The 23rd Annual Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing is fast approaching, so before you head-out to the course at Cherry Creek, The Orchards or Greystone on August 18th make sure to come prepared for a full-day of fun and relaxed business on the links. The game of golf is one of the must interactive networking times to do business with existing and potentially new clients. It gives you the opportunity to relax and get to know your team mates, personally and professionally, their business and their business challenges. Here are some networking tips to make your day on the links not only fun but worthwhile by making new business connections.
Tips for How to Network on the Links:
- Be on time! If you’ve invited clients to join you, give yourself enough time to arrive at the club before your guests get there.
- Come to the course with business cards to exchange. Remember to follow-up by scheduling a lunch, or at the very least, be sure to connect on LinkedIn.
- If you come by yourself, you will end up in a foursome with people you don’t know.
- When golfing 18 holes, you will have plenty of time to engage in conversations that will allow you to really get to know the other golfers in a way that LinkedIn and email will never provide.
- Start the conversations with general topics and try to avoid business talk right away.
- As the golfing continues, you can dig deeper by asking questions that allow others to share information about themselves and their work.
- Listen carefully to gain a perspective of the problems and bottlenecks they face. Think of how you could help. You could offer an introduction to a contact, or steer them to helpful industry information. More often than not, people will return the favor and help you out down the road.
- Don’t be too competitive. The emphasis in a business golf setting should be on building rapport and trust with your playing partner.
- Most importantly! Don’t forget to register today. So gather your team mates and reserve you foursome today! Call the MHCC at 248-792-2793
Source: Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
