Networking on the Golf Course?
Hello fellow mokeys,
Been pondering this one for the last while and haven't been able to draw the line for myself so would be grateful to hear some opinions. I'm fortunate enough to be a member at one of the nicer golf courses in my area. I have this afternoon off and went to look for a tee time and recognized many names from scouring the sites of local banks, firm etc. from all industries, from rank of associate all the way up to partner. My question: Is it bad practice too firstly book myself into an open spot in these tee times? and if not is their any opportunity to talk finance at all?
I'm wondering if I could play it really casually as I arrive to the tee then just ask them what they do for work a few holes in, and just be really casual not asking for jobs or interviews, at most perhaps asking to hear more about their firm after the round is over? Your thoughts?
Is this ever acceptable?
Any rank too high or low for me to try this with (PM, MD, associate)?
*I'm a rather strong golfer, no need to hold back I assume if I was just playing it off as me looking to get out on the course with whomever in an open spot, right?
Just ask what they do, sound interested, talk about what you do if they ask. At the end of the round, ask for business cards or contact info. Then follow up later as the guy who you golfed with for networking/info interview.
Listen to this guy, I know scores of successful people who literally only got a strong hand in golf because they were there so routinely socializing and raking in contacts.
Personally, I don't go that nuts with networking. I will never be the guy who asks "what's a good place to network around here", because I like meeting people while I'm doing my own thing.
OP I agree with this. The key to networking is to never make it obvious that you are reaching out to them for a job/interview.
I don't see anything wrong with this, in fact this is probably the most ingenious networking method I've seen. Good luck man and make sure to post an update how it works!
Eastern or Western CA? I've only played Toronto GC & Banff up there.
Anyway, awesome idea and good luck, man. Hit 'em well.
I'm in Western Canada. Few nice courses in the Rockies but the weather and 4 month golf season really hinders it.
No worries, not a hijack at all. I'm glad to get some replies and as a collegiate player you're more qualified than myself to lend advice. I got my index down to +2 in my best playing days and second FCP4's advice. Grip was the most important thing for me to shave strokes initially. Besides that it is getting over the love of the longer clubs and just practicing short game religiously. We all know we should be spending 90% of our time on short game but knowing and doing are highly different. Driver is just far more rewarding. From there its just repetition, lots of repetition.
i think this is a great idea
I think it is a great opportunity. Just remember to keep the emotions in check! Lol.. Golf is frustrating!
You bringing the cart sodas?
How did you get over the learning curve at first? I really need to get my game in shape. My friends say it's all muscle memory but I believe my form needs to be corrected by a coach since practicing the wrong technique seems counter-productive.
I know you're not asking me, and not to hijack OP, but I do play collegiately. My $.02 would be to learn the fundamentals. Grip, alignment, posture. Once those are down, and I mean down, you'll begin to develop your own swing on the basis of solid fundamentals. If you don't master those ideas, I guarantee you will never come close to breaking 90 (or potential). It's irrefutable and often the demise of golfers everywhere.
If you do 'get' it, and along with help from PGA Pro etc., your love for game will grow indefinitely.
Good idea
I think this would be a great idea. Not only could it potentially line you up with a job, but you'd also have a common interest with some higher ups in the firm that could potentially lead to more responsibilities and advancement.
I golf alone 90% of the time so when I meet industry people or people that could be a potential client I network at every opportunity... its great cause its completely casual, its starts off with the normal "hey im xyz i do this blah blah blah" and you just bs with them the whole time and at the end of the round ask for a business card and take it from there. I always keep a stack of cards in my bag so I can hand them out to lenders or people we can pitch stuff to.
The one thing i would note is you need to be able to read people, many times people do not wanna talk business outside of "what do you do" when they are playing a round so i normally let them bring it up. Also if the other members of the group are all together sometimes they may just not wanna talk outside of the hey how ya doin nice shot. People more often than not are rather friendly but like I said just read people and act accordingly.
I learned golf and squash just to "network." #winning
That's a great idea. You should go for it. Be subtle about it. I think it might work really well. It's like networking in the gym.
This is genius. Definitely makes me wish my golf skills were respectable. Let us know how it goes! JrMistMaker has some good advice on reading people while they're out there. I've played with some senior BSDs in O&G and work was never brought up in conversation.
First, do people really sign up for tee times without a group? That is strange.. I have always played with a partner at least. Which brings me to my second point, if I'm there with a client/friend/colleague, I don't want you crashing my day out on the course.
I think networking at your club is a great idea, but crashing a tee time might not be the way about it. Try the driving range and see if you can strike up a convo there. Then see where that takes you.
What is considered a strong game?
Was under the impression that golf was developed so the Scots could 'network' with the English women. Am I off here?
This post inspired me to go out and play a game of golf today so I don't embarrass myself if i'm ever in the same situation
Thought I'd provide an update for those interested.
On Friday I went out with 3 men, one in a field of finance I'm interested in, another an industry I am familiar with and the third a doctor. I did not add myself to the tee time rather was at the starter when they arrived looking for an open spot to go out to ensure it looked as casual as possible. They were happy enough to play with me, as I would assume most people would be. As long as you're not slowing down the group I would assume you won't run into any issues on that front. That's when it is helpful to be a decent golfer! Biggest problem with this approach may be actually getting people to say what they do. As a lot of higher ups I know try to downplay their position. When I asked them what they do after being asked myself the Dr. replied for the group "we're all just working stiffs" not knowing I knew better. From there some manoeuvring was necessary to at least start a conversation on finance without being overzealous or creepy. I managed to do this with relative ease but really only talked about work for 15 minutes the whole round which seemed to be perfect. The men were all very nice to me, letting me join in on their ritual of a shot of scotch for each birdie made and at the end of the day I ended up with a business card from one of the men in hand!
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