ING Conference at French Lick Resort, IN

Today, I had the opportunity to speak at the ING Conference at French Lick Resort in Indiana.

Founded in 1990, the International Network of Golf (ING) is an association of golf media and business executives with the stated mission “to enhance and promote communication and education in the golf industry.”

Mike Jamison, the group’s executive director and an unsung hero in the golf industry, invited me to share details about my quest to play on the PGA Tour as well as to talk about new golf marketing concepts with the attendees. I primarily discussed my use of social media including Twitter. I also talked about the importance of building teams to achieve goals and mentioned members of my extended Dream Team, including Aaron Brazell of Technosailor.com and Julie Bonn Heath of JBH Marketing and Public Relations.

The audience at the conference included representatives of media outlets like the Golf Channel, ESPN Radio, Fairways + Greens Magazine, GolfStyles Magazine, and Golfing Magazine. TaylorMade, Bridgestone Golf, Adams Golf, and Nike Golf were among golf manufactures. And key people from some of the major golf associations like the PGA of America and the World Golf Foundation were in attendance, too.

I also enjoyed meeting Brendan Sweeney, who hosted on behalf of French Lick Resort. A true destination with two hotels, a casino, two spas, and numerous restaurants, the property boasts two outstanding golf courses designed by Donald Ross and Pete Dye, who was personally on-hand to entertain the ING crowd with details about his golf course as well as folksy stories about his career.

For me, ING – similar to online social networks such as the Business Golf Country Club (BGCC) – offers unique opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people who can help me in my quest. Please take a moment and leave a comment about business groups – either traditional associations or online social networks – that you have found to be worthwhile and helpful to reach your goals.

Until next time, enjoy golf!