Business is like golf

Why is Business like Golf? Or vice versa?

2010-12-13T17:58:00.000-05:00

I'm looking at snow on the golf courses now in Montreal, so maybe it's time to put this Blog into hibernation with a quick re-cap of why I think Business is like Golf. And Vice Versa.

Several years ago at DirectTech Solutions we worked that theme into our marketing strategy.
Manage your game ... with DirectTech Solutions.
Especially if you recognize these problems in your business:

Business Plan went sideways on the first tee.
Marketing strategy is all wet.
Corporate image looks like a mashie niblick (Old 7 iron).
Brochures looking pretty rough.
Sales are slicing into the trees.
Website costs are in bogie territory.
Couldn't sink a contract if you tried.
Distribution strategy is on the beach.
Advertising manager lost his balls.
Nobody even knows you won the Open.
Your best hole is the 19th.

DirectTech Solutions understands that business is like golf - easy to get into trouble and hard to get the results you want. Don't putter around. For creative, practical solutions to your corporate strategy, business plans, and performance improvement needs. More than a mulligan, we deliver solutions.

Our marketing strategy included golf themed brochures, putting contests at trade shows, sponsoring golf tournaments, etc. It was fun and created some buzz, but when it was no longer new and original, we moved on.

Then I started this Blog for expansion on the theme. It fit with my online plans for Uncle Ralph, "Enrepreneurs Only" and DIYBusinessPlan (http://www.diybusinessplan.com/), where I am trying to write, teach, advise, consult and comment on management, leadership and entrepreneurship. The golf analogy keeps coming back. So let`s test that analogy a little further.

Here is my list of "Why Business is Like Golf" :

It's important to have a plan. Of course nothing goes exactly according to plan, but when you look up, you can recognize where you should be now, and where you're trying to go. (Like Oops! I'm in the bunker and need to get out of the sand and back on the fairway in front of the green.)
Even the good shots can end up badly. And vice versa. So take your best shot and hope for the best. That great drive (or proposal) may have gone too far and ended up in the rough. And sometimes a terrible slice (or bad sales call) can actually bounce off a tree and end up right where you wanted to be.
Every problem is just another challenge. It was not supposed to end up in the rough and behind a tree, but now you can work on your "recovery" shot.
Work on the fundamentals. You cannot get better if you don't understand and master the basic principles, techniques and foundation of a good swing (or business).
Choose and use the right tools and equipment. Technology keeps making the game easier, but make sure it is the right equipment for you and your plan. And don't try to force an 8-iron to work like a 4-wood.
Know the rules and play fair. Even if nobody catches you cheating, you know you don't deserve the credit you're getting for a good game.
Continuous learning and determined practice are the disciplines of champions. If the Number One golfer in the world is still adjusting his swing with a new coach, what are your doing to be better and do better?
It's easier if you lower your expectations and have good excuses. But you want more, right?
Learn from your mistakes. You will inevitably have an occasional bad shot, a bad hole or a bad day. It may just be bad luck, a bad idea, or a bad swing, but continuously analyse what you did wrong so that you can avoid the mistake next time.

That's the first nine holes, I hope it gives you some memorable ideas that will improve both your golf and your business. I'll work on another nine for another day.

Until then, keep hitting them down the middle!

Del

Tiger is No.2 to Westwood, now No.1.

2010-11-02T15:53:00.000-04:00

Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood at Pebble Beach, US Open - June 2010.

The slide in golf performance by Tiger Woods since his disgrace as a husband and father has finally allowed him to be overtaken by Lee Westwood as the number one golfer in world rankings. Nobody has been there longer than Tiger at more than 600 weeks during his twelve year career to date. Greg Norman is the only golfer at plus 300 weeks to ever come close to a similar reign at the top of the golf kingdom.

Is Tiger's reign over as he slips into oblivion? I doubt it. No longer the prime contender to win at any tournament he enters he still proved his capabilities in his appearance at the Ryder Cup and he still draws the crowds with his ability to make the shots that no one else even tries. He's no longer number one, but still on the comeback and will be a threat and the man to watch for years to come.

"Beware of the Tiger" is still good advice. His career is not over and he is determined to win more than the 18 Majors of Jack Nicklaus. He will continue to entertain and inspire us - at least on the golf course. In his personal life, he has lots more work to do to recover our respect.

And that too is how business is like golf.

Keep on playing is the answer.

The fairy tale ends

2010-08-24T17:10:00.000-04:00

The fairy tale family - golf god, blonde beauty, and two adorable children - made for the media and subject of public adulation, is over. Now divorced, Tiger Woods and Elin Nordgren will still try to meet their parental duties, but the image of the perfect modern celebrity family has shattered.

The career of the golf god is also in doubt as Tiger struggles to perform at any level near his past performance. His recent play has been far from the super-human heroics on the course that used to fascinate us. Instead we overdosed on media coverage of his extra-marital sex life to the point of wanting to hear no more.

A very unhappy ending to the fairy tale of Tiger Woods - from child prodigy to Number 1 Golfer in the World for the best part of 10 years. The image that allowed him to become the the most highly paid athlete by advertising sponsors is also shattered and unlikely to be rebuilt. Maybe Donald Trump has the best suggestion - just change the sponsors to products that appeal to chauvinist, sexist, drinking, partying and gambling men (in addition to golfers) and forget the family-oriented role model.

The next chapter of this tale will aslo be fascinating to follow.

