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Golf in the
Business World
by
Professional Golf Champion Mike Colandro
Client
Golf Outings
Client Golf Outings are a day on the links with either business
associates or customers. I have performed at many Client Golf
Outings, and since 1985, started a business in Australia offering my
service to play with me. To have a Pro on the course with
your clients can really make a difference to that client. For 3 VIPs
or clients to play alongside a professional golfer is an impressive
aspect and can enhance your relationship with your guests.
Corporate Outings
Corporate Outings do a similar thing and most companies have one. I
have worked for companies such as: BMW, IBM, Toshiba, Ford, Sheraton
Hotels, Toyota, Genworth Financial, and many more. Most Corporate
Outings are a full day (18 holes) and a dinner with prizes and more.
The chance to bring many different people together for one day is now
essential for most businesses. One of my most interesting Corporate
Outings I was involved in was in Adelaide, South Australia for
Toshiba. It was their annual sales meeting, and the night before,
they had a gala dinner and awards presentation. They even flew in
from Japan a giant container of Saki and everyone had a drink or two.
The next day on the course there were a few heavy heads, but they all
enjoyed both the evening and the golf.
Charity Golf Days
The Charity Golf Day is another very common event that many businesses
get involved with. Whatever the charity is, it is a good function to
do for your company and it enhances your companys image. Each
community has several Charity Golf Days to raise funds and have a good
time doing it. You can just play in it or you can be a sponsor. As a
sponsor, you usually receive a sign on a hole or a banner, and if you
are a major sponsor, you get greater exposure. The Charity Events are
a great way to network in your local community and are a tax write
off.
Networking on the Course
Being involved with a PGA Tour event is great, but it can be very
expensive, and there are alternative ways to spend less money and
still entertain clients. Networking at the golf course is proving to
be a great vehicle to acquire new business. The key here is to become
a golfer who can play a respectable game. Whether you are new to the
game or been playing a while, one needs to take some lessons. Select
an instructor who is similar in size and is someone who has been
teaching for at least 5 years. Professionals at practice ranges can
be very productive because teaching is their main source of income and
they need to get results. Learning good golf etiquette is also
important; business associates can tell how you handle yourself on the
course and relate your actions to how you might handle a customer.
You should dress well and have a set of clubs that suit you. Custom
clubs are a big thing today, and I recommend getting clubs that fit
you.
Contact CTGolfTips for more information on
how to use these events to your advantage |