Blog

02/10/2015

Five lessons from the 12th man

By Abby Breckenridge

12th Man flag
  1. Stay on message. Repeat. To quote and learn from the strategic Marshawn Lynch, a la Beast Mode, “I’m just here so I don’t get fined,” a phrase he repeated 29 times at media day. We hear you, Marshawn.
  2. Merchandise, merchandise, merchandise. Is it just me or is 12th man paraphernalia rivaling Frozen gear? We bought 12th man bourbon at Trader Joe’s and a friend gave me Seahawks-themed Glassy Babies, which I love. Seize the opportunity to extend your brand, or ride on the coat tails of someone else’s.
  3. Richard Sherman is smarter than you are. Smart employees drive interest in your company, so hire up.
  4. Homemade earthquakes generate buzz. Optimize your retail environment to allow for the creation of unexpected groundswells of support for your business.
  5. Everyone wants to be a part of something. This is true even if they dislike sportsball. Cultivate brand evangelists by giving your audience something to be a part of.