By Rhonda Victoor

Have you ever signed a contract on the 18th green with one of those tiny golf pencils? Do you know someone who has?

After 11 years of studying and practicing networking expertise, my answer to both questions is no. It just doesn’t happen. Golf is not the place to close the deal.

So now that the pressure to sign that new client or employee on the course is off, how can you get the most out of the golf course as a networking arena? Whether you avidly hit the links, dust off your clubs for the annual charity tournament or can’t golf to save your life, keep these hot tips in mind:

• Connect first: Business isn’t closed on the golf course. Relationships are built there. Focus on having an interesting conversation that connects you as people.
• Sell in your office: Business deals unfold after the game. If there is potential to do business, invite someone from your foursome to your office for a meeting. Golf on the course; do business in your office.
• 9 holes each: Balance the talk time in the cart equally as you drive around the course. After nine holes of littering them with questions, allow them to inquire about you. Share what’s important and fun for you to allow them to get to know you.
• Watch for a hole-in-one: Volunteer at the golf tourney if you don’t play. Be a spotter on a prize hole or greet people at registration. You’ll get to meet everyone and attend the closing dinner where you can work the room.

Summer is packed with social networking opportunities, on and off the course. When you do connect with someone, be sure to ask for a business card before giving one; it shows genuine interest and gives you control over follow-up.  Make notes on the back of the card about what you discussed and how you can help then follow-up by phone or email within 48 hours.  So few people do this that you will stand out!  After all, what do you have to gain?

Fore!

Rhonda Victoor is an expert in the rituals of high performance. She coaches leaders and front line employees on these rituals and practices them herself. In fact, with these rituals she became the World Effective Speaking Champion after winning competitions in Ecuador (while pregnant) and Japan (two weeks after giving birth to her first child). You should also know she’s a rookie hip hop dancer and die-hard Yoda fan. Watch her in action at www.RhondaVictoor.com.

Try out Rhonda’s networking tips at SLICE: BC HRMA’s Golf Classic held in Richmond on September 14, 2011!