How do you conduct business? A lot of people used to do it over a round of golf, a round of drinks or lunch. This Economist article claims road cycling is the new golf when it comes to networking and getting business done. A growing number of corporate-sponsored charity bike rides and cycling clubs are providing ideal opportunities to talk shop with like-minded colleagues and clients while discussing different bike frames and tricky headwinds. And some believe its better than golf for building lasting working relationships, or landing a new job, because it is less competitive.
One architecture firm out of London even estimates that as much as 75% of the practice’s workload has come directly or indirectly from contacts made on the road. Very interesting. I know the Spokane Regional Health District has done some ‘walking meetings’ for staff in the past, so maybe they’re on to something.