How can fun budgets help your indoor golf center?

Could corporate fun budgets be an untapped source of potential customers for your indoor golf center?  Wouldn't it be great to get a new stream of customers at a time when your play is likely at its lowest!

---

How Corporate Fun Budgets Can Boost Your Indoor Golf Center

Fun budgets are quite often the core of the "mood and morale" efforts at your local businesses.  They are used to show appreciation to employees, build team spirit and grow engagement.  It seems ever corporate manager has read "1001 ways to reward employees" and has implemented some sort of budget process and team to improve morale in their team.

If approached correctly, this could be a great way to fill out your tee sheet during business hours and could lead to new customer introductions.  You just need to find a way into the minds of the "fun event planners".  Having worked at a number of companies that budget for team building and fun events, I thought I'd share a few ideas to help you out.

Start by creating a package that you think would work for a corporate outing and build materials to spread the word (webpage, fliers, in store signs, etc) .  Captains Choice with a meal / beverage plan is probably the way to go since not all visitors will be experienced golfers.  I've found that a $50 budget per person is an average fun budget.  Build a list of the biggest local employers.  Try to work your way in through a couple of avenues:

• Make your current customers aware of this idea as a possibility
• Leverage linked in contacts to share the idea and ask them to share details with fun committees / event planners
• Call and inquire about offering a "corporate discount" as many businesses will market these to their employees
• On the call, also ask about help getting the word out about being a great team building event
• Offer a free round for anyone planning an event at your facility (I.e. give the golfers motivation to get their co-workers to visit​

​

Getting the Word Out to Corporate Clients

​Once your packages are ready, it’s time to spread the word. Here are a few strategies to get your indoor golf center on the radar of corporate event planners:
​

1. Leverage Your Existing Customers: Many of your current customers likely work for local businesses. Make them aware that your facility offers corporate packages and ask them to pass the word along to their HR department or fun committee. You can also create referral incentives to encourage current clients to introduce your facility to their employers.
2. Utilize LinkedIn for Networking: LinkedIn is a goldmine for corporate connections. Share your new corporate packages on LinkedIn and reach out to connections who may be in charge of planning team-building events. Ask your contacts to share the details with their networks to expand your reach.
3. Offer Corporate Discounts: Contact local businesses and offer a corporate discount for group bookings. Many companies have programs in place that promote discounted activities to their employees. By offering a special rate, you make your facility more appealing for both employees and their employers.
4. Call Event Planners Directly: Don’t be afraid to make direct contact. Call HR departments or event planners at local companies and let them know about your corporate packages. Highlight how your indoor golf center can provide a unique and fun experience for their teams, and offer to send over more information.
5. Provide Incentives for Event Planners: Give corporate event planners a reason to choose your facility. You could offer them a free round of golf if they book an event, giving them the chance to experience the fun first-hand. This also motivates them to get their co-workers on board.

​

Build Lasting Relationships with Local Businesses

​Corporate outings are more than just a one-time event; they’re an opportunity to create long-term relationships with local businesses. By providing a memorable experience, you can turn corporate groups into loyal customers who return for more events or even sign up for memberships. Once you’ve hosted a few successful corporate outings, word will spread, and your indoor golf center will become a top choice for businesses looking to boost employee morale.
​
The Long-Term Benefits of Attracting Corporate Clients
When you successfully tap into corporate fun budgets, the benefits go far beyond filling up your tee sheet on weekdays. Corporate clients often lead to repeat business, increased exposure through word-of-mouth, and even larger event bookings as companies host regular team-building activities or client outings.

By establishing strong relationships with local businesses, you can position your indoor golf center as a key player in the community's corporate culture, becoming the go-to spot for not just fun, but for team-building and networking opportunities.
​

Take Action Today

​Don’t miss out on the potential of corporate fun budgets. Create your corporate packages, reach out to local businesses, and start building those connections today. With the right approach, your indoor golf facility can become a hub for corporate team-building events, helping you grow your business and create lasting partnerships.