Networking doesn’t have to feel like a chore. When using sport as a tool for networking the core focus is on the sport, however in between the breaks, before and after the game, during the 9 or 18 hole round something interesting happens: connections are being formed and trust is built.
Networking through sport isn’t just about showing up for the sport; it’s about what happens between the plays, the sets, and the shots. It’s about the psychology of human connection. Here’s a closer look at three key psychological benefits of networking through sport.
1. Trust
In sport, trust is earned through action. Whether you’re a golf partner or a tennis or padel teammate, you rely on one another to perform, communicate, and show up. This shared reliance builds mutual respect. Trust built during play can seamlessly translates into professional relationships, helping you see potential collaborators, partners or clients in a new light.
2. Connection
Sport naturally creates shared experiences that bond. Through shared wins, losses, and the occasional missed shot, you form connections based on mutual vulnerability. These moments of imperfection break down barriers, creating an environment where people connect as humans, not just professionals. You’re not networking for a business card; you are bonding over a shared experience.
3. Authenticity
Unlike traditional networking events, sport allows you to let your guard down. The focus is on the game, not elevator pitches (that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have yours prepared just in case…). However, the atmosphere when playing a shared sport can lead to genuine, organic conversations, revealing the person behind the title. By the time the game ends, you’ve built rapport that might take months to achieve in a formal setting.
Sport is often a shortcut to meaningful, lasting connections. The next time you’re invited to a game, remember: it’s not just about the sport and winning, it’s an opportunity to build trust, connection, and authenticity that can take your network to the next level.
