In a recent post on Mr. Business Golf, I wrote about the How and Why I learned to Play Business Golf. I want to take this opportunity to expand upon why I play business golf in hopes those entrepreneurs in my audience, who are struggling to build a sustainable business, will take a look at playing business golf as a way to develop better business.
I could flow through the stats supporting business golf as an effective business tool, but I’ll just leave it to this article on cutting to the chase.
There obviously have been a number of changes in the culture of golf recently which affect business peoples’ attitude towards golf, especially today’s Millenials business leaders. All of the changes golf is currently making to corral this new wave of golfers is what I hope to discover over the next few months so I can attempt to find understand where business golf needs to change.
We Have All Been Millenials
But back to the Millenials generation for a moment. Let’s face it, if you go by the base form of the definition of a Millennial, we were all millennials at one time in our lives. I remember being in my 20’s and feeling life ended at 30. Back then I saw golf as a rich kids game and something the less athletic play instead of football. My attitude towards golf then was no different than 20-year-olds today with the exception for many of today’s millennials who only sees everything as a video game.
Why society has picked out this current generation to peg them as Millennials must have been the result of a “Slow News Day”.
Frivolous Activity
There has always been a negative attitude towards golf and the people who play golf. Ever since golf started over 400 years ago it was perceived by the majority of the populous as a waste of time. That negative attitude people have towards golf is generally brought on by those who:
- Do not play golf
- Have attempted to play golf but were not offered any training to how to play golf
- Have a narcissistic view on life and are hung up on their assumption the awkwardness at playing golf would damage their brand image
- Or are just brought up to be negative about everything…of which there are now millions of these people.
The Fact Is
Little do most people know, golf is, by all means, the only gaming activity that places a person together with another person, or a number of people together with others, for four hours of physical activity.
A long while back, a gentleman challenged my statement that Golf was the ONLY activity that puts people together socially for four hours so as to build a personal relationship that leads to a business relationship. The gentleman felt Bowling was the Only activity that placed people together in a physical activity for an extended period of time.
Of course, I won the argument when I remarked to the gentleman that when he can show me a bowling alley that has a lane 500 yds long and bent dramatically uphill to the left or the right, I would then consider the skill levels for playing golf and bowling being equal. He had no argument to my remarks.
Nonetheless, the fact of the matter is, Golf:
- Places you in a healthy environment.
- Can be played in numerous formats of the game.
- Is the only game that has rules that bring out each player’s true character and integrity. Something very important to know about a person you intend to do business with.
Golfers in Every Market
At last count, there were 25.95 million people who play golf and from that market, there is a high percentage, over 60%, of those golfers who are business leaders.
This means there are a large number of businessmen and businesswomen in leadership roles who play golf. Connecting with executives over a round of golf leads to the development of a solid business relationship…that is, if the round of golf is Business Golf.
If the game of golf is played with a business person for the sole purpose of making the round a 6-hour sales pitch, it will not only produce bad feelings but most definitely will not lead to a sale.
Why I Play Business Golf
But, back to why I play business golf. I play golf with business people as part of my effort to get to know the person first. If by the end of the round I have found to like the person’s character I move on towards moving from the golf environment to a business development meeting.
This change from golf to business only happens 85% of the time so there are a few times I wrap up the after golf visit and move on. There is nothing worse than to do work someone or go to work for someone who has some bad business characteristic or ethics. A round of business golf flushes out the dark side of a person which 99% of the time reflects exactly how that person would be in business. If they throw golf clubs on the golf course out of missing a three-foot putt, they more than likely to be one of the people I have been in meetings with who throw cellphones at a person they see as causing them problems.
However, it is that 85 % of the people I play business golf with who are level-headed, strong leaders and have ethical business standards I really enjoy working with and offering my services. That is why I play business golf…to find out who it is I am going to be working for or who is going to be working for me.
Hopefully, you will find how to play business so you can experience it’s advanatages. Let me know how I can help.
