Closing a business deal during a golf game is an art by itself but there are some handy tips to find business partners and advance business relationships while playing.
Why Successful People Play Golf
Successful people play because it is challenging and makes them feel accomplished. It is also safe to play as the risk of injury is quite low. Obviously, an added advantage is that successful people have the chance to meet other successful people, discuss business opportunities, and close deals. Not everyone can afford to play, so chances are that you will meet quite a few rich and accomplished people. Other benefits include a relaxed atmosphere, lack of competition, and fresh air. Golfing also helps improve hand-eye coordination and concentration, burns calories, and builds strong leg muscles.
How to Close a Deal
Do not start conversations with business topics but rather start with topics such as the weather, the golf course itself, other courses with great facilities, world travel and golfing opportunities in other countries, etc. Make sure that you pay attention to what your partner says as this will help you to ask the right questions. With rounds progressing, you can deep dive into business-related topics and ask your partners about the industry or field they work in. You may also bring some business cards with you to exchange with your partners. Again the best time to do this is at the end of the round. As you are golfing with potential partners or customers, ask them to join for lunch. Never make other plans for after golfing because there is always a chance that you meet someone you can go into business with. This is an obvious one, but you should never curse, quit on holes, or throw clubs while playing. This is totally inappropriate, especially if finding potential partners is your main goal.
It is also a bad idea to drink alcohol when playing golf as you should show your partners that you are in control. And if you happen to drink too much you may say or do things you would otherwise not have said or done. What you want to do is make a good first impression, so choose your topics wisely. Do not discuss things like having borrowed heavily to start a business and do not talk about debt and your finances in general. Other topics to avoid include your job or employees if you are filled with negativity. Even if you genuinely think that your employees are not performing at their best or your boss is a total jerk, saying this destroys a first impression. Whatever complaints you may have should be communicated to the person responsible for making things work. You should also avoid anything political and sensitive issues such as your /and the other person’s/ stance on immigration, abortion, capital punishment, social security, and minimum wage. Other sensitive issues that people often take personally or disagree on include gun control, feminism and gender equality, domestic policy, monetary policy, and religious values.
Other Sports That Rich People Play
Besides golf, rich people take interest in sports such as tennis (10.1 percent), soccer (9.8 percent), skiing (12.8 percent), and basketball (10.8 percent). Less popular sports that the rich and successful take interest in include diving, ice hockey, American football, cycling, and swimming. Horse racing, automobile racing, and baseball are sports that high and ultra high net worth individuals are involved in as investors, owners, players, and spectators. Finally, if building business relationships is your main focus right now, being in good shape and physically fit can definitely help you. This is a good indicator that you have enough time, resources, and perseverance to not only take good care of your body but of your business affairs as well.
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