How To Strike A Deal On Corporate Golf Days
There is an age old adage that no one should mix business with pleasure, but there are exceptions to the rule. Entertaining clients and networking in a social environment can help form essential bonds in business. We take a look at how corporate golf days can benefit a company’s reputation and improve their prominence in their industry.
Golf has always been the sport of gentlemen, and until recently clubs restricted access to male members and their male guests only. The long standing English tradition of comradery on the golf course has been the foundations of using the fairway to form business bonds. Corporate golf days are designed to tap into the relaxing atmosphere of the great outdoors and demonstrate levels of skill and competence in a subtle manner.
The element of friendly competition helps keep the conversation flowing, yet allows enough space to have what amounts to an informal meeting. It is true that many great deals have been struck on a golf course thanks to the privacy and relaxed atmosphere. This is why many companies organise corporate golf days when entertaining clients.
The atmosphere on the fairway is also conducive to creative thinking, thereby helping those working within a company expand on existing ideas and projects away from the pressure of the office environment. It is for this reason that some companies like to use corporate golf days for team building. The ability to think outside the box comes far easier when out in the open.
When the team members of a hosting company and their clients or guests are relaxed, it is easier to make a positive impression that will last. It also reflects a certain element of hospitality and generosity, a valuable impression to make when forming business partnerships.
To make the day more fun for all involved, some groups decide to have small tournaments with awards or prizes given at the end. These can be as fun or serious as desired, but should reflect the general tone of the day. It is customary for all those involved in the game to meet at the club house after for drinks and this is often an ideal time to talk about the more important aspects of the matters discussed during the game. Ultimately it is the personal touch of entertaining clients on the golf course that can single a company out as a more preferable business partner than another.
Dom Donaldson is a business expert.
Find out more about Corporate Golf Days and what you can expect on some of the world’s best golf courses at Keith Prowse.
Filed under: Golf
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