What Does Golf Have To Do With Business? ~
By: Lisa Manyon www.writeoncreative.com
After posting my first article in the “On the Green” category of my blog, I’ve been asked by a few readers “What does golf have to do with business?”
I believe it has a lot to do with business even though I’m not a golfer who regularly conducts business on the green. Here’s what I mean. I’m obviously not part of the good ole’ boys network. Inviting potential clients for a round of golf and a cigar probably isn’t going to land me any new jobs.
Golf is a sport. It’s challenging and stimulating and for me. It’s a great way to clear my head and get the creative juices flowing.
At this point, I don’t plan golf outings with clients to try to bond. I find discussing business while golfing can be a bit distracting. Plus, my work speaks for itself. If I want to impress, I direct people to my webstite or schedule a meeting. But I do use the time on the course wisely and it helps my business.
Take last Thursday for instance.
I’d finished most of my projects for the day by 1:30 and was on the course with my husband and our friends Dan and Jeannie Miller by 2:00. It was a great day for golf, mid 90’s and not too crowded.
At the turn, that’s the clubhouse for those who don’t know (a pit stop between the first and last nine holes commonly referred to as the 19th hole), I returned two calls I’d received while playing the first nine holes (keep in mind the cell phone was on vibrate so I didn’t get distracted during the game or annoy anyone else.).
With one call I finalized a brochure project I’d been working on and sent the job to print (cha-ching!). The next call landed me a new project writing website copy for a premier cigar lounge. I was briefed on the project and told a detailed e-mail would be waiting for me when I got back to the office (cha-ching!).
So far, I cannot say that my business has increased because of golf, but it certainly isn’t hurting.
As we head out to number 10 to start the back 9, I’m already formulating copy for the new website project. My golf partners probably think I’m just concentrating on my game. They’re partially right.
By the time we’re done with all 18, I have a draft for the new project in my head and I’m ready to roll. When I get back to the office refreshed, relaxed and maybe a bit frustrated (I like golf but I’m still not that great), I’m ready to start writing the first draft. The time on the golf course has given me clear perspective and the ability to think freely without too much distraction.
What does golf have to do with business? It depends on who you are and what you do. For me, it’s a great creative outlet, a game of thought and perspective that allows me to clear my mind and sharpen my skills both personally and professionally. How’s your game?
