This weekend marked an event of epic celebration here in Boston – the Red Sox clinched the AL Division title for the first time since 1995.  For those non-Sox fans saying, “Hey didn’t you win a World Series just a few years ago?” – Yes, yes we did (and it was pretty sweet).  However, “the big deal” here is that for the first time in over a decade the Sox will walk into the play-offs as the top-dog in the sport, not a wild card – not a “squeak by.”  

For the fans of Boston, this was a big deal.  To paint a picture for you, we are sick, sick fans – in fact, thousands waited in Fenway Park after the Sox victory over Minnesota to watch the Orioles take on the hated New York Yankees.  The Fenway Faithful watched over an hour of baseball from the big screen until the “Evil Empire” fell at the hands of Fenway South – better known as Camden Yards.  The celebration in Boston was highly entertaining including closer Jonathan Papelbon running around with no pants on (until he was forced to throw on some sliders) and spraying champagne on his compatriots.  It was a moment filled with such joy, I’m almost willing to forget about all the Gagne blown games – almost.

This is what October is all about – big wins or big tears, its all or nothing.  This is certainly a good way of looking at the fall months for PR as well.  The summer is over, the months of byline ideas and proactive pitches showed your clients that you were creative and fun.  However, fun time is over, now its time to show them why you’re Mr./Ms. October.  As the fall hits organizations prep to launch new products, go on tour and ramp up sales heading into the next year.  For PR teams, its time to recap all you’ve done in ‘07 and show them why ’08 will be even better.  Also, the 2008 editorial calendars, conference and award listings are being made public, and the database ramp up period begins for all junior staffers. (A joy of joys I’ll admit).

Now for me, I try to work every day like it’s this time of year.  Every day is the play-offs.  Every interview, every speaking opp, every FYI email is “go time.”  When you work hard, play hard every day – you never get bored, stale or tired of what you do. It’s why I love my job. The Red Sox threw a bash because their season of efforts had come to fruition.  For me, I still get excited when an interview is scheduled or an article hits.  Every time I pick up the phone I feel like its bases loaded and there are 2 outs, can I hit a grand slam?  Now for those negative Ned’s out there, I know what you are going to say, “yeah, but how often do you strike out?”  My response: at least I stepped up to the plate.

Play ball.