Any woman who is serious about getting ahead in business needs to look at incorporating golf into her strategy for success. Some of the most successful male CEO's in the country have. Business mega stars such as Jack Welch, Donald Trump, and Charles Schwab have all used golf to further their business relationships.

Even dot-comers Bill Gates and Scott McNeely of Sun MicroSystems have added golf to their success strategies. If these nabobs of the old and new economies are utilizing golf in their business strategies, why shouldn't women? Women can use golf to get ahead in the companies they work for and network with others outside their work place to get more business.

One of my closest friends and business advisors is a woman named Susan Pappas, from Connecticut. Susan is the owner and CEO of a marketing communications company called Pappas MacDonnell. We met at a golf tournament ten years ago, and we have been dear friends ever since. I am Susan's pro when it comes to her golf game, and she is my pro when it comes to my business game. She is an 8 handicap in golf, and I am still a beginner in business.

I knew when I first met Susan that she was very good at what she does. It was evident by the way she handled herself during 18 holes of golf. She had a pre shot routine, a solid game plan, good concentration, and most important, she proved to have a strong mind, in other words, a good attitude. Susan is a great competitor, on the golf course and in the business arena. That is why to this day, I always choose Susan to be on MY team!

Despite the obvious business advantages, women often say they do not have the time to learn golf. The real question is, "Can a business woman afford NOT to play golf?"

Consider the following qualities that successful business people share with successful golfers:

• Face sudden changing conditions that require quick decisions
• Process large amounts of information to make a decision
• Require practice and preparation for a good performance
• Perform under pressure
• Rely on a positive attitude

The strategies used in golf apply to individual business performance and success. What better reason to play golf? Aside from what golf can teach you that you can put into practice in your career, golf provides you with an opportunity to spend time with people and get to know them.

Where else but during a round of golf would you have four or five hours of essentially uninterrupted time to talk to someone and get to learn about his or her likes, dislikes, philosophy on business and life? Not when you are playing tennis, hoops, or racquetball.

Golf allows you to build personal relationships with the boss, potential clients, suppliers, and others. Influential or important people who are usually rushed or difficult to talk to during the day can be easily won over during a simple round of golf.

The game also gives you insight into the other person's inner self. Watching how people conduct themselves while playing golf, which is above all a game of honor, will give you valuable insight into a person's decision-making abilities, integrity, temperament, and sense of humor. A good sense of humor can mean the difference between a positive experience on the course or a miserable one, a new contract or a lost one.

Use this time to observe your partners and get to know them in a different light. Someone you meet on the first tee may end up being the business contact you have been waiting for and didn't expect. Exchange cards at the end of the round and follow up while the golfing experience is still fresh in their minds.

Playing golf with clients and customers can be and is usually a bonding experience. Even if you are not playing your best, you can still enjoy the competition and have fun. In reality, nobody really cares about your score anyway. What your fellow golfers care about is that you know the rules, observe the correct etiquette and keep up with the pace of play.

Be courteous and considerate. Most important, be aware of your own score so that there is no confusion and everyone knows that your integrity is in tact. If your riding partner is not keeping an honest score card, then you have learned a valuable lesson about them that you will remember next time you are in the board room.

An important note: rarely is business discussed during the round itself. Your game with your client or customer is for the purpose of creating an atmosphere for building a strong business relationship. The office is the place to actually do business. For some, the office may be the 19^th hole, which is the bar or grill in the clubhouse, but for most business golfers, that location will be arranged for a later date to be decided between the parties.

We can all choose to do business with anybody. It just so happens that most people choose someone they know, trust and like. Often, this is what comes out of a simple round of golf.

My friend Susan Pappas has continued to grow her business since we first met 10 years ago. She would be the first to tell you that golf has played a big role in that growth.

I have personally launched a new company of my own, VenusGolf, which empowers women in golf through books, tapes, and golf products. I have switched hats from a P.R.O. to a C.E.O.

If you are serious about growing your business, I strongly suggest you look into how you can grow it through this wonderful game.

Good luck and enjoy the journey.

What is your view on this issue? Send your comments to venus@venusgolf.com.

	"Venus of the Fairway" was created because of a lack of teaching methods designed for the way women learn. Rather than overload the reader with highly technical swing instruction, Debbie emphasizes practical drills that teach women how to "feel" key swing movements, reinforced by a simple and positive teaching style. Venus on the Fairway ensures readers will have fun while learning. (click on the book for more info about "Venus on the Fairway"
"Venus on the Fringe, Introducing the “V Factor” Creating a Short Game That Works for Humans" In this book, from putting and chipping to the lob shot, Venus simplifies the short game. “Give Me Another ‘V’” reminds us that “Chipping is nothing more than putting with a lofted club.” “Light bulb moments” to practice drills will really help your short game. Jan Stephenson, 1981 Short Game Player of the Year on the LPGA Tour, says, “In tournaments, the short game is the key to not dropping shots and losing one to the field. You can hit it to eight feet all day, but if you can’t finish, you can’t score and you can’t win. Debbie’s refreshing and educational approach to teaching in Venus on the Fringe is long overdue.” (click on the book for more info about "Venus on the Fringe"
Debbie Steinbach (a.k.a. Venus) is available as an entertainment-styled speaker. She has spoken to a wide variety of corporate groups and organizations including Kraft, Sony, Nabisco, the Executive Women's Golf Association, the Women's Southern California Golf Association and the LPGA. Her narrative about life on and off the course is filled with wit and humor. Debbie's view on the differences between men and women golfers will leave you smiling all the way to your next tee time. Visit her on the web at www.venusgolf.com.

from Ladies Golf Journey - The Women's Golf and Lifestyle Magazine

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