Many of the rules of golf apply to the business world—being prepared, paying attention, assessing situations quickly and maintaining one’s composure. The game allows a player to know your other playing partners’ personalities.
Situations created on the golf course reveal how the player responds to success or failure, performance under pressure and how well you abide by the rules and ethics of the game. These characteristics are all key aspects of business relationships. That’s why business golf isn’t as much about closing the deal as it is about developing the relationships that give you the ability to close the deals. As more and more women add golf to their repertoire for business success, to those who don’t play I say, "Can a businesswoman afford NOT to play golf?"
To take advantage of golf for business here are ome things to keep in mind:
Know Your Purpose: Going into a business golf opportunity without identifying a purpose is like going into a business meeting without an agenda—it isn’t likely to produce the results you want! Identify what you want to get out of the time together and what your playing partners get as well.
Plan Your Outing: Based on your business purpose, you should plan your outing the same way you plan a business meeting, a lunch meeting or presentation. Choices and details should be made and arranged in advance to ensure they align with your business purpose. Set expectations up front for all participants, so there are no surprises.
Interaction with Others: Focus on your business purpose. You aren’t there to shoot your best round of golf ever (even though it would be nice). Check yourself on every hole—are you focused on your business purpose?
Know Golf Course Etiquette: Your golf skill is secondary. If you know golf course etiquette, everyone will enjoy joining you for a game of golf. You should know when to talk and when not to talk, where to stand when others are making a shot, how to take care of the course, where to drive the cart, pace of play, cell phone etiquette, how to tip and how to dress.
Have Basic Golf Skills: Remember, you have a day job and the goal here is business. However, a basic game is necessary. Here are some benchmarks: can you hit the ball at least 100 yards; do you know the basic techniques for chipping, putting, pitching and sand; are you 100% confident that you know how to get around a golf course in a courteous manner?
Using golf for business can enhance your career and it is a sport you can enjoy throughout your life. Don’t be left in the office or relegated to driving the beverage cart when you can be teeing up for business.
Pam Swensen is CEO of the Executive Women’s Golf Association, providing opportunities for women to learn, play and enjoy the game of golf for business and for life. She can be reached online at www.ewga.com.
Reprinted by permission
© Balance Magazine – Personal Growth for Women
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