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 first, and probably most clear benefit of playing golf with someone you would like to work with is that the fact you both like to play golf. This immediately highlights that you have a shared interest and psychologically gets your companion thinking that you are similar types of people and that you would get on well. Straight away this makes them much more receptive to anything you might say- both during the rest of the golf day and afterwards.
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 huge advantage when making deals on the golf course is the fact that you personally are also more relaxed. This means that your playing companions will see you at your best and most amiable and it will also be more natural for them to form an actual bond with you, giving both parties a idea of how well a working relationship would go.
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.
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