With the 2012 Summer Olympic Games coming to an end this weekend, let’s look at how daily agency life can be compared to Olympic sports. That is, if our industry had its own Olympic Games, what would they be—and why. So here goes the Top 10:

Long Jump. There’s no “almost” in PR. It’s not enough to meet the goal; you have to stretch for every inch to exceed on a regular basis.

Steeple Chase. In PR, just when you think it’s smooth sailing, there’s some sort of obstacle that presents itself and must be navigated.

Water Polo. It takes both offense and defense to win the “game.” PR professionals must continuously balance proactive tactics with reactive measures to keep their clients winning.

100-Meter Dash. Successfully competing on the PR “track” often requires explosive speed over a short period of time. Like sprinters, PR professionals need to be fast and nimble, particularly when issues and crises arise.

Archery. The best PR professionals aim for the “bulls eye” and hit the right targets. And you must continually train to sharpen your arrow … er … focus.

Basketball. A successful PR team eyes the basket and takes its shots. Although some miss, a high enough percentage of successful, combined with strong defense, will lead to victory.

Decathlon. PR requires you to be a good, all-around performer and skilled at many facets of the job. Strategic planning, program management, media relations, writing—the list goes on.

Discus Throw. Every good launch takes a lot of “spinning around in circles,” at which successful PR folks are rather adept.

Hurdles. The name says it all: There are so many to jump over to accomplish your goals, and at any moment. Plus, sometimes a competitor can fall and take your client down with them so gathering composure is another critical element to make it to the finish line.

Rowing. Successful PR campaigns take a team of individuals moving in sync, and directed by a strategic captain.

Elite PR pros are nimble, hard working, and dedicated to the pursuit of gold for their clients. Are there any sports that feel similar to your daily efforts?

Carm Lyman is co-owner and president of Lyman PR, a consumer lifestyle communications agency. She wrote this story with the help of the entire Lyman PR team. Email the author at carm@lymanpr.com, or follow her on twitter @carmlyman or @lymanpr.

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