4 Take Aways From LeBron James that Every Marketer Should Know

By now I'm sure every person on this planet, if not universe, knows that LeBron James is returned to his home state to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers. This act of one man could go down as one of the biggest moves in NBA history and it sure has people talking a lot. LeBron is checking out of one of the most talented teams in the league and joining a team that needs to rebuild. LeBron took them all the way to the championship last year. What a boost for this hometown. Here are 4 takeaways from LeBron’s Decision 2.0 that I think apply to marketing, outreach and promotion of organizations.

1. People respond well to a classy act.

   From the beginning of his free agency LeBron stated that if he were to leave Miami it would be to go to Cleveland and Cleveland only. He knew that there was some unfinished business to take care of in Cleveland. This time around he did not flamboyantly tell the world where he was going by hosting a TV show. He wrote an essay. A simple essay. This essay literally brought people to tears in Cleveland. People in Cleveland instantly felt loved, and they felt like they can win a championship next year. Even some people from Miami feel warm and fuzzy by his decision because of the way he conducted it.

Keep the marketing of your message clear and direct, deliver on your promises and be classy with your method and means of delivery.  People will listen and buy into it.

2. It's hard to beat warm and fuzzy.

   Have you ever heard someone say "I just can't stand a feel good story."? Of course not! The story of LeBron James is nothing short of a fairy tale. A boy from Akron Ohio gets drafted to the nearest NBA team as the #1 pick. He turns the city around instantly by winning games, MVP awards, and Conference Championships. But every good story has to have a tragedy, the boy moves to Miami. In Pilgrim's Progress terms this move is like him going to Vanity Fair, like he was turning his back on all things true and right that had gotten him where he was. Not only does the boy move there, he becomes ultra-successful after the move. His hometown was crushed.  Now we all are living in the “warm-fuzzy” of the happy ending. That boy decides to go back to the city where he is from to be the hero and help the city with his ultra-success and people love it!

Communicate your message with some warm and fuzzy stories and people will be drawn in and listen.

3. Secure Social Sphere Support.

One thing that LeBron has been good at is securing support. Although he is probably the most hated player in the NBA, he is also the most loved player in the NBA. Say what you want about his decision to go to Miami in 2010. He had the whole state of Florida (except Orlando) happily accepting him. If you can secure support in your decision-making and direction your network and potential network will grow in their belief and support of your purpose. The people will join, buy, accept and promote.  They will retweet you. They will talk about your on their LinkedIn page or Facebook page. They will share your accomplishments. They will cheer your success and help it endure. That is what LeBron has done with Cleveland in a matter of 3 hours today.

Be social online and in person. Share your story, ask for input and call people to action.  Develop the social sphere. That's the best way.

4. One person can make a huge difference.

Now we all know LeBron is the best basketball player in the NBA, but there was a time when he was not. He learned by failing multiple times that it takes hard work to be successful. Sure he does have a God gifted ability to play basketball, but he works hard. You too can be the best at your industry if you are willing to work hard. Making the choice to consistently work hard in your area of giftedness will put you head and shoulders above your competition. Sure you’ll stumble, have bad days and fail, but you will also be steadily progressing toward your end goals and purpose.  All the while if you’re communicating your message in a classy way, telling a good story to new and old friends alike and constantly developing and maintaining your social sphere, you’ll see the marketing and promotion of your organization cause your mission and purpose for existence to leap ahead, build success and grow.

Congrats LeBron on returning home, and proving that Miami is truly just a vacation spot.

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Austin Glanzer is a young entrepreneur and avid marketing idea enthusiast. (also known as my kid)  He is currently working for PurposeLaunch Marketing developing online promotional strategies and learning more and more every second. You can contact him at [email protected].

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