I hear it nearly everyday, or at least the days I reach out to business people who say they play golf.  What I hear is…

I never have been able to develop any business from anyone I play golf with, so why bother?

Then almost 87% of the time when I ask that same person how their business is doing the answer is..

I could use more business.

Too many people have a misconception that golf plays no part in business network, which is true if someone does not know how to use golf to network their business needs. However there are several way I have found that work for those who are patient and are Much More effective than many of the mainstreams business networking techniques.

Here are FOUR ways of using golf to business network:

1.  Join a business network group:

Generally you want to find a BN group that is golf friendly.  Every metroplex has a number of business networking groups so pick one that is open and has an attitude that making connections come from building trust.   Yes, trust brings in the golfers.

You may want to look into joining an online business group also.  Of course if you are looking to find golfers online you need to look for a solid group that focuses on keeping a balance between business and golf.  Naturally, the Business Golf Country Club is the only online business network club that has that balance.  Too many groups are too much golf or too much business.

2.  Standing round of golf

This could be a day set aside each month, bi-monthly or weekly if you have the time and you really wanting to cover ground.  The players would consist of business people met at the business networking group or groups.  If you are not one to organizing an outing then I recommend joining a group that  has organized golf outings suiting your needs and business image.

3.  Pre or Post Conference outings

Many times there is a annual conference that businesses attend to gain knowledge on their industry.  Scheduling a golf outing before or after the conference offers an opportunity to call in business associates in that area and then have a focused network opportunity afterwards.

4.  Golf Schools

Attending a golf school kills several birds with one effort.  Generally there are number of people who attend golf schools who can turn into a great business contact.  Golf schools also are great to invite business associates to attend.

These are the most powerful ways to use golf to network.  There are many others and as more business people learn how to use golf as a business tool, more creative ways of business networking will be developed.  The bottomline is to get out and play golf with people..it is a natural networking tool.  Let me know how I can help.