Fresh Perspectives Keep You Vibrant

When I first moved to D.C. I created one rule for myself - the second I looked at the White House or the U.S. Capitol Building and wasn't in awe - it was time to move home because I'd become one of those jaded people.

The White House

 Here I am 14 years later and luckily that day hasn't come.  Something I am eternally grateful for.

The U.S. Capitol down Pennsylvania Ave.

Washington D.C. is one of those cities where you can easily lose your sight on what is important as you get caught up in a lot of peripheral issues.  But its not unique to D.C., it's not unique to this industry, and it's not unique to your issues either.

The key is to do what you can to fight that from happening.  Keep that fresh perspective.

Remember back to the first day you started doing what you are doing.  That wide eyed - some will call it wonder, some will call it realization you are in over your head.  Whatever!  Remember that feeling.

Now, realize the people you are trying to work with have that same experience.  And your issue is most likely brand new to them, or it's a completely different perspective.  Take that moment and realize that in this moment, how you present is more important than what you present.

The Washington Monument

Try to keep that perspective as you make your way through what you are accomplishing.  Regroup.  Make the discussion yours.  And don't fall victim to that cynicsm you hated when you finally got your feet under you.

That's how you know you're doing the right thing... still...

The Lincoln Memorial

 These are all pictures I took last night from my iPhone.  

Keep your Perspective Fresh!

ASAE 2014 Government Affairs Symposium - 10/30 - Washington D.C.

For the past few years we have had the great fortune of speaking at the American Society of Association Executives Government Affairs Symposium. For those of you unfamiliar, this is one of the premier events in the country that brings together National, State, and Local government affairs professionals to learn new techniques in government relations. Our first presentation was in 2011 where we presented on "How to Frame the Ask" - showing people how to reframe their Political Action Committee requests. We focused on everything from high dollar to low dollar requests, and how you make them personal In 2012 we were invited back to cover how to build a government affairs program from the ground up - something we have helped do a number of times. Last year PACs once again became a focus for ASAE Government Relations Symposium, where we helped show associations effective ways develop a monthly and annual plan to achieve their PAC fundraising goals. This year we are once again presenting to this great event! What are we covering? Do you know how many times you or your organization is missing an opportunity to PAC fundraise? Whether its just not part of a routine, or its just not how its been done in the past, we have found holes in programs from before someone is a member to the point where they are president of your organization that fundraising could have been a higher priority. Come hear more about how your program may be missing pieces! http://bit.ly/gastrat2014asae

Somewhere Between Nike and Fast Times at Ridgemont High

The most common type of resistance we encounter to starting something new is a fear of it not working out, or people opposing the idea.

Here's the thing, no matter what it is:

- It's not going to be perfect 

- It's not going to be the ideal effort

- It's going to ruffle feathers

Here's the other thing:

It's exponentially better than doing nothing.

The key is you have to just try.

So how do you come away with a victory?

- Plan as best you can for most contingencies.

- Communicate about it.  A lot.

- Engage as many people as you can in the process (because they will bring others along).

- Make everyone feel like they are a critical part of the effort.

Last - remember back to "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and learn from Vic Damone's special five point plan -

"... Now three, act like wherever you are, that's the place to be, 'isn't this great?'"

After the fact, no one will remember the tiny detail that drove you nuts. No one will remember the complaining that led into the effort.

What they will remember is the attitude of the day - and then they will want to make it even better next time.

But again the key is you have to try.

Gut Check

Listen, what you are doing is important. It's needed. It's wanted. It will make the world a better place.

That said, your actions and paths are not above reproach. 

