You can plan a client meeting in an office surrounded by water, nature, and sand instead of four white walls. This appealing combination instantly creates a more relaxed and friendly environment in which to do business without the normal distractions.
Many better courses do not allow cell phones which means you won’t be interrupted by a ring, buzz or text message at an important moment in your conversation.
Both the fresh air and activity create endorphins in the body to put golfers in a better frame of mind and render them more receptive to your ideas.
Very often nature can provide a highlight and reference point to make the day even more special, for example, an eagle swooping down and snatching a fish from a lake on the ninth at Black Diamond Ranch in Florida. A lone coyote wondering across the 14th at Troon North near dusk. A seal barking from the rocks at a links course on the Pacific coast.
How to Do Business on the Golf Course
Inviting a client or prospect to play golf with you allows you to set the agenda. Suggest they show up early to grab some lunch and hit a few balls before you tee off so they are in a nice relaxed state of mind on the first tee. Offer them a sleeve of balls, a visor or a copy of your favorite golf book as a small gift. If they have never played the course before, suggest the line they should take on the opening hole but keep it short and simple. Always pay attention to where their ball goes.
Start slow, talking golf, courses and current events. Ask low key questions to find out more about their personal lives. Then move on to their job, company and how business is going. At this point, you have teed it up, so to speak, and you might hope and expect that they will ask you about your job and your company. If they do, that provides the opportunity you are looking for. Be sure to stop talking well before they get to their ball to give them time to consider their shot.
After the round, the terrace overlooking the course provides a perfect spot to down a cold one and continue the conversation.
Andrew Wood is an author and CEO of Legendary Marketing, a Tampa/Orlando-based ad agency. He is the world’s leading expert on golf, resort, destination and real estate marketing although his successes go far beyond these core industries. Author of over 40 books including; Confessions of a Golf Pro, Desperately Seeking Members, The Golf Marketing Bible, The Hotel and Resort Marketing Bible and Legendary Advice. Andrew has spoken to thousands of audiences worldwide and was the top-ranked speaker at 97.7% of the events where he spoke on sales, marketing, entrepreneurship or leadership. A pioneer in Internet marketing his creative talent, out of the box ideas and copywriting skills are at the core of his expertise. Regarded as one of the top marketing minds in the world for his ability to craft a winning strategy, generate leads and increase income!Featured Post
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