Let's hope it ends better than the last.

Golf is Cruel

2010-08-02T12:59:00.004-04:00

Chunk one in the water, or a putt bumps off line and you LOSE! Not sure you feel better if you got beat by a 59. On Sunday, Stuart Appleby came from way behind and had the round of his life to walk away with the championship.

Sometimes it's hard to accept, but golf like business and life in general, is not fair. You don't always get the results you deserve. Sometimes the good shots end up bad and the bad shots end up good. The wrong guy often wins. Our heroes sometimes disappoint us.

My son and I played on the weekend and learned some of those lessons (again). As did Fred Couples and Jeff Overton. (No, neither of us shot a 59, but the other stuff, yes.)

We were reminded of that great stress relief phrase coined by life coach and motivator, Rock Thomas, "What's Good about This." For example: "What's good about this unlucky bounce off a rake and into the foorprint in a sand trap is .... that I get to make a great sand save!"

Making the most of our setbacks just makes the eventual success even more satisfying.

Our Olympic Golf Champion!

2010-07-27T14:41:00.000-04:00

An interesting historical side note from the recent Canadian Open, compliments of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum (who knew we even had one?).

Believe it or not, the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist for golf is Canadian, George Lyon! At the last Olympic games that included golf, he won at St. Louis in 1904. We have the trophy to prove it, but have lost the gold medal since the 1930's.

George Lyon won at the age of 46, over an American in his 20`s. Lyon was already a star athlete in rugby and cricket, plus holding the national record in pole vaulting, before turning to play golf in his late 30`s.

Another Great Canadian hero, with an inspiring story we had not heard before.

(Another side note and also strangely inspiring story for us less athletic heroes: this year`s Canadian Open Champion, was Carl Pettersson from Sweden, who qualified dead last on Friday so went out and had a few beers, then Saturday was just one birdie putt from a 59 and won on Sunday with a 67. Shades of the John Daly school of golf!)

My conclusion: Choose your role models carefully. Focus on the results, not the life style.

Golf lessons for investors

2010-07-12T11:55:00.001-04:00

Interesting perspective today in the National Post today by Kim Covert quoting Drew Abbott of TD-Waterhouse on how the principles for succeeding at golf also apply to successful investing.

Four key concepts that stand out for Abbott:

Intuition - trust your gut feel; learn to do what feels right and stay away from what doesn't feel like a good choice before taking a swing at it.
Discipline - avoid high risk shots that may get you into deeper trouble instead of the heroic results you're trying to achieve.
Sound fundamentals - learn the basic principles, techniques and tactics that are the foundation for getting better results.
Expert advice - keep learning and accept good coaching to improve your game.

All are sound principles that should be kept in mind to achieve better results for your golf and your investment portfolio.

And don't forget to keep it in perspective: past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Enjoy and good luck. That also helps in both golf and investing.

Business of Golf vs Hockey

2010-06-01T12:51:00.000-04:00

When the seasons overlap, it's hard not to notice the differences between hockey and golf as businesses.

The PGA Tour is almost unique in that it is owned and operated by the players themselves (maybe ATP tennis is similar). For NHL hockey (and most other major league sports) the owners are often in opposition to the players and their union. It's almost socialism versus capitalism. Or at least democracy and active participation in the business versus rampant exploitation of the hired help. (borderline slavery?)

So which is better? And for whom?

For the owners, the PGA is better run and more consistently profitable. Hockey team owners are willing to indulge their vanity with huge losses. For the players, both sports seem to do very well for the top performers. But the PGA is strictly based on personal performance - you earn what you win. Thousands don't make the grade for the Tour and work for basic wages at the local course.

For hockey players, they have the protection of team mates helping them win and their agents and the union protecting their earnings. Still thousands don't make it to the big show and take their lunps in lessor leagues.

What about the paying customers?

Both sports essentially are selling entertainment to their fans and the sponsors. It seems to work. You might argue that fans get more for their money at a golf tournament, but you have to accept that the price is determined by the market and hockey fans (in some cities) are fanatic enough to pay whatever it takes to see a game. TV audiences and commercial sponsors confirm that the fans are there. For golf there is the "Tiger factor". And his new notoriety just adds to the attraction when he's playing.

No conclusion - just observations. Make your own choices.

Tiger is not the only story at the Masters

2010-04-09T16:12:00.005-04:00

Finally we are back to golf!

Tiger Woods at the Masters still seems to be the biggest story, but I sense the media frenzy will end soon as he gets back to golf and we all get past the fascination with his sordid escapades.

And there are other fascinating golf stories to follow.

The 50 and 60-year old, Fred Couples and Tom Watson are leading at the Masters after the first round. (Not so much during day 2 with Englishmen, Westwood and Poulter, leading.)

And the humble gentleman golfer from South Africa (without any known character flaws) is coming off two consecutive wins on tour. He is tied for 16th at one under par, with our Canadian hero, Mike Weir.

And Tiger, in case we're interested in his golf, finished today at 6 under, tied for third and three strokes behind the leader.

Looks like an interesting weekend.

It is so good to be back to business as usual. Enough of the scandalous side shows. Let the politicians and other celebrities provide that fodder for the tabloids.

Tiger speaks to us all

2010-02-21T10:41:00.005-05:00

Tiger finally steps up and speaks for himself.

(OK, maybe written and edited by someone else, but it did sound sincere.)

