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Photo:“Daniel Craig on Venice yacht crop” by
Flickr user Wonderferret http://bit.ly/1NjiQYA- Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons- http://bit.ly/1HLzeTj
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James Bond needs no introduction. He’s the
most popular secret agent in the world with 26
films and even more books to his name. He’s also someone you can use as a model to
strengthen your tech PR skills. Wait! What? Are you serious? Yes! Bond’s behavior,
ambition, resourcefulness and more all work in tech PR. In honor of the new
Bond film Spectre releasing this year, let's take a look at what 007 can teach
us.
001: Bond Adapts to the Present
If Bond stayed the same and didn’t redevelop
his identity multiple times over the years, he’d be KIA (killed in action) just
like every other 00 agent. While tech PR isn’t espionage, agencies that don’t
adapt to new trends risk being abandoned by their clients and the media. So to
ensure your agency remains relevant, always evolve your tech PR craft and pay
attention to changes in the industry.
002: Bond Is Proactive
Observe Bond in the films and you’ll notice
he goes to venues alone, conducts his own research and makes new connections
without his boss M's approval. While you should probably get permission for
high-level assignments, don’t be afraid to proactively pitch, share new ideas
in team meetings and find that next great connection independently. Don’t wait
around for opportunities to come to you. Make it happen.
003: Bond Constantly Seeks Out New Experiences
A day in the life of Bond is never the same.
He’s always off having little adventures,
whether it’s skiing in Switzerland, bungee jumping, playing a round of golf
or using the latest Q-Branch gadgets. Obviously most people don’t share Bond’s luxurious
work schedule, but devoting some of your free time to new activities can enrich
your life in surprising ways. It might not seem practical now, but your
interests and passions may prove invaluable to brainstorming the next great
byline or press release idea for your clients.
004: Bond Is Ready for the Unexpected
Bond dresses to impress and lives a life of
spontaneity. You never know when you’ll run into a client outside of work. So
always be mindful of your appearance. Also, how you act in response to a
client’s internal crisis can make or break your relationship. Do you know how
to act under pressure? There’s no harm in preparing ahead of time, but you need
to be able to act without hesitation – like Bond does.
005: Bond Is Very Thorough
Bond is meticulous with his research and
knows his co-workers, friends and especially rivals like the back of his hand.
He’s always thinking one step ahead and lining up his next move similar to a
great poker player. You can do the same when interacting with your clients by
demonstrating you’ve done your homework.
006: Bond Is Charismatic
Bond may be a cold-blooded killer, but he’s
also an expert conversationalist. Watch his body language and behaviors to see
how he demonstrates charisma. Observe how he focuses completely on who he’s
talking to and displays just enough mystery to get people thinking about him
when they’re alone. Be like him at your next networking event but also while
you’re working. Consider this: do your pitches, conference calls and coffee
meetings leave people wanting more?
007: Bond Never Gives Up
The most critical character trait of Bond is
determination. Remember on those tough workdays that Bond has encountered much
worse and still found ways to overcome his problems. You can’t win them all. So
don’t let a reporter’s rejection or a client leaving your agency for someone
else become personal. You might not be 007, but you can learn from him to
better your tech PR career or any job for that matter.
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