Common Business Golf Mistakes
The golf course and the golf club are established to be just as crucial as the boardroom and a pen in closing important business deals. Along with the game, many a transaction can be lost and won on the fairway. Because of its high stakes, business golf is consciously becoming integrated into company strategy with specialized organizations even giving courses on how to maximize the edge that business golf can lend to your operations and bottom line.
Aside from getting exercise and a tan, business golf is a way to network, build relationships and develop one’s business. A lot more is on the line than just a friendly game and one of the most common business golf mistakes is not taking its potential seriously enough. Although employing it, many employees and even executives still tend to see business golf as merely a fun activity and a chance to get out of the office. But for business golf to be used effectively, the golf course should be seen as an extension of the office with corporate objectives.
One mistake that arises from not attaching firm corporate objectives to business golf is that the game takes precedent and business is secondary. Thus, business golf is only played with an outside chance that opportunities will be found and developed. Remember that business golf is a tool, a new venue to conduct business. Connections made on the golf course should be followed up on. Although a seemingly natural step, many businesses overlook this important phase, even forgetting to bring business cards to exchange. Business golf can open up many opportunities and your line of attack has to be ready to extend beyond the course. If your foresight does not extend to after the 18th hole, the benefits can be limited. A simple phone call, a visit to the office or an invitation for another golf outing should not be overlooked.
Just as one approaches the game of golf with a strategy, so should business golf be tackled with the same approach. The people on the round are a critical factor in the success of your efforts. It is important to invite the right people to the golf course. Depending on your objectives, the definition of the “right people†can vary. Once you know your objectives, you will have to consider if it will be more beneficial to invite people based on group dynamics or on the potential for business opportunities they may represent.
Even if you have invited the right people, many opportunities can still be missed if you fail to read them correctly. Reading the golf course can make your game more effective and similarly, you should know when to pounce or hold back when interacting with a potential business network on the green. Communication in business golf requires a certain amount of savvy because the balance between casual conversation and business has to be struck. Even if you are good at golf, it will not benefit you or your organization if you miss the opportunity to talk business or even if you raise the topic at the wrong time. As mentioned earlier, one must remember that they are playing golf with a business objective and not solely for leisure.
Further, the persona one portrays on the golf course can be taken as an indication of how they are as a business person. Aside from neglecting basic golf etiquette, another common business golf mistake is forgetting that aside from trying to build contacts or close a sale, you are also trying to sell and market yourself and your organization. Experts say that while the power of business golf should be respected in order to utilize effectively, it is also important not to take the game too seriously. Playing with too much intensity can deaden the laid back atmosphere which is conducive to closing a deal just as throwing your golf clubs around can speak poorly of your organization or your ability to handle pressure.
Some other business golf “boo boosâ€, which are overlooked are speeding in the golf cart, giving unsolicited golf tips and failing to tip locker room attendants. Because golf is a game that requires a great deal of concentration, leave your cellular phones and beepers at home and if you’re going to bet on a round, have cash ready and never give IOUs. Business golf is replacing cocktails and lunches as a venue to conduct business. Like other social events, it requires savvy and social graces. While you may feel pressured to let your opponent win, remember that doing so may not inspire trust. Avoid the temptation however to see the game as a competition.
Because it combines leisure with business, it is easy to overlook many things and commit many mistakes. But just like the game, there are many variables that if played properly and with foresight can give you the advantage. If played haphazardly, however, the outcome can be costly.