Stood up like a man and accepted the blame, took full responsibility for his actions, admitted to being selfish, irresponsible, and lacking integrity. He defended his wife and family and asked the press to back off. Apologized to everyone that expected better from him. Admitted he needed help and was not yet ready to return to golf.

The fallen idol is still under re-construction. We still don't know if his family and his career will ever recover.

Meanwhile, let's hope the rest of us can get back to business and golf as usual.

New skepticism

2010-02-01T17:46:00.003-05:00

The "Tiger effect" has not only caused us to wonder about everyone else's apparently happy family life, it has also made us skeptical about any star athlete's public image.

I found myself questioning Roger Federer's very humble, gracious and appealing acceptance speech after winning the Australian Open Tennis Championship on Sunday. Is he really that charming and friendly a family guy? Or has he been well coached and rehearsed by the agents and PR people that are helping him sell that image?

Thanks Tiger, for making us all less gullible and more cynical.

Unfortunately, that's what happens when a representative of our sport, profession or industry falls from favour into public disgrace. We all have to fight the negative impression created.

Tiger Woods' train wreck

2009-12-03T13:15:00.005-05:00

Personal life can affect your business (and your golf).

That is the painful and expensive lesson that the one-man industry known as Tiger Woods is learning the hard way.

Interestingly, in my recent discussions on the "Seven Biggest Mistakes that Entrepreneurs Make", that was No. 7: Letting Personal Issues Affect Your Business.

Tiger already knew that his personal image and reputation for integrity as an athlete, a man, husband and father were allowing him to earn sponsorships worth ten times his golf prize money . He worked hard to protect and maintain that image, which makes it even more astonishing that he would be so stupid and careless as to allow himself the bad choices he has apparently made. The attractiveness of his image and the public fascination with Tiger has now become an ongoing train wreck that he has managed badly and completely lost control of the media circus around it.

Disappointing for all of his fans and admirers, me included. But a high profile reminder that your personal life can intrude anytime into your business. Best to follow my mother's good advice, "Don't do anything that you wouldn't do if I were there."

Three good stories this weekend

2009-11-16T14:01:00.006-05:00

Stephen Ames won the Children's Miracle Network Classic at Disney World accompanied by his son for the tournament. How special is that?

Michelle Wie wins her first LPGA Tour event - finally! The biggest sideshow in women's golf since she was 12 years old, the "next one" has finally arrived at age 20, beating a quality field by two strokes at the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Guadalajara.

And of course, Tiger Woods proved he was worth the $3 million appearance fee by winning the Australian Masters. As he put it "I can now say I've won tournaments on every continent except Antarctica." He's waiting for the invitation. The fee may have to compensate for the challenging "conditions". But he's worth it.

(Thanks to National Post Sports for the original articles. )

Competition is good

2009-11-09T14:30:00.004-05:00

So Tiger and Phil meet again in Shanghai and the winner is... Phil again!

Should Tiger be worried? The analysts will be talking of a slump, end of his reign, the new Phil becoming number 1. It all adds to the excitement and attraction for fans and golfers everywhere.

No competition is no fun for anybody, and certainly doesn't inspire the players to try harder or do better. Competition is good. It forces us to be wary and keep learning and improving in order to keep winning.

Just like in business, don't you think?

And the winner is ....

2009-09-29T17:04:00.002-04:00

Tiger and Phil? Why not?

Phil wins the Tour Championship and Tiger wins the FedEx Cup. Or Phil wins a battle, but Tiger won the war - this year, again.

It all seems to make sense that consistency is worth $10 million and a few wins are worth only about $4 million.

Sure beats my summer of golf though, how about you?

Weekend plans?

2009-09-25T11:40:00.005-04:00

Tiger and friends are playing for $10 milllion and the FedEx Cup this weekend. What are you doing?

The so-called playoff series for the PGA Tour is finally getting interesting. The winner of this event is likely the winner of the series. It isn't necessarily Tiger or Vijay just for showing up. That's the way a playoff series should be - the favourites and top dogs fighting off the contenders.

Sort of like business competition for the big customer everybody wants.

Or maybe not. Am I overstretching the "business is like golf" concept? Help me out here.

Thanks.

Even bad golf is good

2009-09-22T09:33:00.012-04:00

Sometimes you just have to learn to enjoy it in spite of the disappointments.

It has been a slow summer for golf for me. Just 10 rounds, so that means the results are inconsistent. Well, not totally inconsistent, mostly bad - not breaking 100 and very few good shots or good holes. It's easy to get discouraged and decide, again, to give it up.

But then, ... it's a beautiful day on a beautiful course and two consecutive days with a few good shots and some pars, even a birdie or two, and "I love this game, even if it doesn't always love me back!"

So where's the business lesson in that? Probably just a reminder not to let it go. Find the good spots, remind yourself of the long-term rewards and enjoy.

Doing what you like and getting better at it is reward enough.

Keep on swinging.

A little means a lot

2009-06-29T07:13:00.003-04:00

"The difference between first and second is getting bigger, the difference between first and last is horrendous". He was speaking of CEO salaries versus second-in-command and the lowest on the scale, but it's also true for the PGA tour.

Consider the recent US Open.

Winner Lucas Glover walked away with $1,350,000. Falling just two strokes behind after five long days was Ricky Barnes at $559, 830, tied with Phil Mickelson and David Duval. Tiger was fourth at $233,350 and first round leader Mike Weir was down to $154,600. In last place was Fred Funk at $19, 921. Still better than most of us for a week's work, but far from the $1.3 million first prize.

