Golf is a time consuming game which makes it all the more important to pick the right playing partners. No wants to get stuck with a dud who isn’t fun and can’t help them in their business. I mean aren’t all relationships for pleasure (friendship, etc) or for advancement in ones career/life?
As a young professional I made the mistake early on of accepting golf invitations from almost everyone. So here are a few questions to ask your self so you don’t make my same mistakes and to help you determine if the person who invited you or the people you are planning to play with are worth your time.
To pick the right playing partners you need to ask your self a few questions.
1. What do I want to get out of this round?
– Do I want to have fun, close a deal, build better business relationships?
2. Is the person I’m playing with a decision maker?
If you are just looking to have fun, make sure you enjoy spending time with the person you are about to play golf with. 4 hours of golf can bring the best and the worst out of a person so remember to be patient and have fun.
If you are looking to build better business relationships or close a deal make sure the person you are playing with is a decision maker or could make your life a lot easier in the office.
If the potential playing partners don’t fit in the 2 categories above, I probably wouldn’t play golf with them. Set up a phone call or pass them on to the next guy or gal.
If you have any questions or comments please post them below!