It looks the economy and GOLF is finally starting to CHANGE for the better. This is not to say that the recession is over. However, more and more people are now looking to using golf as a vehicle to keep their loyal customers. The continued growth in membership into the Business Golf Country Club is an indicator to this trend.
More people are now asking me…
How would I go about using golf in my business?
I will admit some of these business people ask me this particular question thinking their business would not be a fit for golf. However, I have not found industry or segment of the business community..yet.. I could not find a way for golf to benefit their business. Maybe some of my loyal readers can provide feedback on businesses they found that would not fit into golf or benefit from business golf.
Retaining loyal customers is just one of the ways business golf can help improve business.
Marketing
Most business people see golf as just a marketing tool. True, it is a superior way of getting a message across to a target market. Any of the business golf applications..the One-On-One Golf Outing and the Golf tournament outings, are the most popular choices for marketing purposes.
However, business golf has a few other applications that are not entirely promotional.
Employee Development
I have used business golf in the developing of employees. Sometime a round of business golf would be used as a one-on-one golf outing that is a ‘get-to-know’ type outing away from the office to discuss professional development issues or take the opportunity to review the interpersonal character of a person who is either a ‘problem child’ or someone who is being considered for promotion.
A departmental golf outing as part of an appreciation day, training seminar or focus discussion can be very beneficial to the employee’s morale.
Vendor Development
I have not found a business yet who does not have a supplier or someone who services part of the business. This part of the business is sometimes taken for granted. However, in today’s economy, service businesses are also having to think about who they are servicing and may have to choose to not service a business. I have found that a round of golf with a vendor shows more of ‘who I am dealing with’ as well as shows the vendor ‘who they are dealing with’. This helps in tough times when understanding is needed. A round of business golf also shows the vendor that there is someone who cares. Anything that promotes vendor loyalty is good in today’s business world.
Customer Appreciation
Of course customer appreciation days are a nature for a business golf outing. No matter if the customer is just one person or if it is a few hundred people the business golf outing for customers really opens up a larger door to business than is initially realized.
Business Networking
Business Networking using business golf is also a natural. However, it is one of the least used. Why? What I have found is many people are not using business golf effectively or know how to use business golf.
The larger business executives and ‘cubical rats’ have the most problem getting their arms around this concept. Previously, most felt they had no need for going out and networking. Now, their thinking is changed and they do not know how to use golf as a networking tool.
Small businesses and solo practitioners can benefit greatly by using business golf as a networking tool. The one-on-one golf outing develops the solid business relationship these business need to survive. Business Networking with Business Golf sounds simple and many have tried a version of networking with golf only to fail since the golf is just a lure to their efforts to sell something.
Business Golf Opportunity
The business networking opportunities of business golf is the most asked question I receive. So much so, I felt the need to do more to get the message out to more business people. So I form a club, the Business Golf Country Club, to facilitate the teaching and provide opportunities to use proven methods of business golf.
No matter what method or reason you use golf for business make sure you keep the golf played as all golf and the business portion as all business. Let me know how I can help.
I am one of the people who tried the business networking with business golf. Sounds simple and many have tried a version of networking with golf only to fail since the golf is just a lure to their efforts to sell something.
I am one of the people who tried the business networking with business golf. Sounds simple and many have tried a version of networking with golf only to fail since the golf is just a lure to their efforts to sell something.