The difference might be just one too many drives into the long rough, or a missed short putt or the approach shot that rolled off the green into the water. And it cannot be explained by a little bad luck. The number one performers are consistently just a little better every day and keep on winning.

Think about it. Focus and be better.

Tools and technique

2009-06-29T06:56:00.004-04:00

In business and in golf , buying better tools doesn't immediately improve your results. (In spite of the advertising promises.) It's never that simple. Sometimes a new driver or a new ERP system just gets you into trouble faster and deeper.

It is important to have good tools. And newer technology can lead to better results. But every tool needs to be combined with good technique if you really want to achieve new levels of success. In golf that means ensuring you have good fundamentals and then build consistency through practice.

In business, that means managing the change process well, supporting it with training and assigning the right staff to get performance improvements.

Now go ahead and make the investment.

Recession hits golf too

2009-05-14T12:05:00.002-04:00

In spite of declarations to the contrary, I think the recession is hitting the golf business too.

Some golf equipment manufacturers and course owners are bravely stating (or wishfully hoping) that golfers are too dedicated to their passionate pastime to be affected by the current setbacks to their business or portfolios.

I think the truth is evident right outside my window. I have been following progress on the new 9-hole executive course under construction in near my condo on Nun's Island in Montreal. Recent press reports have it opening "by end of this summer", but activity has completed stopped. I'm guessing the financing dried up and everything is on hold. The same is probably true elsewhere for equipment sales and for green fees.

Are you buying that new driver or playing more this year? I'm not.

Maybe hockey should be more like golf.

2009-05-06T10:49:00.003-04:00

I was reading recently a commentary that the new rules in the NHL to avoid a tie are not true to the principles of sport. That is, forcing overtime and then a shootout to determine a winner for every game is simply not right. In real life, great effort, blood, sweat and tears can still result in no clear winner. It's an important lesson of life that we need to learn to accept. Why not in a hockey game?

In business and in golf it also happens that a great effort/shot do not always lead to great results. We've all had great drives off the tee, long and straight, but just ran a little too far into the water or under the lip in a trap. Dammit!

Very much like finally winning a big order from that customer you've been working on for so long - just before he goes bankrupt.

And how about that long, double breaking putt that stops, somehow, just behind the the hole. I think all those short tap-ins from inside 6-inches should just count for 1/2 a stroke. No gimmes, but not a full stroke! Just doesn't seem fair.

And that's the lesson for today. Life, business and golf are not fair. Get over it.

Golf is not like hockey

2009-04-29T11:55:00.002-04:00

It's hockey playoff season ( and the Canadiens are already gone!) but I'm reminded that golf is not like hockey.

A recently retired hockey player (or one recently knocked out of the playoffs) was quoted as saying, "What I really like about golf is that after I make a great putt, I don't have to worry about somebody rushing across the green and cross-checking me in the head!" Now there's a difference you can appreciate.

Imagine hockey played by the same gentlemanly etiquette that is expected in golf.

No blocking the shot, let me give you a clear line to the goalie.

Excuse me, don't count that goal, I accidently kicked it in.

You're up, so you go first from the face-off.

Helmets off, shake hands and have a beer together after the game.

Somehow it just wouldn't be hockey.

Tiger's back

2009-02-23T10:29:00.005-05:00

Now that he's completed the family foursome and rehabilitated his knee, Tiger has announced he'll be back on tour this week. (Added incentive for Phil Mickelson to win one on the weekend before the Tiger attacks again?)

The happy family-man will, I'm sure, return to competition with his usual Tiger-like determination and talent to put everyone else off their game. He's worth watching anytime.

Also worth mentioning that his class and character show off the course as well. A role model for us all - from his sense of social responsibility to his family values. Much more than just a great golfer.

Welcome back Tiger.

Roller coaster ride

2009-02-23T10:03:00.003-05:00

I was reminded while watching the weekend golf that success in business and golf seems to require the tenacity and focus to survive the occasional rides up and down that seem to be out of our control. Hang on and ride it out!

Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker and Fred Couples battled at Pacific Palisades over four rounds to finish one, two, and three for winnings of $1.1 million, $680,000 and $327,000. Stricker went a very steady and impressive 68-66-69-67. But Mickelson and Couples took the roller coaster rides of 63-72-62-72 and 67-70-65-69. Hole by hole was even more stressful as they went from flying off the fairway into the trees to sticking it by the pin for birdie putts.

A great reminder that success at the end of the day can still follow some pretty discouraging results along the way.

Uncle Ralph's e2e forum Blog by Del Chatterson: Working like a dog?

2009-01-16T11:14:00.000-05:00

Uncle Ralph's e2e forum Blog by Del Chatterson: Working like a dog?

7-year old World Champion golfer

2009-01-12T12:03:00.002-05:00

In Las Vegas there is a family dedicated to their young golfer and they seem to be getting it right.

Last year at age six, (Yes there is a Kids World Championship for 6-year olds) he won at 7-under-par on 9-hole 1300 yard courses against 82 other kids from 12 different countries. (New York Times and Montreal Gazette, January 7, 2009.)

OK, where's the lesson here?

First for parents: his parents are dedicated to developing their son's talent and moved to Las Vegas to give him a better chance than in Chicago. But they are not obsessed or pushing their son against his will to fulfill their dreams. He is happy, enthusiastic and well-rounded; including other sports and guitar lessons in his life. Other kids are not so fortunate with parents that have to be removed from the course for berating and belittling their young golfers.

