Driving Business: 10 Reasons Topgolf is My Networking Hole in One

On Saturday I went to see BareNaked Ladies (the band...not anything else) at Universal Studios. We were coming back from Legoland for my son's 6th Birthday...and it just worked out where I dropped myself off (less than One Week early) as my wife finished the drive to our house and between no babysitter and a last minute emergency for the people I was meeting with up with...you'll have to Pinch Me...I was "alone."

Or at least with a few thousand of my closest fellow BNL friends.

And while it was a Big Bang(er Theory) of a show...as I told someone the story they were horrified that I could spend a few hours alone in a group like that...but hey...It's All Been Donnnnnnnnnnnnne before!

But, because I am me... it did get me thinking about networking. And how every event is different and so are we and sometimes networking is terrifying.

When it comes to networking, as much as I love lunch/dinner/etc. Topgolf is my end all be all one ring to rule them all networking event. Here are 10 reasons why I think so, that might help you figure out your version of the best networking.

Remember...(at least to me) networking is doing WHAT I want to do with WHO I want to do it with...and then hopefully they also know my ideal clients.

1. I ENJOY IT. I cannot stress this enough...if you pick events you hate...well, you're going to hate doing them and show up in not the best frame of mind.

So start your journey to find the best networking events with something you LOVE doing. It can be food, golf, painting, hiking, anything.

2. The Anakin Skywalker Access: Affordable and Accessible 🌟

Like Anakin building 3PO with spare parts and getting off Tatooine by winning a Podrace, Topgolf gives me the networking edge without the crazy resources, in this case the cost. For around $750 a year, I get unlimited Topgolf M-F, open - 5pm. This is the way.

And yes, I pay for food and drink (20% off of food with the pass). But really think about what you can budget for a better experience. You're better off doing fewer events or doing less at each one and making it more impactful than half-assing it more.

This is like the person at every networking event who gives out 1000 cards, doesn't REALLY talk to anyone and wonders why it doesn't work.

3. The Avengers Assemble: Universal Appeal 🏌

It's like Nick Fury's call to assemble – who can resist? Topgolf draws in the crowd without needing Thor's biceps or Captain America's shield.

At least for my crowd of lawyers, doctors, and business people, they enjoyed Topgolf as well. This is the other side of #1, but still important...what do your referral sources want to do (or try).

And yes...some of the people I know are TERRIBLE at golf...and that's okay. We aren't stuck in a 5 hour scramble...if you miss hit a ball (or totally miss) you can grab another in 5 seconds and try again.

4. The X-Men’s Cerebro: Name Tag Magic 🔖

Everyone's name is up on the display. This is like having Professor X’s Cerebro. You instantly know who’s who, making introductions smoother than Xavier’s bald head because while I might know everyone (sometimes I don't) they don't know each other and this helps people build rapport.

And sometimes my "cost" of admission to guests is that they bring a guest...so the name on the board helps me there too.

As HTWFAIP says "nothing is as sweet to someone else and their own name."

5. The Justice League Roundtable: Perfect Group Dynamics 👥

Six players strike the balance – it’s not an intimate tête-à-tête nor a chaotic Wayne Enterprise Gala. Everyone gets their moment in the sun, much like members of the Justice League during a mission.

This is also a personal thing...I don't mind 1 on 1 meetings, but I like group events (especially for meeting new people) or for introducing people I know to other people I know.

6. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Feast: Great Food, Better Atmosphere 🍕

What makes an event fun? A lot of times it's the food. Think of the Ninja Turtles' pizza parties. I think the food at Topgolf is good, I wouldn't drive out there for just the food...but it's better than similar places and everyone can find something.

Even during 75 Hard I would get the cobb salad and honestly, it's better than most salads elsewhere (chicken, bacon, egg, avocado, some lettuce too...tough to not enjoy).

Think about this for your networking...food doesn't have to be there all the time...but you want to make sure people have fun. I've gone bowling a few times and it's weird to chat over the 6 month old microwaved cheese sauce when you are talking about passing around $$$ in referrals.

7. The Game of Thrones Tournament: Competitive Insight 🏆

Seeing how people play reveals their competitive nature. Are they a relentless Tywin Lannister or a more strategic Tyrion? It’s a game of thrones and golf clubs!

Or put another way, the way people interact during the game is like the Sorting Hat ceremony. You get to see who's a supportive Hufflepuff or a competitive Slytherin, invaluable intel for finding the RIGHT referral sources for you to properly vibe with.

I have nothing against people who are competitive (heck I am married to one of them)...but if you're demeaning to other people to win a game at topgolf...are you going to play similar games with the client I send over?

Also, the same goes for showing up on time, or throwing a hissy fit when you miss...I like to spend time with fun people who are well adjusted and my referrals seem to like the same thing.

8. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Outdoor Vibes ⛅

With fresh air, heaters, and fans, it’s as cool as chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool on the playground where Will Smith spent most of his days.

I cannot stress this enough...the more someone is comfortable, the better chance the networking will go well. Florida can be very inconsistent for weather, so at Topgolf we have the benefit of the good days with cover from the rain as well as the heaters if it's cold, or fans if it's hot.

It can still get a bit hot sometimes...but ultimately studies have found that increased heartrate through some arousal (not that kind) leads to people having more fun, remembering the event better AND thinking more positive thoughts about it...so a BIT of heat and a few intense golf shots can go a long way.  

9. The Round Robin of Gotham: Conversational Dynamics 🦇

The hitting rotation is to networking what the whole Bat family is to crime fighting – everyone gets their spotlight, Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl...or in this case even the Harvey Dents of the group.

Seriously, have you ever gone to an event with someone who just will not shut up? And if you haven't it's because that person is probably you (hate to be the messenger).

But by having people rotate in and out to hit it keeps the conversations moving without someone Bogarting the whole thing (also...do you know where that term comes from? Humphrey Bogart used to be terrible about passing the marijuana around).

10. The Back to the Future DeLorean: A Timeless Experience 🚗

Like Marty McFly’s adventures in the DeLorean, Topgolf offers a timeless experience. It’s a space where people can relax, making it easier to form genuine connections. Rather than require a half or full day for a round of golf you can show up when you can and leave when you want to...make sure your ideal networking event has a similar accessibility feature.

Pro-tip for those of you who made it this far - most of the time I play Topgolf either at 3pm at the end of the day or will go for a long lunch (11-2 or so). Any idea WHY?

Sure...because it's easier for me, there's more to it though.

If someone will come at 3pm or otherwise during a normal work day...then they are prioritizing networking. Which means they will probably make similar decisions somewhere else for someone else.

This means that they PROBABLY have a better circle of connections than someone who is a strict 9-5 for work.

Topgolf, for me, is more than just a game – it's a strategic arena where fun meets opportunity, and where every swing can lead to a potential partnership. So, grab your clubs, legal eagles, and let's tee off to success!

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