Armageddon

Enterprise Account Executive

Golf for prospecting?

I've recently started playing a lot of golf and I am looking for ways to leverage more business out of it. I found the thread where someone asked if folks still find value in taking already engaged prospects out to golf to accelerate a deal, but I'm wondering.. have any of you ever broken into an account by offering to take a high value prospect out to golf on a nice private course?

Seems like it might be a more awkward ask without an existing relationship.. but then again its not that different then sending swag via Sendoso, with a lot more value add.

🔎 Prospecting

🤝 Networking

👫 LEAD GEN

17 comments

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Justatitle

Big Shot

Account Executive

So, the key difference from sending swag is that sending swag is not asking a person for time with a stranger that is trying to sell them something for 4 hours on a golf course. Don't get me wrong it can certainly work but you aren't sure what prospects play golf nor do you know how they will react to an invite to golf. I think it can only really be used with down-the-funnel prospects to close them/maintain their business

RandyLahey

Politicker

Account Manager

This. For established relationships, it's a nice way to keep customers happy. But for like outbounding, etc. it's way too much of an ask...

Armageddon

Opinionated

Enterprise Account Executive

Good points for sure. My company leverages a lot of networking events, ie: renting out a suite at a baseball game, etc. But that is a little less personal as the prospect knows there will be others there: a mix of prospects, customers and sellers. Golf is definitely asking them to step into the lions den

braintank

Politicker

Enterprise Account Executive

Why not? If you know they like golf mention you have a tee time and spot open if they want to join. Perhaps offer to let them bring along a colleague or a VAR to round out the foursome and make it less awkward.

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

Sales Rep

Never hurts to ask, might be a little more quiet for the first couple holes.

Especially if there background is Pebble Beach or they clearly like golf, why not ask

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

How do you know if they even like golf 🤷‍♀️

CPTAmerica

Opinionated

President/CRO

It works well if you can arrange it around a conference. Say your attending a show out of town, arrange a round ahead of time and invite a couple prospects you know will be attending.

HVACexpert

Politicker

sales engineer

Industry ones are always fun we have some ones here that are best ball and scramble and are always fun and well attended

oldcloser

Arsonist

💀

Also, if your handicap gets into the single digits, don’t bring that up in an interview.

SoccerandSales

Big Shot

Account Executive

Couldn't hurt, I imagine it will be a difficult sell since they don't know you, but the right personality could absolutely take you up on it

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

I play a little golf and have been in corporate tourneys at various conferences. Its never been a big deal closer for me, but some guys thrive on it.

Selling is about relationship building and that happens on the course, not via sending swag.

And if you do take someone out golfing, let them bring up buying from you, not you sell to them.

Maximas

Tycoon

Senior Sales Executive

The only way I would do that is if I already sold to the prospects and dealt with em multiple times before otherwise it would definitely look strange for not having an existing relationship!
Sending a swag is still considered as a very entry level warm up. so both of em definitely ain't the same!

punishedlad

Tycoon

🧙‍♂️

I try to stick with prearranged golf outings with prospects that are part of a conference/organization or something. Everyone knows what they're getting into already, and you can focus more on fixing your slice instead of trying to shoehorn in a pitch.

FinanceEngineer

Politicker

Sr Director, sales and partnerships

My precious company had a sponsored golf outing and did this. I got into a decent account that I never knew about before. Worth it.

HVACexpert

Politicker

sales engineer

Whether it’s golf, drinks, lunch, whatever …to get an extended amount of dedicated time with a customer is always valuable. Do it! And don’t forget the cigars.

amyhyoung

Politicker

Vp ops

if the prospect is an avid golfer and they love golf, they won't turn down a free round at a nice course. I know I would say yes if you took me to Pebble! You'll want to make sure you can keep up though :)

dorsiacro

Politicker

Account Executive

I'd throw it out there, especially if you can find a few high value prospects in your immediate area.

Doesn't have to be a hard sell either, you can float it casually

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Armageddon

Golf for prospecting?

17 comments

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