Page 14 - Builder Brief August 2024

NETWORKING & SPORTING EVENTS
THE ART OF NETWORKING ON THE GOLF COURSE
Networking is important for career success, regardless of what you do. While going to events and conferences is common, there's a less formal but effective way to meet and connect with people in the home building industry – through golf. Playing a round of golf is an effective way to build relationships and make lasting connections in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Selecting the right people to play golf with is crucial. Look for folks who have similar professional interests or who can teach you things about your industry. You can invite coworkers, clients, or people you know in your field to join you. It's also a good idea to mix things up by inviting people from different parts of the industry or levels of expertise, so you can get different perspectives and make new connections.
Before you head out to the golf course, take some time to learn about the people you'll be playing with. Find out about their jobs, what they like, and what they've achieved. This will help you start conversations more easily. Also, make sure you know the basic rules and etiquette of golf. Feeling confident about your golfing abilities will help you focus on getting to know people instead of worrying about your game.
Small talk is a great way to start conversations and get to know the people you're playing with. You can begin by talking about things you both enjoy outside of work, like hobbies or sports. As you play, you can talk about your jobs and what you hope to achieve. By creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, you set the stage for more meaningful connections and future opportunities.
When you're playing golf with others, it's important to listen as well as talk. Show that you're interested in what the others have to say by listening carefully to their stories and opinions. Ask them questions that encourage them to share more. Pay attention to their body language and the signals they're giving off – these can tell you a lot about what they're interested in. By focusing on building relationships instead of just swapping business cards, you'll leave a lasting impression and increase the chances of working together in the future.
After your golf game, it's important to stay in touch with the people you've met. Send them a friendly email or connect with them on professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Mention the things you discussed and how much
you enjoyed meeting them. Keep in touch by sharing news, articles, or invitations to events that could be helpful to them. By maintaining these connections and showing your commitment to long-term professional relationships, you'll be in a great position for future collaborations.
Networking on the golf course can be a positive way to grow your career. By carefully choosing your golfing partners, preparing beforehand, chatting with people, listening, and following up, you can build valuable connections and expand your network in a relaxed and fun environment. Remember, networking is all about building real connections, and golf is a great place to do just that.
GSABA’s annual StrucSure Home Warranty Pro-Am Golf Tournament provides the best of both worlds. Not only will your participation provide an effective networking venue, but the ability to play with and learn from a Pro will also help improve your game and maybe even teach you a few “tricks of the trade.” Make plans to join us Monday, September 23rd at Canyon Springs Golf Club. We have a limited number of teams and they sell out every year — register early at sabuilders.com and take advantage of this amazing networking opportunity.
Networking
if you know, youknow
1. Select Your Golf Partners Wisely
2. Do Your Research
3. SmallTalkwithBigImpact
4. ListentoLearn
5. Follow Up
Tips
14 AUGUST 2024 | GREATER SAN ANTONIO BUILDERS ASSOCIATION