Since launching IBGS’s business/social networking group, Business Golf Country Club, almost two weeks ago, I have been getting a large number of emails asking me what the BGCC has got to offer that other groups don’t.
BGCC is NOT a ‘Group’
Well, for one thing, the BGCC is a serious club, not a group. In a group there usually is no gatekeeper to keep out those who do not fit the group’s purpose. Thus, is the problem that usually drives off the people who joined the group who would benefit from the group’s purpose.
In a club you have requirements to become a member. This sifts through those people who really are only out for a thrill ride or other devious agenda or (what I call) are Time Bandits.
This doesn’t mean that the BGCC has a stringent membership approval process or is a snooty group of people. Actually, the members of the club are pretty cool people and have been very appreciative of there being a club to join just for REAL golfers.
All is needed to be approved as a member is to be:
- a golfer
- a business golfer
- in the golf business
- or a golf professional.
Plus, each applicant will have to post
- an actual photo of self (no, not everyone can be Paula Creamer or Camilo Villegas)
- what their golf interest is
- and their full name.
That is it…of course, you will need to ‘walk the talk and talk the walk’ once you become a member which for a true golfer..that should not be a problem. The membership is policed by Yours Truly.
Did you know? BGCC Eventually purges profiles that lack a headshot, interaction or full names. Actually, the purge takes place each day.
Unlike other online networks that consist of millions of faceless profiles, BGCC prides itself on having a vibrant, active community of highly engaged business professionals and golfers eager to network, promote themselves and most importantly promote their business without worrying that they will be Spammed in return.
Profiles with an image receive 70% more Invitations to Connect and have an 85% better chance of developing a business relationship than without a photo.
What Makes the BGCC the Place to Be?
After more than 15 years of offline business and social networking and almost four years of full time online social and business networking, I have seen a lot of what Does Not Work in business and social networking groups. I also have been the founder of a few offline networking groups so my experience in managing a group effectively, online or offline, brings me to starting the BGCC.
I took all of the things I have found that do work in business/social environments and added them to the BGCC. Plus, I added a few things that nobody I know of is doing (and if they are they are not offering it in the golf community).
What is missing in most golf groups and all social groups is there is little enforcement of policy towards spamming. OH, they say they do and sites like LinkedIn who go overboard with automation of member’s posts to put a person who is attempting to communicate with member they meet offline in the LinkedIn jail for sending invitation to network to people they met offline and getting “I Do Not Know This Person” marked on the invitation.
However, overall, there are very few groups that are dedicated to developing integrity and trust amongst their membership…and none or clubs, that I know of, that are out to build a community free of commercial motivations. There is none of that in the BGCC. That is why the BGCC is a club..not a group.
What makes the BGCC different is it is designed to be a Safe Environment for business and social networking. What is meant by safe is, there is a screening process that stops the unscrupulous at the front door. This sets the atmosphere within the club that not just anyone can get into the club.
This does not mean that you have to leave the business cards and pitch binders at the door of the BGCC. It just means you will not be pitching the members unwillingly. No, a pure Web 3.0 approach of telling the membership what you do for a living through effective social media and effective profiles is how business is done within the club. How you want to do business outside is naturally the member’s business….other than if they are a Direct Marketer or MLM..then getting into the club and staying in the club will be on conditions.
Where is the BGCC Heading?
For now, the motivation for the BGCC is to build a viable community of business golfers. While the club is growing, I will be off looking for the next step..which right now I see that the BGCC will soon need to be on its on site where there is a little more flexibility and features needed in a club.
Long range, the hope is to offer outings and other ‘members only’ offline activities to bring the BGCC to being a true online and offline club. How long with that take? Not long if the club keeps growing at the speed it is growing…
Really, there is nothing to be afraid about with the BGCC. The BGCC will not bite and never will.
It is true, the BGCC is not for everyone. Those who have identity crisis or are one of the many who feel posting a real photo of themselves is too much ‘establishment’ or too revealing of their personal life, then the BGCC may not be the club for you.
But if you are a Real person, and proud to be a real person; play real golf and want to play real golf with other people who play Real golf, not Wii Golf or Disc Golf, and you want to learn more about the new ways of doing real business and learning to play real golf…then the BGCC probably is for you.
Join today..it great fun and lots of new stuff on its way. Business Golf Country Club
