With functions to manage special orders, club repairs, demo and rental sets, staff scheduling and customer profiling, the Golf Shop product combines numerous features that enable golf retailers to deliver greater customer value, save time and create more revenue.

Saving time, creating more revenue and delivering exceptional value comes from all four corners of the golf operation.

For the retail side of your facility, we’ve just launched the solution to transform your business: Golf Shop. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/iMa6mHZwFR

— Golf Genius EMEA (@golfgenius_emea) November 3, 2022

“We recognise that golf professionals and specialist retailers are always looking for a concise and efficient service to run their shop operations, so we came up with a solution,” commented Craig Higgs, Managing Director for Golf Genius International.

“We pride ourselves on listening to our customer’s needs and Golf Shop is a bi-product of this approach; it’s there to help manage the workload of staff, streamline retail communications and provide PGA Professionals with useful information about their customers.”

Thanks to Golf Shop’s member surveys and profiling features, PGA Professionals and staff can build data-led insights into the shopping behaviours of members and customers, allowing them to tailor the products and services they market to golfers.

Each function is hosted on the Golf Shop app, which provides staff with a more versatile form of tracking retail activity in a user-friendly manner, regardless of their location.

Golf Shop has proven hugely successful since breaking into the US retail market, with many facilities praising the value it offers their operations, including Valhalla Golf Club: “Golf Shop has helped us differentiate our operation and stay successful by helping us provide excellent, personalised customer service,” said Kyle Cramer, Valhalla Golf Club’s Head PGA Professional.

“The product enables our staff to better serve the Valhalla membership. We especially like the automated notifications feature because it keeps members informed and they appreciate getting updates.”

To find out more about Golf Shop and how it can benefit your business, you can book a free product demonstration with Golf Genius here

Find out more at GolfGenius.com and get in touch at intlsales@golfgenius.com to get your Golf Genius account.

Despite the obvious and well-documented challenges this has posed to industries, in particular golf, PGA Professionals have adapted to an incredibly difficult situation admirably. You only have to spend a few minutes on social media to see their drive and determination across the world to maintain both their golf games and enthusiasm, conducted under a cloud of doubt and uncertainty as to when they will return to work and the course.

Your clients and customers will no doubt also be itching to get back onto the course, back to playing in weekly club competitions, back to hitting balls on the range and back to having lessons with you. So how, despite having limited ability to interact directly with them, can you continue to build and maintain a rapport? How can you use this time to increase your relevance and prepare your business for when the play button on society is hit?

Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool and something you or your employers will have been possibly engaging with or utilising in some form already. Established mainstream channels such as Facebook and Twitter provide solid bases to create exposure and generate valuable conversations with your existing clients and potential customers, providing it is done in the right way for you and your business.

Don’t stick to just Facebook and Twitter however. LinkedIn provides a professional platform to collaborate with other businesses. Instagram is a fantastic channel for golf clubs to visually present their business – clubs are utilising closed courses to generate fantastic on-the-ground and aerial drone footage, undisturbed, that can be uploaded across instagram, websites and for future content purposes.

There is no doubt other channels such as TikTok [a video streaming site that’s use has surged very recently] will continue to be popularised as tastes and trends change. Keeping an eye on these, learning how to use them and applying them correctly might help you to digitally converse with new audiences and develop your social reach.

Vlogging

At face value, vlogging [creating video content around topics and instructional areas] seems complex. This previous article helps to simplify and break down first of all what video blogging is, how to actually create a great vlog, and then how to effectively deliver it to your audience.

In essence, it requires a small space to be able to explain and demonstrate a shot [if it is a coaching vlog], a camera or smartphone to record yourself and ultimately, oodles of energy and enthusiasm. For sure, it can be daunting to even the most confident of people to film themselves talking but remember that it is you and your knowledge that customers come for week-in, week-out. The only difference is that you are creating that conversation with them through a screen now instead.

Email Marketing and Weekly Check-ups

Remaining relevant is a constant battle we as PGA Professionals face in even more certain trading conditions. Ever-growing competition from clubs, teaching academies and driving ranges keep each and every one of us on our toes to ensure we innovate and improve, so that our clients continue to demand the products and services we offer.

Therefore, in the absence of clubs, teaching academies and facilities, and in fact any form of consumer demand during this crisis, relevancy is ironically, almost irrelevant to a degree.

Front page headlines, news articles and press conferences around the world thoroughly document the challenges and threats of COVID-19, and are obsessively occupying the front of everybody’s minds right now – for good and obvious reasons. So how do you replace, or at the very least, remind people that there is light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to their golf games, their golf club and their favourite past time?

First, you need a client database to be able to activate and engage with.

Second, you need an hour or two each week to set aside and create some engaging forms of online communication. This can be as basic as a generic text message such as the one below, or a multispread newsletter that covers what you, a PGA Professional who is eager to maintain their own golf games has been up to, simple step-by-step coaching tips or generic thoughts on the game’s current trends, and why you are looking forward to making this summer the best yet for everyone. You will find people have more time on their hands right now, so engaging them with longer pieces of content should be really useful and effective!

…”Hi [first name]!

