What the Chicago Cubs Can Teach Us About Content Marketing

8 years ago

The Chicago Cubs won the World Series in a nail biting extra inning game 7 against the Cleveland Indians. It was deadline time. The event became historic not because they always win but because they have not won the Series for 108 years. History can be on your side either way. Down three games to one it’s an inspiring comeback story.

Here are some lessons from the Series that content marketers can use when the daily grind of producing stellar content may be getting the best of them.

Start big

Game 7 started with Dexter Fowler hitting a home run. Koci Hernandez, professor of new media at UC Berkley says, “Start a new project with reckless abandon.”

Forget the past

Focus on what you need to do now. Stay in the moment. Yet once you’ve met your goal pay tribute to whatever and whomever brought you to this point.

Don’t try to do too much

When a fan asked a rookie player what advice Cubs Manager Joe Madden gave him when he joined the team, Madden’s phrase “Try not to suck”, stuck and became a rallying cry. You don’t have to swing for the fences. Put the ball in play and good things will happen.

Get the routine down

Stick with it, day after day. When you are ready this allows you to step out of the routine and become extraordinary. Hernandez says, “The unrelenting pursuit of practice separates you from others.”

Work together

Cubs veterans and rookies relied on each other. When Pitcher Jon Lester entered the game with two outs, so did 39-year old Catcher David Ross. In content marketing old and new, creative and technical can be a winning combination.

Be Willing to take a risk

Joe Madden made some controversial decisions such as bringing closer Aroldis Chapman in to pitch in five games during the Series. It worked out.

Loyalty Matters

For a very long time Cubs fans have had limited expectations for their team. Yet they remain enthusiastic because they love the game. Give your best to those who support your efforts.

Expect the Unexpected

Throughout the Series second baseman and 8^th in the batter line up Javier Baez was swinging at everything and missing. Then leading off the fifth inning of game 7 he hit a homerun. What? Pitcher Corey Kluber left the mound without a single strikeout. Goliath can be conquered.

Don’t Rely on the Environment

The Cubs lost two of their three games while at home in Wrigley Field. Step out of your comfort zone. Get a fresh look at things and dig in.

Step Up When Needed

After nine innings in a tie game, Jason Heyward was credited with rallying the team during the rain delay. Of that meeting in the weight room he said, “I just had to remind everybody who we are, what we’ve overcome to get here.” Good advice for everyone.

It’s a team effort

To build a team culture you have to respect every player. Miguel Montera drove in what would be the winning run for the Cubs. Kyle Hendricks and Anthony Rizzo fielded the last out. But it was teamwork that won the game.

Thank everyone

In Chicago’s Grant Park during the celebration parade and rally the owners, managers, coaches and players thanked their fans and the city of Chicago. They thanked player families, team secretaries, scouts and everyone who wore the jersey before them. Fans at the celebration rally said they won’t forget how Anthony Rizzo choked up and fought back tears as he introduced Catcher David Ross, “Someone who on and off the field taught me how to be a better person.” Emotion moves people.

Your work may not be celebrated as the win of a century. But if you can bring some passion to the work, embrace the challenge, work as a team and get to the finish line I think that’s something to cheer about.

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