One of the most asked questions during a round of golf is… “How’s your business doing?”
It is a simple question most often used as an icebreaker that could lead to a much deeper conversation. But, is the golf course the place to get into that deeper conversation about business?
Keep the Talk Golf
Moving into a long protracted conversation about someone’s business while play golf is one of the biggest mistakes a business person can make. Playing golf is hard enough on the mines focus. Adding in a conversation of any level concerning your business takes away from the focus on golf.
The act of talking business on the golf course is what many people assume is Business Golf. This is an assumption that has lead to many rounds of golf being destroyed and business relationships getting off on the wrong foot.
Business Golf is Far More Productive
For the past 15 years, I have studied the outcome of rounds of golf played with the intention of talking business while playing golf. The study confirms there is an 85% failure rate of any type of business deal coming out of a round of golf where business was talked about the entire round.
In some people’s mine a 15% success rate would be considered good, but when you take in the factor of the time it takes to play a round of golf and the expense incurred it is a very high price to pay.
Talk Business After Golf
However, business golfers who have learned to play Business Golf correctly know to hold all talk about business until after the golf. The study shows that chances of success are reversed to 85% of the time the after golf talk leads to some sort of business deal and, more importantly, a business relationship that lasts longer than just the business deal.
Finding out how someone’s business is doing is a great icebreaker and for someone who has learned how to play Business Golf will lead to a great round of golf and a productive discussion afterward.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking a round of golf offers you the opportunity to make a 6-hour sales pitch. Learn to play business golf and enjoy playing golf while doing business.
Let me know how I can help.
