Do People Who Play Golf Make More Money and Close More Business Deals?

A fun par 3 course
I'm not sure If anyone ever got a
6 on this hole before? 🤔🏌
Loma Club

Golf has long been known as the game of business, with many deals being made right on the course. Most of us have heard this idea from a young age, and it continues to hold true today. In many places, golf is deeply intertwined with business culture, offering both men and women valuable opportunities to connect and advance their careers. Should you have to learn how to play golf? No... but it appears to make a difference.

According to the data:

• 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf.

• Golfers earn, on average, 17% more than non-golfers.

• Men and women close deals on the course at about the same rate.

Whether it’s networking, negotiating, or just building rapport, the 9th hole often leads to more than just a good score—it can mean higher pay and greater career opportunities.

You can read more about that in Putt Yourself Out There: Golf As An Upper Hand in Business (2020)

Join All of Us Research Program at the VA-NIH

Veterans are a unique and valued group in our society. They have lived out their values through service and sacrifice. Even after their time in active duty, many continue to serve their communities in meaningful ways.

Research on veterans can help improve health outcomes, support workforce success, and enhance overall well-being. One such effort is an NIH study called Join All of Us.

This research aims to better understand why some people get sick while others stay healthy. It looks at a wide range of factors, including health history, habits, location, family background, etc.

By participating, you can contribute valuable information that will help shape the future of healthcare—not only for veterans but for everyone.

You can review information and join at Join All of US VA Program

*Part of another project to help veterans.

Understanding the Role of Competencies in Talent Recruitment and Development

Competencies are becoming an increasingly important component in understanding how to recruit, develop, and prepare human capital. The ability to break down skills into observable behaviors enhances knowledge acquisition and encourages preparation for real-world performance. These can sometimes be coded, measured, and enhanced. 

Consider a company with a well-written job description seeking to hire the right candidate. While the job description outlines specific skills, the challenge lies in ensuring those skills are adaptable and relevant across the evolving demands of the position. As organizations change, so do their roles. Therefore, companies benefit from hiring adaptable professionals—especially executives—who can apply core competencies to new and unforeseen situations.

This is where competencies become particularly valuable. They focus less on pedigree—such as educational background or upbringing—and more on what individuals have actually learned and how they apply it. For instance, a candidate with strong systems thinking skills is often better suited for an executive role than someone who struggles with complexity.

As another example knowing how to write a business letter is useful. However, someone who has mastered business writing as a competency, along with public speaking, is significantly more prepared for roles requiring advanced communication skills catered to different venues. 

A useful resource for gaining a deeper understanding of competencies is the manuscript Management Competencies. It offers a thorough explanation of the history of competencies and their application in behavioral science, including talent development within the medical field.

Competencies help organizations understand not just skill sets, but how those skills manifest differently at various managerial levels. One study Managerial Level Competencies highlighted in the manuscript illustrates how competencies vary by organizational level:

• Top Managers: Strategic thinking, goal orientation, and performance management

• Middle Managers: Team building and networking

• Entry-Level Managers: Accountability, commitment, sense of belonging, organization, planning, and coordination

By focusing on competencies, organizations can better align recruitment and development strategies with their long-term goals, ensuring that employees are not only qualified but also prepared to grow and adapt with the company.

The Sticker of a Marina: It is not AI but might be a good Buy! (Art Piece)

While AI-generated images are popping up everywhere these days, the one below is the real deal—made by an actual human. 😆

I dabble in art from time to time, working across different forms like painting, photography, and more. I'm also trying to get back into music, though finding the time is a bit of a challenge.

Whenever I do sell a piece or two, most of the money goes right back into supporting various charities and good causes. So, it's art with a little heart. 

The sticker can be put on many different things as a good way to differentiate what is yours. I like them for cups at the gym. No one else will have this sticker. 

Shelter Island Marina
You can purchase a sticker HERE
You can find it on other products HERE
The Walking Path Gallery HERE

The Story of the Clan: The Socialized Side of Corruption (Philosophical Thought Experiment)

There is a social side to corruption, just as there is a social side to restoring justice. The following is a theoretical, hypothetical thought experiment exploring how hate and corruption can intertwine within a clan-like structure. In our example a clan held enough influence to distort justice—manipulating courts and outcomes to its advantage. As time went on, other victims began to come forward, and the conversation around corruption and immunity from accountability became more open.

