23rd
February
2007
Business Golf Guidelines
posted in Business, Etiquette |When you mix golf and business, as many people do, there are a few rules and guidelines that you should follow to help make it a successful experience. Usually, playing a game of golf with a corporate executive or potential client is somewhat different from playing a round with your college buddies. These guidelines will steer you in the right direction:
- Obey proper golf etiquette - rake sand traps, repair divots, don’t talk during someone’s back swing. Respecting the rules of the golf course shows that you will be more likely to obey the rules of business too.
- Don’t try to make a hard sell on the course - if this is your first time golfing with this person, you should focus on getting to know them on a personal level after 18 holes. You do not have to make the sale while you are golfing, there will be plenty of time for that after you’ve built a relationship.
- Show composure - if you get frustrated after a bad shot and begin swearing and throwing clubs, you are exposing how you would react in a similar business situation. Remain level headed on the golf course and this will show that you know how to handle pressure and unexpected difficulties in business.
- Avoid giving unasked for advice - do not offer up advice about your golf partner’s swing unless you are Tiger Woods or the advice was requested. Most likely, there is no simple tip that you can give that will drastically improve your partner’s game.
- Relax and have fun - be yourself and enjoy the game. Your potential business partner will most remember the enjoyable experience of golfing with you and equate this with the possibility of developing an enjoyable business relationship with you.
Of course, there are many things that are not covered here but by following these guidelines, you should be able to lay the groundwork for a successful business relationship. Feel free to comment on any other guidelines that you may have discovered in your career.
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