Networking over sports: Is it ok to beat your opponent?
Hey monkeys,
I will meet a former investment banker next week for career advice. I only got the opportunity to meet him through our mutual interest in tennis and I will be playing a tennis match with him next week. The thing is I used to play on a competitive level and he is good player, but if I played my normal tennis I could beat him handily. I was thinking that I should let him win, but not too much for the match to remain interesting.
So my main question is that when you network over sports, it is okay to beat your opponent? Also, do you have any other tips to make the most of our meeting?
Thank you in advance
College athlete here, Win the game handily, they will have more respect for you. Don't try to embarrass the person, but show your skill and love for the game. Don't quit on plays and give an occasional compliment when they make a nice play. Also, don't bet on the match and make sure to offer a rematch.
I'm not a tennis player, but have used athletics to network. People respect competition, just don't come off as a dumb jock.
Good luck!
Thank you for answering my question!
Agree with this. If you're really good, he may even bring you along as a doubles partner for some club tournaments down the road, giving you a chance to build your network further. A friend of mine played D1 tennis and used it to his advantage that way.
Thanks for the great insight!
Precisely what he said. If the guy isn't a sore loser, he will respect you more for beating him.
Show your expertise & if he asks for tips/advice then that could be a great path to "networking". If he acts like a dick then he is 0 value add.
I never thought of that. Thanks for your answer!
Play like your girl said she gets to go through your phone if you lose
I'd play competitively but sure to keep it a friendly match, like others have already said. Don't try to make it him look bad and be sure to complement the strong aspects of his game. Offer tips or advice, if it seems he'd be receptive to it. I have an unconscious tendency to start talking a bit of smack when I play sports (or even yard games), which I've been told is quite irritating, so I have to be mindful of that. If he's better than you thought or you have an off-day and he actually wins, don't be visually upset.
Thank you for the tips. I do tend to get annoyed at myself when I don't play well, but I'll try to curb from now on.
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