As a learning narrative, this thought experiment invites us to consider what happens when clear misconduct is protected—misconduct that runs directly against our most sacred oaths, constitutional principles, and social contracts. Naturally, such protection would breed distrust—not as a personal opinion, but as a sociological observation intended to illustrate the stakes (the story will conclude on a positive note).

This erosion of trust would inevitably influence public perception, core values, beliefs, and even group behavior. Justice, like corruption and hate, is a deeply social affair. It reflects a shared commitment; and while its exact processes may be debated, its purpose is widely understood. Justice is embedded in how people think, act, and come to conclusions. It defines who we are as a society.

It is not always the institutions themselves that preserve the deeper philosophical and legal "true north," but the broader sociological forces that compel systems to stay aligned with their purpose. This happens through generational shifts and collective pressure. History and social movements have shown us this time and again—these changes are not as random as they may seem.

This reflection leads me to consider the social dimensions of corruption more deeply. The study below highlights some interesting ideas to think about.  

Social Capital and Corruption Risk

*This is a philosophical theoretical hypothetical thought experiment for learning purposes so take with a grain of salt. Feel free to reflect and think about alternatives to its perception. We will write in a positive ending to the story at some point. For now let us just reflect. 

La Jolla in Pictures: Coastal Sea Lions

La Jolla, California, is located in Southern California and is a popular tourist destination. The area has an upscale feel, and the downtown is especially beautiful. If you can afford it, it’s a wonderful place to live. It's also a great spot for surfing, dining, shopping, and vacationing. I head over there regularly. 

Entrepreneurship: From Idea Generation to Launch (Escanaba Entrepreneurs)

Great things come from a conversation.
Everyday discussions are micro transactions 
on a social domain. There are other domains
that influence economic upswings.

Entrepreneurship plays a vital role in rejuvenating the economic engines that drive future growth. A balanced economic system requires more than just large corporations or small “mom and pop” businesses—it needs a steady influx of entrepreneurs who bring innovation, adaptability, and long-term value to the economy.

Entrepreneurs typically follow a general process when starting a business. It begins with identifying opportunities and generating ideas, then developing the practical aspects of the venture, launching the business, and ultimately contributing to the local economy. This journey—from ideation to sustainability—is essential to fostering a dynamic business environment.

Once a viable and strategically relevant idea is formed, support becomes crucial. Entrepreneurs often need help securing property, obtaining financing to supplement their own capital, accessing grants to launch or improve physical spaces, navigating regulatory requirements, and recruiting talent to operate effectively.

Towns that are entrepreneurial by nature weave an incubator type mindsent and process into their existence. They are constantly seeking ways to help people start businesses, making resources available, coordinating activities, and drawing in new investment. Their environment becomes rich soil for entrepreneurial activities/transactions to multiply and build an upward trend that attracts start-up attention.

This guide explores the full spectrum of entrepreneurship—from initial idea generation to eventual launch and economic impact. Idea Generation to Launch

Discover Escanaba: A Hub for Entrepreneurs and Investors

The City of Escanaba offers a wealth of resources for entrepreneurs and investors. Its official website provides easy-to-navigate information on economic opportunities, highlighting it as an excellent place to start a business, invest, vacation, or call home.

Visit the Escanaba Home Page  to explore videos that display local entrepreneurs, development projects, tourism, and quality of life. These stories offer insight into why Escanaba is an appealing destination for those seeking a new launchpad for business or stateside investment.

With four distinct seasons, a welcoming small-town atmosphere, vibrant community events, tourism, working ports, sandy beaches, high-speed internet, and a strong transportation infrastructure—not to mention great dining and genuinely good people—Escanaba has almost all the ingredients for success. It just needs you to finish the recipe.

Finding the right environment to bring your vision to life is half the battle. That’s why Escanaba is quickly becoming a hot spot for entrepreneurs and investors.

Tip: Take a walk through downtown—many buildings are still affordably priced and full of potential.