Why am I an advocate for the GREEN MEETING ROOM…

“It is the most frustrating game in the world, but it can give you so much satisfaction in the same breath.“

#GOLF! Love, hate? Both for me. However, this time I wanted to speak as an advocate for the Golf Day, and other sports and social events for that matter, and the huge benefits they bring business. Referred to as the?#GreenMeetingRoom, I’m not sure there is a better environment for relationship building than 18 stunning holes across a crystal clear day out in nature. (Well most of the time).

From a work perspective, we are all encouraged to network, network, network. The standard events across Chambers of Commerce, local forums, exhibitions and industry events usually last an hour. But, the pressure on the ‘what can you give me, what can you get from me’ is intensified.

Social and sports events (like a Golf Day!) make the ‘business’ secondary. Event first, discussion second. It is all natural and less of an intensive ‘push’ than you experience in meetings or at other more formal events like business lunches and dinners.

Inviting partners to events continues to be part of the? grenke UK ?way, and we are proud to offer various days out that appeal to everyone. I love golf (it’s my passion) and The Renaissance and The Grove were wonderful hosts in 2022. But, regardless of the event, they all offer a day out from the daily grind of business, cash-flows, wages and issues, and they offer the ability to switch off and take out perhaps some of the week’s frustrations!

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For me, the main goal of a day out in the ‘Green meeting room’ is the ability to extend and develop my relationships. Out on the course, I can have extended conversations about the whole market, but also about the team mates I am playing with and I can get to know?THEM!

Sometimes I get better business by not mentioning business at all.

In my experience in the time that I might spend at the golf course, I’ll learn more about a contact than during years of interim meetings. They’ll tell me about their family, their three daughters and dog called Poppy, which holiday they are looking forward to, their likes, dislikes. There is no rush, there are no time pressures, there isn’t another meeting to go to…just to talk, relax and enjoy.

That relationship building allows both parties to invest in the relationship beyond business. You understand the person better and how they can be supported.?People buy from people; you can only work with each other if you like each other. Customers start to see me no longer as ‘GRENKE Leasing’ but as Jit… From that point onwards, wherever I go in my working life, I have a solid relationship that I can take forward.

I understand it’s not for all. I have games, where I would quite happily throw the clubs out! Arranging events that appeal to different people (it’s always fun coming up with something new) reminds me why it’s so important to not just meet new people but above all to get to know them better on a personal level.?

BRING IT ON!

Best Course: St Andrews

Driving or Putting: Driving! Drive for show, putt for dough…

Current Handicap: 14.8

Best Golfer: The man who owns my Golf Club! Honestly, man is straight! Got serious game…

Best Outfit: Like to look smart when I play. Most will be familiar with my standard white belt.

#networking #golfbusiness