Over the weekend, I got some R&R and enjoyed one of my favorite activities: building a puzzle! Sorting, categorizing and connecting the pieces is a fun and challenging way to pass the time; I quickly realized there were quite a few PR lessons I could apply from the experience. Here are 4 things I learned from building a puzzle.
Can you think of any PR lessons from puzzles?
4 PR Lessons from Puzzles
- Find the Perfect Fit
Each puzzle piece has a place it belongs in the whole and you can’t force one to work if it isn’t right. Finding the perfect mix of public relations elements is important for long term success; you may have to try many approaches before you find one that fits.
- Know Where You Want to End Up
It’s pretty difficult to create a puzzle without knowing what the finished product will look like. By using the picture on the box, you can easily visualize the end product and use it as a guide to help you assemble the whole. Create game plans and campaign outlines before you begin your public relations actions. This will help you successfully reach your end goal.
- Every Individual is Different
Every puzzle piece if different (with a few exceptions) and you should prepare to check many pieces to see if they are the perfect fit. It’s important to remember your customers and fans are unique and should be carefully accounted for; a puzzle missing one piece just isn’t the same.
- Categorize (Fairly)
Starting with a vast sea of pieces can be overwhelming; it’s easiest to create a puzzle if you group corner pieces and separate like colors. Segment your audience into easily managed sections, allowing you to target each one separately with a different marketing message. Make sure to categorize fairly and avoid reducing individuals into groups that alienate them from others.
Public Relations is a Puzzle!
Finding the perfect fit, visualizing the end before beginning, knowing individuals are different and making sure to segment your audience are all PR lessons I learned from building a puzzle. Creating a public relations campaign and interacting with customers and stakeholders requires managing many moving parts! Choosing to create a puzzle as a pastime shows humans are complex and thrive on challenging situations. Do you enjoy building puzzles? What PR lessons have you learned from them?
Photo Credit: Beth Adan
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