With spring training in full swing and baseball’s season opener right around the corner. I couldn’t help but reflect on the similarities between baseball, marketing, and Public Relations.
What’s Your Strategy?
In baseball as well as marketing and PR, the competition is fierce. To be the best, you have to outsmart, outthink and outperform the other team. That requires skill, focus and a determination to succeed. A well-defined strategy should be in place with tactics that can be implemented quickly to survive the curve balls that are sure to come your way. Analytics routinely measure what is working and what needs to be improved upon and increase your chance of scoring.
The Right Equipment
The equipment, although entirely different, has to be top notch. With the team in place, marketing and PR step to the plate with an arsenal of tools that build the brand. Your logo is your uniform, the mark that sets your team apart. Your other essential tools include your website, your brochures, and well planned social media where fans rave about your wins and fuel your success. Your brand is built via brilliant PR where stories unfold in both print and broadcast; and although you’re good, you know that to reach the top you must always have another play in your back pocket.
No Random Swings
While lady luck can smile upon you, she can’t be counted on with any regularity. While home runs and grand slams may help you win the game, the road to the championship is paved with strong on-base percentages. As plays are to baseball, marketing and PR are to business. One great ad, one great article or one great TV spot may garner five minutes of fame, but that doesn’t do much to move the needle forward.
Instead of taking random swings that may or may not produce results, aim for a strategy that puts more runners on base giving you more opportunities to score. Translated, that means incorporating a synergistic approach to branding that includes marketing and public relations, media that extends across multiple platforms, and a message that is clear and consistent.
Make This a Winning Season
During the first quarter, it’s a good time to take a look at the year ahead. If last year was not a winning season maybe it’s time to make a change in your lineup. Like baseball, marketing and PR require strategic planning, savvy execution, careful analysis and a dedicated team of skilled players.