This week officially marks the beginning of my Tough Mudder training. The race will take place in April, so I’m following a 12-week plan to prepare my body for what it’s about to endure. Although I’ve always considered myself to be in fair shape, I’m mentally preparing for this to be one of the most difficult physical challenges that I’ve faced to- date, and I am sure I’ll hit a few bumps in the road along the way.
Here are a few techniques that I’ve learned to help tackle the obstacles:
1. A strategic plan trumps all
When it comes to choosing a fitness plan, you absolutely must tailor it to your specific needs. It’s exactly the same when designing a strategic PR plan for clients. Just like a heavyweight lifting program isn’t the best fit for a marathon runner, a PR plan with a heavy focus on social media is not the best strategy for clients in highly regulated industries, such as law and banking. Although it requires a great deal of time and energy, it’s imperative to consider the individual needs of each client and customize your strategy accordingly.
2. Discipline – Don’t take the easy way out
Let’s face it. Most of us can’t say that we absolutely love going to the gym – we have busy lives, errands to run, hate being sore the next day, etc., but it’s a necessary evil in order to achieve our fitness goals. However, this doesn’t mean that simply getting yourself to the gym is enough. Just like an unchallenging workout won’t help you achieve your goals, taking shortcuts in PR won’t get you ahead. For example – and I’m sure you’ve read it a million times, but it can’t be stressed enough – avoid blasting the same pitch to dozens of reporters. Although mass pitching is quicker, it will likely land your emails in the trash. A quality pitch tailored to an individual reporter, especially if you can tie in a recent article of theirs, is more likely to garner positive attention and achieve a better outcome for your client. The extra effort is always worth it.
3. Stick to a routine
Ask any PR pro, and they’re likely to tell you just how important it is to stay organized in such a fast-paced industry. One of the easiest ways to stay organized is to find a routine that works and stick to it. When it comes to my workouts, I make every effort to get to the gym on the same days at the same time. The sense of routine makes it easier to schedule everything else on your agenda and avoid the chaos and anxiety associated with the feeling of “not having enough time.” It’s not much different in the office. Especially with administrative tasks, it really helps to do the little things at the same time each day. It evokes a sense of calm and eliminates the worries of “Oh my! When am I going to do this?!”
4. The difference is in the details
A solid workout is great, but if you stop for fast food every day and only get three hours of sleep each night, you won’t see the changes you wish to see in yourself. Your fitness routine extends well beyond the gym. Choose grilled chicken over fried. Walk the three blocks to the store instead of hopping in your car. Switch out lemon water for soda. These tiny details make such a difference. The same goes in the world of PR. Although small, it may be worth it to reach out to that tiny blog if it’s influential to your target audience. Perhaps you decide last-minute to attend a networking event where you happen to meet a few local influencers. Maybe a breaking story is relevant to one of your clients so you switch gears and think of a creative way to get them in the coverage. These details can really make a difference in your success.
Any other tips from my fellow fitness/PR junkies?