Want to take your networking to the next level?
Curious about where you should be hanging out to meet your mentors and business contacts?
The golf course has been the meeting place of choice for many business executives for the past 5 decades, but not anymore. According to Sports & Fitness Industry Association data, golf has waned over the past five years while Yoga and Running Clubs have grown to record levels.
In this article you’ll learn why young adults need to learn the ins and outs of yoga and running before the pick-up a golf club.
Where are the Young Professionals?
I know as I write this young golfers such as Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth are making a name for themselves on the links, but 18 to 34 year olds are not following in the footsteps of these young prodigies.
The study by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association shows that around 5.6 million people between the ages of 18 to 34 are actively playing golf. The only sport with a worse decline year over year is bowling which stills commands 15.5 million participants. Running/Jogging Clubs (24 Million) and Yoga (11 Million) are on a steady rise showing great growth over the past five years.
Go Where the People Are
So why not go where the people are? Why not find that next job promotion at your local yoga class?
To quote Bob Dylan, Times are a changin’. Not only do young professionals not want to take the time for a four hour round of golf, they are finding more added benefits to other recreational activities. They would much rather spend their time at an hour long Yoga class, and then donate their time to a local coat closet or soup kitchen. Making a difference in their body and community.
Value Your Pocketbook and Make a Decision
Golf can also be very expensive. A set of clubs to get started is not always in the budget for a young professional. They have to make big decisions… a 3 Wood to make par on the back nine, or pay off their student loans for the month. Yoga and running are the fraction of the cost, unless you get the trendy yoga pants at high fashion boutique, golf is going to command a higher price tag.
No Matter What… Make an Effort
If you choose golf, yoga or running, the key is still to break out of your shell and strike up a conversation. Ask what the girl next to you in Yoga class does for a living. Join a Young Executive Running Club and make some contacts. Or, if you still love the game of golf, invite a potential mentor to join you on the golf course to ask some questions between holes.
Whatever you do… Always be growing yourself. Set some goals and get busy.
From: Social Media Schoolhouse