First, if you’re reading this post I’m somewhat shocked considering the editor of our blog is an Alabama fan. Perhaps his team’s ranking is enough to let this post slide.
admit I don’t actually consider myself a football fan nor do I really know all the rules of the game. Rather, I’m a Georgia football fan. What does that mean? Well, I’m in love with the Georgia Bulldog brand.
Back in high school my dream was to attend NYU and be Felicity. One HOPE scholarship later, I found myself reluctantly attending UGA at the urging of my economical parents. And as my dad – who did go to school in NYC – added, “why would you want to go to school in the city – at UGA you’ll have a football team.” Insert 17-year-old’s eye roll here. Whatever – who cared about football?
Well, mid-way through my first UGA game and I suddenly got what my dad was talking about – my blood was now running red and black. Something about those Georgia Bulldogs had hooked me. Sure it was partly about football, but as any SEC fan can tell you, it’s a lot more than that. Something electric happens on game day that most brands can only hope to excite in their customers, followers and the media. While we may not always be able to capture that inexplicable magic, there are a few concrete things we can take from those dawgs when it comes to PR and branding:
Have a clear objective.
Whether your tactic is a passing game or a running game, you need a clear objective – get the ball in the end zone.
Be ready to change your playbook.
Sometimes your plan isn’t going to work out and your opponent will be tougher than you thought. Be flexible and
There I am on the far right with some JSers at a UGA game last season. Go Dawgs!
willing to hunker down and take a chance on a new play.
Engage your audience.
What would a UGA game be like without the battle cry of Gooo Dawgs, Sic ‘Em…woof…woof, or the voice of Larry Munson. As a wise JS colleague and UGA alum once said to me, “hearing Larry Munson’s voice on Glory, glory to Old Georgia brings a tear to my eye.” Now that’s brand loyalty.
Be a leader.
Mark Richt— win or lose (yes, I did watch last week’s game) he’s a stand-up guy.
Teamwork .
What’s a great quarterback without someone to catch the ball and run?
Finish the drill.
See your plan through – the outcome might not always be in your favor, but you’ll know you played a good game.
Lastly…don’t root for Florida…ok; it’s not a PR tip, but good advice none the less.
