Golf promo products keep networking goals on course

By Carrie Kramer

Each year, more than 500 million rounds of golf opens in new window are played in the United States. While many consist of a few friends getting together for a good time, others provide significant professional networking opportunities for all involved. As spring continues to bloom, opportunities to make new contacts, strengthen relationships and brainstorm fresh ideas are likely to increase—whether for a community celebration, industry outing, fundraising event or something else.

When preparing for a day on the links, incorporate golf promo products to find success. After all, the networking you engage in before, during and after a round is likely to carry more long-term significance than any athletic prowess you display. Here are four ways your next round of golf could provide a networking breakthrough.

Take your clients out

About 45 million people nationwide—11% of the population—play golf.

That means many of your clients, collaborators or other business connections might be thrilled to join you on the course. All parties can benefit from the camaraderie and strengthened relationship, so when you invite someone for a round, encourage them to bring along a colleague or friend.

Keep your bag stocked with an assortment of golf promo products that may come in handy. Have a few extra golf pencils in the event they were left in the clubhouse. A first tee golf kit can help if anyone needs a ball marker, divot tool or tees. And keeping a golf first-aid kit in your bag might be the best decision you make all day.

After the round, show your appreciation for the good times and surprise them with golf umbrellas or seven-in-one golf tools. Attach your contact information to keep the conversation going past the end of the game.

Rally support for your cause

More than 140,000 charity events opens in new window are held at golf courses each year.

A charity event is not only a great way to raise funds for your organization, but it also presents the perfect opportunity to share your organization’s mission and vision. The laid-back setting is prime for professionals to meet, have fun and support your cause. Whether as the host or a sponsor, charity golf events can impact brand visibility and get new eyes on your logo.

In addition to having your brand represented on event collateral and signage, like outdoor banners, sail signs or flags, contribute golf swag items to further your impression. They’re also ace conversation starters. Small gifts, like golf ball lip moisturizer or golf stress balls, can be included in welcome bags. Or provide a dozen Titleist^® golf balls and a magnetic waffle golf towel as a raffle prize. If there’s time to mingle in the clubhouse before or after the on-course action, sponsored coasters can spark conversation about your organization.

Find your next great hire

You never know whom you’ll meet on the links. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned pro, a golf outing can be an opportunity to meet and mingle with a variety of people. You might happen upon your next hire. Or you might invite someone with potential interest in joining your team for a casual game. Outfit your team in company-branded Nike^® polos to stay cool and impress everyone you meet.

A typical round of golf takes about four hours opens in new window to complete.

Hitting the links offers a lot of face time and opportunity for in-depth conversations opens in new window that can help you get to know somebody. Strike a balance between casual conversation and work-related topics. Ask more broad, open-ended questions about skills, career goals and mindset than specific inquiries about their work experiences or their potential role.

If things go well, recruitment might continue over a meal or drink in the clubhouse. Send a microfiber golf towel or golf ball cleaning pouch a few days later to thank them for the time and provide an update on any job openings.

Explore new leads

When it comes to networking, a first impression can be a lasting one. So, dress like a champion! If you’re meeting potential customers, partners or influential community members, they’re likely to remember those initial impressions more than the scorecard. Sport a polo shirt or quarter-zip pullover to represent your brand with professionalism and style. Fingers crossed you won’t need it, but a rain jacket might come in handy.

If joined by team members, outfit them in baseball caps or visors to be sure your brand represents on the fairway. Talk about swinging for distance: Promotional headwear racks up on average more than 3,300 impressions opens in new window over its lifetime. Branded sunglasses and sunscreen are sure to come in handy too. Keep a few of each on hand to give to others in your group and begin forming connections.

Have a quick, casual introduction ready when opportunities to meet new people arise. Consider what information—like something unique about your organization or your interests and hobbies—could pique the interest of others. If there are individuals with whom you’re hoping to connect, you might have more specific things in mind. Keep cards stocked in a business card case for swapping contact information. It’s a professional look and prevents your business card from getting damaged during the round.

Golf swag items help drive success

Whether you represent an organization large or small, the game of golf can provide major networking advantages. You might treat clients to a round, build support for a cause, meet potential hires or explore other future possibilities for your organization. Whatever arises—whether a record-setting drive or a splash in a pond—be ready with golf promo products that show your brand is the clubhouse leader.

Sources & Trademarks