And for business: You too can be a World Champion if you choose the right place to compete. No, I don't mean against 6-year olds on a shortened course! But compare your results to a competitor in your industry that is about the same size and sells to the same markets. Now are you doing better than you thought? Is it clearer what you need to do to be the World Champion in that division? Now go for it.

Happy New Year!

You're fired!

2008-12-10T16:11:00.003-05:00

Golf is like business in this economy too.

Even Tiger Woods recently got fired by GM as the spokeman for Buick. So the lesson for business owners is....

If your business is in trouble and you have a part-time employee earning $7 million a year, now is a good time to let him go. In fact now is a good time to make a lot of decisions that might not have been very popular in the good ol' days, but are pretty obviously necessary now.

Oh yeah, and this is not a good time to flaunt the corporate jet. Unless you've had a very good year in golf or business, and want to distinguish yourself as still having the cash to spend on frivolous luxury and convenience.

Slow progress

2008-12-08T15:40:00.004-05:00

I mentioned the golf course under construction that I'm watching from my office window. Well it continues to take shape in spite of the early winter weather conditions.

Apparently earth moving is still possible, but no grass will be seeded or sodded in this weather, and it's getting worse. This morning, Dec. 8th, they were reporting -20 degrees C and -30 with the windchill. That's 20 below for the Fahrenheit folks. Definitely not golf weather.

Time to plan for the winter break in Myrtle Beach or Scottsdale. Any suggestions or recommendations?

The "off" season

2008-11-19T12:26:00.002-05:00

We're in late November and it's clearly the off season for golf. In warmer climates people are still playing, but even there the real golf season is over. Nothing on the PGA nor the LPGA.

What are all those golfers doing? Probably enjoying the time away from the course. Time to spend on other activities; add some balance to your life; and maybe reflect on new approaches to get better for next season.

Is there an off season in business which we can use to the same advantage? Absolutely.

Course management - Harder than it looks

2008-11-12T10:44:00.004-05:00

We've all had the experience of watching the pros make it look easy; while knowing that getting the ball to do what you want it to do is not easy.

But who knew that building a golf course could be so hard? From my office window on the 10th floor of a condo building on Iles des Soeurs near downtown Montreal I can see a new 9-hole executive golf course under construction. It sounded easy when they described the project, but apparently it's not.

The plan was to convert about 70 acres of toxic landfill into a golf course by removing debris and re-contouring the land then covering it with topsoil and landscaping it for golf. It took about nine months and thousands of truckloads in and out of the area. Only last year did some seeded grass start to appear on the planned driving range. This summer there were signs of sand traps and greens. But only enough for about three holes. The driving range was finished but not officially opened. Now in late fall, there is more dirt being moved around, but still not sodded and not a tree in sight.

Already delayed, probably over budget and having changed owners, the course is now expected to be ready for golf by September 2009. We'll keep watching.

Tip for trying times

2008-10-17T17:31:00.000-04:00

With credit to one of my favourite comic strips, "Real Life Adventures":

Father and son are finishing their round of golf and the young son asks, "So Dad, what did we learn today?"

His reply, "When things are going badly, stop keeping score."

That may be sound advice for your business or your investment portfolio these days. You already know the results are bad and looking at them again and again will not make them better. Check them once.

Then get on with what you have to do for better results.

Apologies

2008-10-17T17:27:00.000-04:00

Apologies to all my regular readers, if I have any. (Are you out there?)

I've neglected this Blog and my golf for several weeks. Too many distractions, plus a holiday break and a bad cold have knocked me off my routine. (If you know me, I've never been good at routines.)

But now I'm back and will try to dedicate regular time to my Blogs. Stay tuned.

Success is a great motivator

2008-09-04T17:28:00.002-04:00

My Dad used to say, "Nothing succeeds like success". I'm sure you've heard the expression also. My interpretation is that the more you succeed the more you, and others, expect to see you succeed.

It is true in business and golf. A couple of examples.

Out for another round with my 7-year old grandson and this time he did much better. A strong, smooth swing was connecting more frequently and sending the ball long and straight (for a 7-year old). Every golfer's favourite swing result. On top of that he rammed a couple of 4 to 5-foot putts straight into the cup to the surprise of all of us watching and to his delight. He was so encouraged with his game that he insisted on going immediately to the driving range and practice green after our nine hole round. He was motivated.

I had a similar experience earlier this week in a rare round with my son-in-law. He is a very competitive former fullback with a vicious swing and a huge slice that he manages to keep in the fairway. We were both ready to impress each other. I got the better start.

Off the first tee, a short dogleg left downhill to a small well-bunkered green, I hit a perfect (for me) 5-iron that drew around the corner and ran down about 225 yards. Hit a full sandwedge about 100 yards and landed right side of the pin, then sank a curling 18-foot putt for birdie. I'm loving this course! (Son-in-law lost his drive in the trees and went downhill, literally, from there.)

The rest of my round was the usual roller coaster from par to triple bogey but I was not bothered after the great starting hole and the expectation by me and my playing partners that I was going to hit it well. That first hole just kept me confident and relaxed for the day and happy to come back soon.

The lesson learned was one often stated by the pros, "Keep visualizing your successes, not your failures, and that is what you are more likely to repeat."

Many ways to get there

2008-08-07T13:16:00.003-04:00

An interesting round this week with my friend Giles. We are about the same calibre and often are close in score but this week was unusual.