How are you? Have you managed to get any form of golf practice in on the garden? 

If you are limited for space and time, try setting up some simple putting drills in your front living room, or a chipping net with some foam balls to keep the your game ticking over. It won’t be long before we are through these current difficulties and back out onto the golf course and I am really looking forward to seeing you back!

If you would like some more tips and drills to practice at home, or anything else, I am here to help.

[Your name]”…

Thirdly, you need to deliver the content. If you have a large database of text messages to send, you could generalise the message to apply to a large group. You could then create a themed WhatsApp group that includes various sections of your client base, such as parents of respective golf classes to send info through and maintain their engagement.

However you do it and whatever you write, if you maintain the thought of ‘I am here and available for when we return to normal life’ at the front of your mind, your message will remain relevant, be well received and at the very least, replace a negative with a positive for your clients.

Final Thoughts

We are all involved in a current national and international effort to defeat this virus, and I first and foremost wish you all and your loved ones good health throughout this challenging period.

Right now we have a duty to follow and enact upon the strict social measures delivered by our respective governing authorities. The quicker we do this, the quicker we get through it and the quicker we can walk back out onto the golf course.

However, I urge you to use this enforced downtime to engage and re-engage with your customers and clients as much as possible. The optimist in me believes a booming feel-good factor of festivities and consumer spending is an inevitability once our lives and liberties are re-instilled. By using this time effectively, you can position yourselves effectively to take advantage of expected surges in demand and make up for any bump your business is currently experiencing.

Here are three simple, but top tips to help you get your negotiating head on:

1. Ask yourself whether you should be negotiating?

The first step is to identify if there is really any reason to negotiate. To understand this, research the going rate for your position, and do your homework on the company you are interviewing for. Are they profitable, are they growing, do they have high turnover or have a reputation for under paying employees? Don’t blow your credibility by asking for a rate that is simply out of line with the market.

2. Define exactly what you want

Having researched the market and understood what the market is likely to pay, you need to set yourself an ideal rate, an acceptable rate and a bottom rate that you will not go below no matter what. Knowing this in advance of any negotiation is crucial, allowing you to talk confidently when put on the spot and stand by your numbers.

3. Try to understand exactly why they want you

If you’re negotiating then it’s good news: they are likely to be offering you the job. If you can establish exactly why they are picking you, this will give you leverage to negotiate. If they think your experience is a huge asset, you have good connections (etc) then you can probably be very bullish in your negotiation strategy. If it is because they think you have the aptitude to learn, then your leverage is weaker.

Negotiation is about understanding the reality of your position and being very clear about your own requirements and boundaries. Spend time thinking before you start negotiating and you will nearly always get more of what you need.

This content appears courtesy of Abintegro, experts in career management, transition technology & e-learning for today’s modern, mobile and technology-savvy workforce – Find out more at www.abintegro.com

Credit: Business Insider; Abintegro.com

To do this you would have to start by listing the personal, financial and professional goals that you wished to accomplish this year.  Often these plans fall by the wayside.

To prevent this, you need to ask yourself if you have made any progress and you need to review your goals.

lt is important to periodically monitor the progress you are making with your finances.  The halfway point of the year is a good time to reflect on your goals, take stock, and determine if you have lived up to your own expectations.  lt is an opportune time to identify any festering problems and start to make adjustments if necessary.

With barely six months left to go this year, if you have not made much progress, it may seem overwhelming.  Try to find some time for yourself- an hour is all you need -to review your finances. If you have made some progress in the goals mentioned below, you are on the road to financial health.

Budget

The first step to take is to put a budget in place.  A budget is one of the hardest things to prepare; yet it is one of the most important steps to take to address your personal financial issues.

Do you have a clear idea of how much you are spending each week or month?  Have you tracked your expenses for a period and developed a clear picture of what can be cut back?

You can use one of many online tools or just simply get out a notepad and track your expenses on paper. You will make much more progress if you have a clear idea of where all your money is going.

Reduce Your Debts

The second step is to try and reduce your debt. Do you carry less debt today than you did at the beginning of the year?  Until you start to face up to your debt, it will continue to grow.

The general rule of thumb, and the fastest way to reduce your debt, is to tackle your highest interest rate debt first.  By automating your debt payments and making incremental principal payments each month, you will soon find your debt is under control.

Don’t ignore your debt or wish it away; if it becomes a burden, approach your lender and discuss the possibilities for rescheduling to make it more manageable.

Build Savings

The final step is to start building your savings.  If you don’t have a budget in place and you haven’t paid any attention to your debt, it will be difficult for you to save; they are all connected.  You need to find the discipline to draw up a budget and reduce your debt before you can increase your savings.

Most financial advisors suggest that you should save at least 10 to 15% of your income.  Have you built an emergency fund over the past six months?  If you are suddenly faced with unexpected job loss, major car repairs or medical expenses, you will be better prepared to cope with it if you have this cushion to fall back on.

The easiest way to grow your savings is to automate it by putting a direct debit in place so that you won’t be tempted to spend all your income.  It will instead be directed to an appropriate savings vehicle.  Most mutual fund companies make it easy for you to be able to do this with your savings and investment plan.

