Taking Business Out Of The Boardroom
Getting on to the golf course and out of the boardroom during the business process may feel like a bit of a skive or a jolly away from work, but the benefits of this type of client contact are many and varied.
The most obvious benefit of playing golf with a potential working partner or client is that by joining in it is clear you have a shared interest. This automatically says to them that you are ‘their kind of person’ and that you have things in common, meaning they will be more open to what you have to say-both on and off the course.
Like anything that takes place outside of the office, being on the golf course means people relax and are less guarded, which means they are likely to talk more freely about sensitive subjects such as budget and business needs. Whereas in a sales meeting you may struggle to get answers to these questions, during a round of golf you may get answers without even asking the questions.
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.
During a day of golf, the important thing you must remember is that your primary objective isn’t to get the deal done or a contract signed, but to ‘grease the wheels’ of a relationship. So make your main goal to have fun and ensure those you play with have fun, that you get answers to any specific questions, but don’t worry if that contract isn’t signed by the last putt.
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.