We started well. He takes his usual abbreviated back swing and hits a drive down the middle. I take my usual full swing and hit a five iron past him and still on the fairway. I chunk the next shot and we both bogey. We then both make the next hole, par 3, and carry on from there. He works his way around with another par 3, a few bogeys and doubles. I also make the other par 3 and play better except for a blow-up 9. Surprisingly, we finish the front nine together at 49. (Not great golf, but we're 20+ handicappers and the course has punishing rough. No margin for error; if you're into the hay it's a lost ball.)

We chat to the cute and charming young lady serving hot dogs during our break then start badly on the back nine. (We agreed she was to blame.) I stumble to a 7 on the first par 3 and manage another ugly 9 on a par 4. Saved by my putting, I sink a couple of 10 and 12-footers and everything within 4-feet for two more pars, a 3 and a 5. Giles doesn't get any putts to fall in but keeps it close with bogeys.

Over the 19th hole beers, we add it all up. And discover we both had 49 again on the back nine!

If you've watched the pros, you'll see the same phenomenon. As in business, there are many ways to get there - power, finesse, and luck may all apply in varying degrees at different times. The bottom line is still all that matters. This is not figure skating - there are no points for style.

More fun with young golfers

2008-06-19T15:55:00.003-04:00

I had already learned from my seven year-old grandson that hitting balls at the driving range was not much fun. So yesterday we tried his suggestion of hitting balls on the soccer field. We made a game of hitting them from one end down through the goal posts at the other end.

His swing technique is getting better and he hit a couple of good 7-irons at least 50 yards. Scared me once as he sent a long one towards the parking lot and all those windshields sitting there. That and taking out a few of his little brother's teeth on the backswing were the biggest risks. The little brother, age four, also did quite well with his hockey slap shot technique from his hours of road hockey.

All in all we had fun and made progress. That's as good as it gets in golf (and business).

Getting rusty

2008-06-12T14:35:00.002-04:00

As Tiger comes back from his surgery and the recovery related delay to play the US Open this week there is much talk of whether he's rusty or not. Strange term to use after he has presumably had the "rust" removed from the hinge that is his left knee.

Not many are convinced that it will provide any competitive advantage to the others in the tournament. Tiger has played sick, tired, distracted and injured before and still won. Maybe harder for him and closer for the others, but he's still able to pull it out through sheer strength of will. His mental toughness is formidable under pressure.

That's probably the golf and business lesson for all of us. After any setback or prolonged absence it is important to re-focus and concentrate on the fundamentals to achieve our goals. Keep it simple, ignore the obstacles, and go for it.

Coaching a young golfer

2008-06-09T17:20:00.003-04:00

I started a new golf challenge on the weekend - introducing the game to my seven year-old grandson.

We soon agreed that hitting balls at the driving range is not much fun.

First lesson for me: Like coaching young entrepreneurs, there is no point in doing this if it's not going to be fun because there is certainly no guarantee that you'll ever make money at it.

So let's find out how to make this fun. I'm looking for ideas and his suggestion of practicing on the soccer field sounds a little risky. Meanwhile I'm looking for whiffle balls before somebody gets hurt.

Another early challenge is which way to swing, left or right. Like many young Canadians he naturally picked up the club to smack it like a slap shot with his hockey stick - left handed. Oops, the clubs were right-handed. After debating with his father, who plays left but is right handed, we decided to keep the right handed clubs and let him start that way. He seemed to get the idea fairly quickly, including an interlocking grip, so we'll keep working at it.

I hope that first decision doesn't keep him from going pro.

Golf guru

2008-04-23T11:59:00.004-04:00

Business consultants and executive coaches often use the line "even Tiger Woods needs to consult with a coach to improve his game". Sounds reasonable and it's true.

Golf guru, David Leadbetter, was recently interviewed in Maclean's magazine. He does coach the pro's as well as teach mere mortals at golf clinics around the world. As he puts it, "I'm a bit like Robin Hood because I rob from the rich and give to the poor." Since he charges up to $10,000 per day (for the guys competing in multi-million dollar tournaments) he can afford to give free advice to kids and young pros.

He did admit though that some golfers are "instructionally challenged" He was not so crude as to use the term LOFT (for "lack of f***ing talent") but he does sometimes suggest maybe they should try tennis.

It's also true for some ambitious new entrepreneurs who need to be told "maybe you should try a real job." Sometimes you just have to be cruel to be kind.

Learning from the pros

2008-04-04T12:18:00.005-04:00

I had the pleasure recently of visiting the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana. Aside from watching Mike Weir practicing huge flop shots from 30 feet to the hole, John Daly rolling them into the cup, and David Duval cranking long drives a mile off the fairway I also got to watch Retief Gooosen's smooth swing close up.

Almost too close.

It was the Pro-Am day and I was wandering away from the three amateurs playing with David Duval thinking "Money can buy you a ticket to play, but you can't buy class." It's not the first time I've seen amateurs break the rules of etiquette. Dropping cigarettes on the green, improving their lie in the rough (The worst offender was PM Jean Chretien at the Canadian Open with Tiger Woods. At one point Tiger offered him a tee.) But one idiot with David Duval couldn't resist getting on the cell phone (in spite of all the signs saying NO CELL PHONES) and boasting "Yeah, I'm actually playing in the Pro-Am with David Duval."

