BUSINESS ON THE GOLF SIDE

    I've been planning corporate business events for the last 12 years. But until I started playing golf, I never realized how profoundly a single activity could impact on lives, relationships and careers.

    That's just what golf does. It's a business-builder, solidifies relationships and brings you into direct focus with those whom you play. As a group activity, it has a way of bonding, you to your partners and getting you their ear, with your message. So, if you have not been participating, head to the nearest golf training facility and pick up a club to take your first lesson.

    Have you heard the old saying, "Drive for show, putt for dough." Simply, this means that a 250-yard drive may be impressive, but how few strokes it takes you to get the ball in the hole once you are on the green is all that's important! That's where you win.

    The ability to "win" in your career and in business can be enhanced through the game of golf. How? Well, just being out there on the golf course breaks down barriers between people and gives you more one-on-one opportunity with them than any lunch or dinner meeting could ever do.

    What makes golf an ideal business activity and sets it apart from other sports is the strong camaraderie derived from walking together down the fairway, or riding together in the golf cart and conversing face-to-face. Not to mention the time-shared eating on the course, dining in the clubhouse and perhaps smoking a good cigar or two, all while exchanging interests and life stories. Just imagine five or six hours of quality personal time talking with someone who can benefit your business or career.

    In addition, during play character and personality traits can be keenly discovered in a person. Temperament, patience and confidence levels are displayed, which tells you something about a person's makeup, and in turn used to your advantage to structure your sales pitch or other business message effectively.

    If you already play golf, then you certainly know how effective it is for business and career development. The ability to play golf well can be a real asset to a person who works in the corporate structure. At outings, you're paired with top executives of companies or with top executives of major clients or customers where golf can really open some doors for you.

    So, if you're looking for the latest, hottest, coolest career tool that can take you (or your business) to the next level, give golf a try. Join in at some one-day golf outings and take a fun break from your normal true and tried, dead and died, regular networking routine. I guarantee you'll be glad you did!