Networking is an important component of business. In the insurance industry, it’s key—for you, your agency and your insureds. The more people in the industry you know, the better. Networking can teach you how to be a better agent, it can give you ideas about how to run a smoother agency and it can offer unique perspectives on how to help your clientele.
Golfing with fellow insurance colleagues is a stress-free, fun place to learn more about the industry.
Follow these tips on golf-course networking to ensure you make the most of your insurance tee time and practice good golf course networking etiquette:
- Before you head to the golf course, stock your pockets with your business cards. You’ll want to hand them out to the people with whom you connect.
- Be early. Leaving people waiting for you will start the event on the wrong foot. And, if you’re early, you can use that time to start a conversation.
- Are you golfing with people you’ve never met? Introduce yourself quickly. Don’t waste time in awkward silence. This will help you build rapport and start a conversation before you take your first swing.
- When others introduce themselves to you—remember their names. Jot their names down on your score card as a memory tool.
- Talk about insurance! Talk to others about their experiences with the industry, and listen.
- Ask for advice. This will show your fellow players that you’re listening, you’re engaged and you value their opinion.
- Understand the etiquette of playing golf. This will show your industry colleagues that you’re prepared. If you’re a novice golfer, don’t be afraid to ask questions. This shows you’re ready to learn, too.
- Don’t be an overenthusiastic winner or a sore loser. Nothing kills the mood faster than someone who is too competitive. Friendly competition is one thing, but getting angry if you miss the hole-in-one, or picking on someone who isn’t as strong a golfer as you would be inappropriate.
- Thank your golfing partners for the round. Usually, this would be done with a handshake, but be respectful of others’ space during the pandemic.
- Relax, and be yourself. Remember: You have three things in common with your fellow golfers: You work in and care about the insurance industry, you want to network and get to know people, and you want to play a round of golf.
When networking on the golf course, you should have fun. But, remembering these quick tips will help you set off on the right foot with everyone on the course.
Test these tips and your networking skills this golfing season at the YIP golf events.
The NJYIP Golf Open is Monday, May 3, 2021, at Knob Hill Golf Club in Manalapan—the event is sold out, but there still may be sponsorship opportunities available for your agency. For more information, email NJYIP Coordinator Jill Krynski.
The CTYIP Golf Open is Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield. You can register to attend or sign up to sponsor here.
The NY-YIP Golf Open is Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, at the Mill River Club in Oyster Bay. Registration for this event will be available soon.
Alexandra Chouinard
Alexandra Chouinard has editing, writing, advertising and publishing experience from her Alma Mater, Loyola University, where she earned a dual Bachelor of Arts Degree in Writing and Communication.