But as I rounded the corner and headed up the cart path towards the 10th tee I noticed some poor amateur way off the fairway across the cart path and under the trees about to hit the ball straight at me. Oops, that's no amateur, that's Retief Goosen! So I backed out of his way and watched his silky swing pick it off the pine needles and send it over the bunkers and trees right onto the green. These guys are good.

I have a video of Retief on the tee. It's a good image to keep in mind next time I'm setting up to tee off.

Power, determination, technique

2008-02-05T19:33:00.000-05:00

When I was coaching my son years ago, primarily in hockey, I would remind him of our mantra "PDT" - power, determination and technique.

We had agreed they were the three elements that were necessary for a high level of performance. "Power" requires building strength and fitness to overcome obstacles and the competition. "Determination" is about attitude and the mental ability to focus and persist in the pursuit of the objectives. "Technique" is mastering the skills required to perform at a high level consistently.

PDT applies very much to the sport of golf and is demonstrated by the winners every weekend. Developing the power, determination and technique applicable to your business will also lead to successes there.

From excellence to perfection

2008-02-01T11:53:00.001-05:00

We've already observed that Tiger Woods seems to keep improving. To the dismay of his competitors. Last week he was dissatisfied with his driving and still won the tournament at Torrey Pines by eight strokes. What if he has four good days!?

Tom Peters wrote the business classic "In Search of Excellence" that has inspired a generation of business leaders. Lexus lived up to its slogan "The relentless pursuit of perfection" and Tiger seems to be on the same path.

What if you are a competitor? Are you just playing for second place? Just trying to make a decent living? Of course not. You too want to be the best, a winner one day. Your only choice is to keep chasing the standard bearer. Tiger had Jack Nicklaus. Now we all have Tiger.

The fun is in the pursuit of being the best you can be. That is the challenge that keeps us going.

Momentum

2008-01-14T16:41:00.000-05:00

We have the tendency to start a New Year, or even each new month in business, by resetting the numbers back to zero and starting again from there. It can be a discouraging process.

The concept of building momentum and carrying it forward from one period to the next is probably a better approach. In business and in golf it is often the attitude that improves our results more than the aptitude.

Mike Weir had a very good start to the season in Hawaii last week leading on Sunday and finishing a strong fourth. Two early mistakes cost him a few hundred thousand dollars, but still in the serious money for a positive outcome. He agreed with the commentators that his victorious battle one-on-one with Tiger in Montreal followed by a win late last year have given him renewed confidence that he has carried into the new season.

In business we can also use the mental picture of good results in the past to lead us to the same results in the future.

Here's hoping it works for you. Wishing you all the best in business and in golf for 2008.

Continuous improvement

2007-12-07T13:52:00.000-05:00

This week's golf news is that Tiger is emerging from the off-season after two months of relaxing with his new daughter and "working on my body to be stronger than ever". Not encouraging news for his competitors on the PGA tour; Tiger is already the most fit and athletic player on the planet.

But like the ambitious entrepreneur his standards are higher than just winning, he wants to make history. He believes in the process of continuous improvement to be the best he can possibly be.

In business it might be called Kaizen or something else, but the successful business leader also knows that it needs to be done. It's not enough to "never quit"; it's necessary to "never stop getting better".

Golf and the Game of Leadership

2007-11-24T17:37:00.000-05:00

An interesting approach to leadership lessons by Donald E. McHugh. His book "Golf and the Game of Leadership" takes us from the practice tee to the 19th hole with some ideas that are common to success in golf, in business and in life.

It's worth a read just for some memorable analogies that will help you with some basic concepts and principles of leadership. McHugh has relevant personal experience as a corporate leadership trainer and as a golfer and does a good job of tying it all together within the framework of a round of golf.

Learning entrepreneurship

2007-11-24T17:14:00.000-05:00

I recently gave a course at Concordia University on Entrepreneurship and a dozen enthusiastic young entrepreneurs passed with excellent marks. Will they all succeed as entrepreneurs?

Sorry, but taking a course is not enough. In the very first class we agreed that anyone can be an entrepreneur if they are passionate determined, persistent and patient. So why not? It sounds like the same cliches we hear from successful celebrities - "believe in your dream, never give up". But we neglect to be honest and admit that there is always one more requirement for success - talent!

It's like the rookie golfer who just couldn't improve and after every bad shot the pro kept explaining that his problem was LOFT. So the the rookie tried another club and still couldn't hit it straight. The pro then explained "I didn't say your problem was loft, I said it was L-O-F-T: Lack Of F***ing Talent!"

Sometimes its best to discourage budding entrepreneurs who have a dream but need to recognize they are only dreaming. First find something they can be good at.

The golfer as entrepreneur

2007-11-24T16:36:00.000-05:00

Business may be like golf but the golfer is more entrepreneur than executive or CEO. No one to manage but himself or herself. No one else takes the credit or the blame. The results are up to you. Sounds like both: golfer and entrepreneur.

What about the characteristics of successful golfers and entrepreneurs? Both need to start with some natural talent or ability and then be determined, patient and persistent while building on it. Use experts, coaches, and mentors. Assess risks and rewards and make good strategic and tactical decisions. Hard-working and competitive, but also respecting the rules of the game and recognizing that luck has a lot to do with it. Best efforts don't always lead to the best results. There is no justice in day-to-day business or golf, but in the long run the best ones succeed.

