Networking and Golf

This does not mean networking during a golf game does not apply to other levels of employment. A business professional should always be aware of who he or she is playing with and should follow this guide.1. Make Sure you can play golfa. Never accept an invite to play golf if you have never done so before, instead of playing golf offer to do another activity. i.e. go to a sporting event. b. It is fine to be a golf amateur just make sure you are able to play good enough to look like you belong on the course. c. If you have only played golf a couple of times and cannot effectively hit the ball you are wasting the other parties' time, and you will test his or her patience. This will likely leave a bad impression on the prospect.

2. Proper attire and equipment.a. Make sure to wear a collared shirt tucked into a pair of slacks, or a collared shirt tucked into a golf skirt. b. Make sure to rent a pair of golf clubs beforehand or bring your own.3. Golf Rules and etiquettea. Make sure to be knowledgeable of all golf rules before playing. b. Make sure to perform golf etiquette while playing.I. Do not talk while a player is about to hit his or her ball. ii. Do not step on a players putting line. iii. The player that is furthest from the hole must hit first. iv. Make sure to follow the cart path built by the golf course. v. All ways shake hands after finishing the final hole.4. Communication on the golf coursea. Always compliment players when they hit a good golf shot. b. When a player hits a bad golf shot offer encouragement. c. Do not be too competitive.I. Do not boast after a good shot. ii. Do not celebrate when a player hits a bad shot that is competitively. advantageous to you.d. But a healthy competitive attitude can be beneficial.5. Develop a relationship with the prospecta. Talk about golf and its' past history. b. Talk about the other parties Business, successes, and hobbies. c. Get the prospect talking about his or herself.6. Start presenting yourself as a possible employeea. Shift the conversation toward yourself. b. Talk about the activities you perform in your current work position. c. Don't boast or bring up successes in a cocky manner. d. Instead humbly describe the progresses you have made in your industry. e. Ask for advice on more improvements that you could make in the industry.

7. Start painting a picture in the prospect's mind of you as an employeea. Don't directly bring up the available job, instead describe the job as an opportunity you wish you could have in the future. b. Connect your current skills and competencies to the job. c. You have to get the prospect thinking of you in the position you desire before the game is over.8. Closing the gamea. After shaking the prospect's hand make sure to tell them how much fun you had and how you would enjoy playing golf with him or her again. If the prospect does not ask for you to come in for an interview at that point, make sure to ask the prospect for his or her business card. falcon fire golf