With the Summer Olympics on the horizon, it reminded me about how the events of the games translate into what PR professionals do every day.  Here’s a brief guide:

Olympic Trials – capabilities presentations.

Opening Ceremonies – the first client meeting.

Parade of Nations – the thought that goes through your mind when you receive an RFP.

Lighting the Torch — euphoric feeling of winning a new client in a competitive review.

100 Meter Dash – what happens the minute HARO or Profnet hits your inbox.

Photo Finish – high-resolution, matte or glossy.

High Jump – what clients with little understanding of what we do expect each month.

High Hurdles – limited budgets and inflated expectations.

Shot Put – what your gut feels like when a “can’t miss” media pitch is shut down.

Marathon – what drafting a by-line feels like when writer’s block sets in.

Medals – Gold, Silver and Copper Anvils.

Synchronized Swimming – a flawless news conference or special event with many moving parts.

Water Polo – to the newly-promoted, sink or swim.

IOC – Public Relations Global Network (PRGN)

Javelin – highly targeted story pitch.

Floor Exercise – what assembling press kits used to resemble.

Balance Beam – when each client thinks they are the only client.

Decathlon – what a typical PR pro’s day is like.

Closing Ceremonies – Friday afternoon happy hour after a great week’s work.

Are there others that have an Olympic ring to them?