Last week, I discussed how you can glean public relations lessons from your hobbies. This can also work on the flip side. Applying your PR skills to your hobbies provides a great outlet to practice PR lessons without the pressure of succeeding or failing in business.
Practice, Practice, Practice
You have lots of great interests from that sewing circle to your stamp collection. Whatever it is you like to do in your free time, you can also use it to improve your PR repertoire. Try these ideas out the next time you have an extra moment.
1. Volunteer your PR skills at the next club meeting.
Your outside interests may have led to membership in a hobby group or cause association. These organizations are usually tight on funds and need all the help they can get. This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your blossoming PR skills. Volunteer to do recruitment outreach, write content or media promotion. Practicing these skills here in a comfortable environment can prepare you for the more rigorous demands of your business.
2. Write/Read about your hobby.
If you’re interested in something, you’re already learning about it. Use this research to practice your writing skills. If business blogging still intimidates you, start a blog about your hobby or write an article for your activity organization’s newsletter. A family friend who worked in government public affairs was also an avid outdoorsman. Once a month he would submit an article with photos to interest publications about his latest hunting or fishing excursion.
Look for more than just how-to literature about your hobby. Read novels that use your pastime as a piece of the story; read biographies about the famous pioneers or greats in your hobby; and media stories about the latest developments in or affecting your interests. Exposing yourself to these different forms of writing can help improve your own style.
3. Help others out with their hobbies.
Help a friend or family member gain some recognition for whatever interests they hold. When I worked in government public affairs, I would seek out opportunities to work in other areas. For example, I secured regional media coverage for my husband’s former soccer club. Finding opportunities to work on your PR skills in new and uncharted areas provides a beneficial way to learn and expand your range.
Hobbies not only provide a distraction from the mundane, but you can use them to better your skills for business. What hobbies do you have that could benefit from your PR skill?
photo credit: icedsoul photography .:teymur madjderey via photopin cc
