Taking Business Out Of The Boardroom
Getting out of the boardroom during business meetings may seem like a nice day out and a bit of fun. But playing a round of golf with a potential client or a business contact can reinforce a relatively new relationship and lead to a sale or partnership.
The most clear benefit of playing golf with someone you wish to have a working relationship with, is that you clearly have a shared interest in golf, which immediately gives you something non work related to talk about and marks you out to them as someone who they have things in common. This means they are automatically more accepting of your views, whether on the course or at later meetings.
Also, by taking a meeting away from the office you are immediately removing the restrictions and hierarchies of an office setting meaning your companions become more relaxed, making them more likely to talk much more freely about budget and other difficult subject. In traditional sales settings these types of questions are hard to get answers to, whereas at golf you might not even have to ask.
Another great bonus to striking deals out on the green is the fact that it is not just your companions who are more relaxed, but you as well. This means you will usually be seen in your best light and are able to see how well you would work with your companions.
A key thing to be mindful of during a golf day is that you aren’t there to get the deal confirmed or contract signed. Be more concerned with making sure your golf partners are enjoying themselves and that you remember any key pieces of information, but don’t panic if you go home without a contract.
So during your next pitch process, why not suggest a round of golf with those involved, and to get the most out of it have a clear objective beforehand, always play fair, and remember that it is a work event and not a Saturday afternoon game with your pals.
If you play alot of business related golf then it may be worth taking out a corporate golf membership. Mere Country Club offers this & also has a great range of meeting rooms in Manchester for more traditional meetings.
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