Mike is back

2007-10-23T17:54:00.000-04:00

Another victory for Mike Weir last weekend. Four days of golf in the 60's at a tough Arizona desert course. After 3-1/2 years without a win the former Masters champion could have lost his game and faded away. But in a tribute to persistence and dedication to getting better he showed his championship talent and heart at the President's Cup and again on Sunday.

In golf and in business, persistence and dedication to continuous improvement and sticking to the plan will eventually lead to triumph. For a business example see the comments of Darren Entwhistle of Telus.

Way to go, Mike!

2007-10-01T10:37:00.000-04:00

A great demonstration of focus and commitment against all odds, Mike Weir defeated Tiger Woods in a face to face battle yesterday at Royal Montreal on the final day of the President's Cup.

All the pressure of high expectations for Canada's No.1 golfer against the toughest competitor in the world who's been having a great year while Mike has been struggling to win anywhere. After leading 3-up then bouncing one into the water after two birdies by Tiger he was 1-down with three holes to play. He won two of them for the match.

Guts and skill. All you need to win in business and in golf.

Way to go, Mike!

Teamwork

2007-09-28T12:28:00.000-04:00

In one respect business is not like golf, and that is the element of teamwork. Golf is normally a very solitary endeavor, just one golfer against the course and all other competitors. Very much alone, 100% responsible for the results, no one else to share the credit or take the blame.

But occasionally golf is also a team sport. Typically in college golf, but more notably in the famous Ryder Cup and the President's Cup, which is currently taking place in Montreal. Yesterday was a match of two-on-two with the alternate ball format. That means I drive it off the tee into the rough, you hit it back on the fairway, I hit it back in the rough, you hit it on the green and I miss the putt. And so on.

That was pretty much the way it went yesterday for Tiger Woods and his partner Charles Howell III. Charles had hit one wide of the green into deep rough behind a large sand trap with very little green in front of the hole. Tiger slashed it out with typical finesse, flying high over the trap, landed softly on the fringe and rolled gently to within two feet. Charles stepped up and missed the putt! That's hard on team spirit.

Nevertheless, they persevered and won their match. As Tiger said, "What matters is that we got the job done."

Meanwhile Mike Weir and VJ Singh had a different team experience. Both had been playing well and were holding a slim lead. But Mike hit his approach shot to the green slightly left and it landed in the sand trap. No problem, VJ hit a perfect shot out of the sand, onto the green and into the hole!

Ah the joys of successful teamwork.

Books for both

2007-09-19T10:42:00.000-04:00

I noticed on a recent visit to the bookstore that books on golf and business are remarkably similar.

Catchy titles: "The six rules for success", "The only book you'll ever need to need to read" , "Learn from the pros", etc. .... And the selections are similar; mastering techniques, applying psychology, or success stories from the past.

But in business and in golf, studying the subject and knowing the principles for success are not enough. You have to practice and get better by doing it.

Learning from experience and not just experiencing the experience will make all the difference.

Another good weekend for Tiger

2007-09-17T12:29:00.000-04:00

Watching Tiger shoot 28 on the front nine was exciting and impressive, but the disappointment of a 35 on the back nine was a helpful reminder to us all that our expectations are not always met. Even the world's best golfer can have a letdown.

We were all looking forward to a 60, 59, or maybe even the first ever 58 on a PGA tour event. But the magic ended, inexplicably, as in life and business.

Nevertheless, Tiger won another tournament, another $1.26 million, plus the first FedEx Cup for the season's playoff series winner and a $10 million bonus. Suddenly, golf sounds a whole lot better than most businesses. I wonder if it's all golf for Tiger or does he see it as a business too?

One to remember

2007-09-11T15:39:00.000-04:00

Another quotable from my dad, the original Uncle Ralph, which he used a lot when he was coaching me at baseball, but also applies to business and golf.

"It's never good enough to swing and hope."

Think about it.

Advice from golfers

2007-09-11T15:24:00.000-04:00

Many golfers have succeeded in business as well as golf and they have relevant advice for us about both. On this Blog we'll worry more about business than your golf (or mine).

First quotes are from Arnold Palmer, thanks to Rick Spence and his Canadian Entrepreneur Blog.
See: http://canentrepreneur.blogspot.com/2007/09/best-ever-entrepreneurship-quotes-week_10.html

Best-Ever Entrepreneurship Quotes: Week 49

Here is your motivational Quote of the Week, personally selected to get your week off to an inspirational start.

“Winning isn't everything, but wanting it is.”Arnold Palmer, professional golfer and living legend.Today Arnie celebrates his 78th birthday. To send him a birthday greeting, click here (registration required in “Arnie’s Army”).

And here's another great Arnold Palmer quote on competition for all entrepreneurs to chew on:“I never rooted against an opponent. But I never rooted for him, either.”

Thanks Arnold and Rick for your thoughts on golf and business.

Business is like golf

2007-09-11T15:07:00.000-04:00

I keep being reminded that business is like golf, so decided it's time to start a blog and website on the subject. Sorry, I just couldn't stop myself!

Several years ago at DirectTech Solutions we worked that theme into our marketing strategy.
(See: http://www.directtech.ca/business_is_like_golf.htm )

It included golf themed brochures, putting contests at trade shows, sponsoring golf tournaments, etc. It was fun and created some buzz, but we got tired of it and moved on.

However, now that I'm spending more time trying to write, teach, advise, consult and comment on management, leadership and entrepreneurship, the golf analogy keeps coming back.

Let's see how far we can take it this time.