The Orange County Weekly (http://www.ocweekly.com) just put out an interesting article highlighting a well regarded public affairs firm who's actions and optics cast doubt on many many things.

http://blogs.ocweekly.com/navelgazing/2014/10/larry_agran_irvine_great_park_moxley_confidential.php

Forde & Mollrich (http://fordeandmollrich.com) were given:

- A no bid contract (in and of themselves these are not bad and serve a very distinct purpose)

- To work on public relations & affairs (an increasingly essential part of any project)

- For a park (re use of a Marine base) (http://www.ocgp.org)

- That would rival Central Park (http://www.centralpark.com) in New York and Balboa Park (http://www.balboapark.org) in San Diego (now you can imagine the kind of promotion and support something of that magnitude could need)

- for $100,000 a month (yes very high, but a world class development needs world class resources, which Forde & Molrich could provide)

Here's the problem. $200 million has been spent to date and there isn't much of anything to see, visit, or enjoy.  The park is marginally more impressive than an average municipal park - only becaue it has a hot air balloon that you can ride - for a fee.

Yet the New York Times just did a piece on Forde's new home (http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/10/02/greathomesanddestinations/where-shall-we-park-the-art.html).  Naturally it is lavish, and well deserved I'm sure after a lifetime of work.

But read the article in the weekly, see all the things that the Times reporter missed... And ask yourself.

Even IF everything you did was right, deserved, and ethical...

What are the optics of it all, and what could those perceptions do the next time you wanted to move forward on something?

Doing a guy check now and then might just be your best move.

San Diego's Balboa Park Botanical Gardens

Loeb Boathouse in New York's Central Park

The Orange County Great Park's Balloon

Forde's ironic conceptual art piece as you enter his home...

Win One Step at a Time

This morning, Politico (http://www.politico.com) has an interesting piece examining how Republicans lost the culture war.

http://politi.co/1p4RR7Q

Without getting into the issues themselves, it highlights a problem many organizations face on a daily basis. Leadership who wants to either stalwartly stand one way, or wants to pursue an "eat the elephant all at once" approach to an issue.

In either case, you're gonna lose.

You can have the might of reason, the people, and even the almighty on high on your side. However if you don't do a few simple things you will lose everytime.

1) Keep your message simple and understandable to all

2) As times change, your position may not need to change, but your priorities and message definitely will

3) Understand not just today's audience, but the ones coming up, make sure your message is one that translates

4) You can win incrementally and eventually achieve your ultimate goals

5) Know when you've gone too far, and reassess how you'll succeed moving forward (in other words, go back to #3)

Regardless of the issue, people believe they evolve. If you, your organization, your positions do not evolve as well, then you are seen as either stagnant or out of touch. 

Either perception is one you don't want to have...

Consider Your Sources...

This is Leslie Appleton Young. Chief Economist for the California Association of REALTORS(R).

She is one of the most brilliant economists in the country, and her statistics have been consistently spot on every year for as long as I can remember.

Well respected, sought after, and flat out amazing person to get to know.

This is the person sitting next to me.

She... Is not an economist.  However she explained to me that she knows EXACTLY what is going to happen in the economy next year, and specifically in the housing industry. She's got the best source you see - Conservative Talk Radio.

"The get their information straight from the fed guy Greenspan."

Not Yellen... Not even Bernanke... Greenspan.  The fed guy.

So she knows EXACTLY what is going on as you can clearly see.

Now Greenspan, Bernanke and Yellen are all great sources of economic information. Conservative talk radio is great for finding out some issues you may not be aware of otherwise.  However neither can be considered authorities on California Housing Data.  Leslie Appleton Young is.

My point is this- make sure the people you are getting to work on your issue are getting their information from the RIGHT people.  And hopefully they know a little more than... This lady.

For the record she left this presentation early about 5 minutes ago. Presumably to tailgate before her favorite talk show that comes on at 3pm PST.

Early voting is starting

Fall is just starting (well everywhere else besides Southern California it is) which means only one thing to us political nerds.

Early voting is starting.

Yeah I know World Series, college football conference play and pre season hockey are important too. But right now I want to focus on elections.

Basic reason is this - 

http://youtu.be/fmX04EztiTE

Jimmy Kimmel gave us the best reason possible why you need to get your colleagues, members, friends... Basically anyone we can to vote.

Because those people have the SAME vote you do. And from the looks of it they may just stumble upon a precinct after leaving Taco Bell.

So let's get the voting started!