Messenger vs. Message

A few simple things we can agree on first -

1. The Democrats are MUCH better at digital media than the Republicans, 
2. There are most certainly Republican tech people who would love to change that, 
3. The Republicans have a perception problem with younger voters.

Now, here's the twist - the guy who is widely regarded as the micro-targetting guru that propelled George W. Bush to victory in 2000 and 2004 is widely considered by programmers as outdated.

And he's the spokesman for the new Republican initiative to bridge the divide.

According to Politico - Silicon Valley isn’t buying GOP’s data plans - Tarini Parti and Michelle Quinn - POLITICO.com

Karl Rove's outreach is falling flat with the industry.  Its a very interesting piece and perspective, and worth reading, not just for the political implications, but what it says about the value of having the right messenger.

Think about it - We all know the Republicans need help, we all know Karl Rove is very politically savvy, we all know a bridge needs to be covered, and seemingly, this would be the data guy to do it.

But he's not.  Why?  According to the article, because he is seen as a "direct mail" guy not a digital guy. 

Regardless of the reality of this fact, it begs the question.  When you let the perception of the messenger drive the message... what happens?

In the case of a needed service from the best possible source... it falls flat.

Are your messages being delivered by the right messenger?

Creativity takes time!

If you are like anyone else, you have clients who expect you to shift the earth for their requests, and expect it yesterday.  Today, thanks to a friend on facebook, I came across this video -



Next time you feel the pressure to short change your talent to meet an arbitrary deadline of a client, remember this video, and remind them that to change the world, you need to figure out how first.

Questioned Motives

This week Apple's top leadership was before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations to be questioned about their practices for paying taxes when an interesting thing happened.



Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) apologized to Apple CEO Tim Cook on behalf of the subcommittee. 

This seemingly strange move (strange in that most US Senators don't apologize for much of anything) has been called into question now by several sources. One of the most interesting of which is Open Secrets.

While it is something that would raise an eyebrow or two, just because its out of the norm doesn't mean it has an ulterior motive.

If you watch the complete hearing (available on C-Span) you can see the complete context of his commentary, and if you have followed the Senator's career for any length of time you know that he represents a very limited government, libertarian viewpoint.  So it stands to reason that he would be quick to push back on government attacking a company for complying with federal laws as they exist (and as was defended by the senators themselves and the first panel at the hearing).

So why are organizations calling into question Sen. Rand Paul's commentary?

Because he is flying to Silicon Valley this week.  People claim it is a suck up to tech-execs.

Regardless of any of the perceptions on the issue of Apple, their taxpaying practices, or Rand Paul, the point stands...

You have to realize people will question your motives.  Don't be afraid of it, prepare for the eventuality.

Cutting Lobbying?

The Susan G. Komen foundation has cut its lobbying down to $10k in the first quarter of this year.  Last year it spent $140k in that time period.

Is this strategy smart for an organization that is increasingly under the microscope?  Depends on your view of lobbying.  For those who understand the importance of addressing government that answer should be a resounding NO!

Why does your organization need to be politically involved?

Public Policy decisions affect your ability to make a living. Government Affairs has never been more important to your industry. Almost every day, government officials make decisions that affect your ability to conduct business. You must be strongly involved in the decisions that affect your livelihood.

Public Policy is set by elected officials. You have the opportunity to elect the right government officials making decisions on public policy issues affecting business and your livelihood. You can develop critical relationships with policy-makers who will advance your legislative priorities.

Electing the right policy-makers positions you for positive public policy. Simply put, it is easier to affect public policy if the elected officials support your issues. By electing the right policy-makers, you can be assured that your perspective will be considered. Electing the right policy-makers to office will help you develop a proactive public policy program that will implement good ideas.

Where will GA Strategies be in May?

May is an interesting one for GA Strategies.  We have one of our most full weeks together -

The National Association of REALTORS Mid Year and Legislative Meetings in Washington D.C.

Beyond that -

Chip will be in Northern Arizona
Bryan will be in Nashville, and
Meredith will be in New Jersey

Want to know when and where?  email us!