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 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.

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 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.

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 find you are golfing with clients quite frequently then it may be best to take outcorporate golf membership at somewhere like Mere Golf & Country Club. They also have several meeting rooms in Manchester for more meetings and conferences.