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Aren’t certain country clubs pretty exclusive? Anyways, if that’s where the money congregates and the people like you then it’s a good opportunity to build your book of business. It worked for Madoff so it can work for you.
I have lived all over the country and can say that the country clubs on the east and Midwest are more “exclusive” with more business to be had. On the west coast they are either Uber wealthy with people who don’t work or more social and golf. I am a member of two clubs, one in each side of the country and have not seen a lick of business from either. In general, I think country clubs are great for entertaining (client lunch, office holiday parties, client golf, etc.), but not great for drumming up business.
You could join a club as a social member, which is a lot cheaper or as a young executive if you qualify and the club has that level of membership.
Another option is to join a high end health club / gym. It would be cheaper and still the opportunity to meet people of influence. I get the feeling that people in country clubs don’t want other members schlepping business from them.
Regardless of what you do, the key is networking. You don’t need a country club to do that
For me, it is natural since I am a social person. But you start with a simple comment “cool shoes” “nice watch” or better yet, make it open ended “how do you like your Apple Watch?” and get the conversation going. I never talk about work, it get people to like me first. People work with people they like.
I’ve wondered about this as well. I’ve heard of major bd meetings getting set up in areas like Ohio, but not on the east coast. My theory is it’s less advantageous here because people are putting in crazy hours to get ahead on the east coast (e.g. your Fortune 500 CEO/CFO and their reports are too busy working 70 spots to network at the country club), but interested in hearing what others think.
I’m in the Midwest and there is some more balance than you describe. That said no controllers I know are members at all and rarely even take a day off still haha.
I think the draw to it is that your current clients / future prospects don’t have access to the course so bringing them would be a ‘treat’.
This partner has a standing tee time once a week at the same time and brings different people each week. Also a member at a prestigious course.
How would you even know if there are prospects
I tried once but they are pretty strict in accepting new members. Although they are expensive, a lot of people actually told me it's worth it. I suggest you wait for a little while if it's not one of your current priorities.
I am a member to an exclusive club. We don't like to talk business here. We don't even allow cell phone calls in the main building.