While spending some time with extended family this weekend, I participated in a pool tournament that left me not only hanging out (and having fun) on the bottom bracket, but with quite a few PR lessons to bring to work on Monday. I find public relations inspiration everywhere, but this particular night of playing pool gave me quite a few tips. Here are 3 PR lessons from spending time lining up the cue and trying not to sink the 8-ball.
How is a game of pool related to public relations?
3 PR Lessons from Playing Pool
- Pay Attention to Others
While you shouldn’t copy your competitor’s messages or product offerings, it’s important to stay up to date on the actions of others. Playing pool requires paying attention to your opponent’s tactics and angles; their last shot is what lines up your next. If you aren’t watching their moves, you may miss an opportunity to chime in on hot conversations and get your name out there.
- Work Together
Pool is an effort in teamwork until the very end; neither player wants to hit the 8-ball on accident and having a crowded clump of balls in the corner of the table isn’t benefitting either person. Paying attention to your industry’s events, news and conversations will help you stay ahead of the game. If you don’t know what kind of content to share on social media channels, look to your competitors for some examples.
- Keep an Eye on Your Goals
One of the great PR lessons I learned from playing pool was to pay attention to your plan. Watching your end goal from the very beginning can help you set up and plan every move throughout the game. Knowing where you want to end up before beginning a public relations campaign can help you stay on topic and plan your approach strategically. Creating a game plan is a helpful way to chart your public relations direction.
Paying attention to the moves of competitors, working together to source content and keeping an eye on your goals from the beginning are all PR lessons I learned from a round of playing pool. Can you think of any I missed?
Special Offer: Complimentary Consultation
Three Girls Media, Inc. is a public relations and social media management agency founded in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley with a team in the Seattle area. We love working with small and emerging companies across the nation to raise their brand awareness and name recognition. We offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with our CEO and can answer your questions and discuss your specific marketing needs.
Call 408-218-2391 or Contact us today to arrange yours!