The difference between those who attain financial security and those who do not is simply the discipline to take control of their financial situation.  If you are on track, congratulations!  If not, don’t worry, there is still some way to go this year to put things right, but you need to get started now.

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This article was written by Nimi Akinkugbe and appears courtesy of Corporate Golf Magazine and was sponsored By FBN Capital Asset Management, as published in Forbes Africa June 2014.

@jaredhecht

Inaccurate bookkeeping–whether your books are simply out of date or in total disarray–will cost you plenty in the long run. Here are some of the expensive dangers of bad bookkeeping.

You’re a busy business owner. There are so many tasks and clients clamoring for your attention all day long that bookkeeping is probably the last thing on your mind. And as stacks of invoices, expense receipts, and other paperwork pile up, it gets ever more tempting to tell yourself you’ll deal with them tomorrow…or next week…or next month.

Small business owners frequently hope to save on costs by going the DIY route for bookkeeping rather than hiring a professional bookkeeper. That’s all well and good provided you have the time and the know-how to keep accurate records. But inaccurate bookkeeping–whether your books are simply out of date or in total disarray–will cost you plenty in the long run. Here are some of the expensive dangers of bad bookkeeping.

Obscures the Big Picture

Your books provide a snapshot of your company’s financial viability. Without good records, that snapshot will be out of focus. Inaccurate bookkeeping results in inaccurate reports about your cash flow.

Your business may be struggling financially, but without a paper trail, you won’t be able to clearly see what’s causing the problem. Worse, you may not be able to tell that there is a problem.

Causes Costly Mistakes

Miscalculating profits or costs due to bad bookkeeping can be disastrous. Overestimating your profits when filing taxes needlessly increases your taxes owed, while underestimating them can lead to an audit and fines. Miscategorizing assets (for instance, long-term assets that depreciate over time) and expenses can lead to your paying more in taxes than you need to.

Even a small error can snowball over time if it’s not caught early. If you’re not regularly reconciling your books with your bank statement, this type of innocent mistake may go unnoticed until it causes significant damage to your finances.

Increases Your Chances of Being Audited (and Tax Penalties)

Filing taxes late or having exemptions, expenses, or deductions that don’t add up raises red flags with the IRS [tax authorities]–leaving you vulnerable to an audit. “Even if you have all your ducks in order and can defend your deductions and support your income, the process is still time-consuming, costly, and nerve-wracking,” says Bonnie Lee. How much more unpleasant will an audit be if your ducks are not in a row? And then there’s the matter of any irregularities an audit may turn up, and the penalties that go with them.

Minimizes Your Tax Deductions

You have to document expenses to claim them when you file your taxes, right? Misplaced or overlooked receipts prevent you from being able to claim expenses as write-offs. And without accurate books, your accountant won’t be able to spot every deduction you are eligible for. Make sure you are getting every tax advantage you deserve.

Leads to Payroll Problems

Just as with any other aspect of your finances, payroll is affected by inaccurate records. You may be over- or under-compensating employees on their paychecks or with benefits, and not even know it. And an error that carries over to an employee’s W-2 [wage/remuneration records] from your own records causes tax problems for them as well.

Increases Your Invoicing Cycle

Without accurate records, you won’t be able to keep straight who owes you what–which means it will take you longer to organize and send invoices. And the longer it takes you to invoice outstanding accounts and get paid, the longer you’ll go without those funds. Or you may overlook sending an invoice at all, and never receive payment. Cleaning up your books will help you speed up and streamline your invoicing so that you can get paid in a timely fashion.

Racks Up Late and Overdraft Fees

Falling behind on your bookkeeping makes it easy to fall behind on bills as well. The Fresh Diet CEO Zalmi Duchman estimates that hiring a bookkeeper to keep his records in order saves his company “$500 to $1,000 in late fees per quarter.” Likewise, inaccurate books may result in overdrafting accounts and all the related fees.

How much could your business be saving on fees? (That’s a trick question–how would you know how much you’re currently losing in late fees without accurate books?)

Limits Your Financing Options

Messy books can seriously limit your options for getting loans. Ami Kassar tells the story of a client in a bind who needed money fast. But due to his six-months-out-of-date books, the best he was eligible for was a cash advance.

Small business owners who need a loan–particularly in an emergency–may find themselves in a similar situation without accurate, up-to-date financial records. Don’t let bad bookkeeping stand in the way of loan opportunities.

Is Expensive and Time-Consuming to Fix

Once your books are a mess, they will take money and time (lots of each) to get in order. It’s a hole that’s difficult to dig out of–but absolutely necessary. You’ll need to hire a bookkeeper just to make sense of your current records and to set you up with a system for the future, regardless of whether they take over your bookkeeping long-term.

If your books are chaotic, or if you see that you’re consistently falling behind on your record-keeping, it’s time to bring in a professional bookkeeper to help safeguard your business from these pitfalls.

Your financial records should guide all of your business decisions, such as when to hire more staff, seek a loan, or invest in equipment or inventory. But your decisions will only be as good as the information you have.

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This article originally appeared on Inc.com – to view the original article visit http://eur.pe/217p1eK.