We're Not Gonna Protest - We're Gonna Get Involved

One of the most defining moments in the epic film PCU starring Jeremy Piven is whe he stands up in front of a team of students and faculty members starting a chant that "We're Not Gonna Protest!"


Protest from Lindsey Breeden on Vimeo.

The point of the scene is to illustrate how far a campus society has gone in protesting everything.  Today however we see this happening far beyond just college campuses.

Sure there are the University of Missouri protests going on.  We've heard about the issues where the Oklahoma Weslyan University has pushed back on student protest. And Media professors trying to ban reporters from protests.

Then there are the academic circles trying to boycott involvement with Israel through divestment.  And now apparently Donald Trump is threatening to boycott (again) the next CNN debate (12/15) if they don't give him $5 million that he will then give to pro-veterans charities.  And Macy's, and Starbucks, and Univision, and countless other random things (Seriously? Glenfiddich?)... oooh just found some more here.

Outside of the fact that this isn't how debates work, how charitable contributions work, or how candidates conduct themselves, this is an example of how things get taken too far.  There are perfectly legitimate reasons to protest.  There are perfectly legitimate reasons to boycott.  More than reasons, there are more legitimate ways to protest things, and better ways to spend your efforts:

- Can you find a way to address an issue that doesn't throw the problem in people's faces?  I live in a community where there is a private college that has expanded greatly in the last 10 years.  More than that they have impacted the neighborhoods.  Despite having a very open door policy, most people have chosen to throw fits online and at city council meetings.  Most of these issues could have been handled with a few sit down discussions rather than riling up anger in people.

- Can you engage community members before the media?  Most groups come out and the first thing they do is hold a press conference.  It's annoying if there really isn't anyone behind this effort. It also dampens your credibility when it appears that you are the only one working on an issue.

- Can you drop the problem after the issue is done?  The second worse thing to deal with is the person who just jumps issue to issue seeking relevance.  That's no to say you can't have a role, or more than one issue you want to work on, but have a real reason.  Don't just be that person looking for a cause to protest, be that person who stands for something.

- Can you not take offense to every little thing that happens?  So many people are involved in so many things that they focus only on the thing that they take offense to rather than working on the core issue.  Socrates said "When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser."  It appears in most discussions these days that before the debate is even had, offense becomes the tool of the weaker side.

- Can you find a solution that works for both sides? The other problem with the weaker sides is that they become so staunch in their position that they fail to find middle ground, commonality, or points of concession.  The share economy is proving that repeatedly.  In the case of Uber, the Taxi companies are calling for all out opposition.  In the case of AirBnB its neighborhood control vs. property rights.  Both instances bring opportunities for discussion.  But in each case some people are not working to find that middle spot.

Negotiations and compromise are the realities of our form of government.  Working together to find solutions is much more important than fighting losing causes from a stringent standpoint.

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5 Quick Ideas - Evaluating Candidates

Your issues are critical to your organization's success.  So too are your issues critical to your members.  Knowing where elected officials stand on your issues is important at all levels of government, because eventually those candidates will run for higher office, and will get to a level that impacts you.

Because of this evaluating candidates is an important step in any organization.  This guide should help you figure out the right steps to take.

IDEA 1 - DIFFERENT AVENUES OF INPUT
You want to make sure you have different ways to evaluate candidates.  A questionnaire is a great first step.  Not everyone does well in that format.  Consider interviews, forums, one on ones, panels and other ways to get information about the candidates.

IDEA 2 - QUESTIONNAIRES THAT MATTER
Think of the key questions important to your organization, and craft a short questionnaire about those issues, extra bonus if you can tie the issue to that level of government.  Candidates get questionnaires on all sorts of issues from all sorts of sources - Regardless of whether or not their particular level of government even addresses that issue.  Making yours short, to the point and pertinent will make you stand out.

IDEA 3 - WHAT CAN THEY TELL YOU

Sure you want to know where they are on your issues.  However you also want to know where they are in their campaign.  Do they have any polling?  Do they have any fundraising information?  Do they have campaign managers? Do they know how to engage the public?  Do they have any plans to win the campaign?

IDEA 4 - WHAT CANT THEY TELL YOU
The other side of what they can tell you is what they can't - and it reveals a great deal of their campaign realities.  Do they need polling, or do you have polling that says something different than theirs?  Do their fundraising strategies match the local experience?  Do their campaign managers have a successful track record? Does their campaign plan reflect the reality of what it takes to win in that area?  Knowing that information can be more effective than anything they can tell you.

IDEA 5 - WHAT FRIENDS CAN TELL YOU
The best part of being involved in coalitions is that you have a team of people doing their own evaluations and research.  Sharing that info takes you much further than anything else you can do.  Polling, interview experiences, members involved in campaigns, inside information on the election, relationships with mail houses - you name it, that information comes in very handy.

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How Little Politics Influences Big Politics

We've all heard how "top of the ticket" (President, Governor, etc.) influences the "down ticket" (State Legislature, County Government, Etc.) races.  It's easy to understand, uninformed voters look for the party at the top of the ticket, or the person who inspires them running for the larger office, and as a result they vote for people of the same party all the way down.

That's not always the case however anymore.  With so much gridlock at the state and national levels, more and more policy is being enacted at the local level.  And with good reason - There is less resistance there.

Part of the reason there is so much legislative gridlock at the national level is because there is so much research and vetting required to make national policy that by the time an issue is ready to debated, much of it has been watered down.  And that is before the horsetrading of the legislature steps in to muck it up further.

On the local level however that vetting process has a much less rigorous review, and there is much less to trade.

As a result, policies at the local level are passing much more quickly than the state and national level.  Just take a look at the most recent hot-topic issues - the sharing economy:

Uber has found more success and challenges city by city than state by state.
AirBnB is being challenged with local policies differing city by city.

Or look at how established industries are being affected:

Development and construction are finding more success with local negotiations than reforming state regulations
Natural Resources find it easier to get easements locally than working with the natural resources regulators

Or look at how regulation is affecting industries such as supplements

More legislation on the use, sale and distribution of synthetic supplements is occurring at the local and state levels than at the national level because of the backlog of reviews at the FDA.

As such local politicians are being seen as more effective in dealing with complex issues that higher levels of government are neglecting.  As such, they are influencing policy and debates at the higher levels, and this is a trend that will likely lead to lower level government elected officials being able to supplant those governing above them as they get more exposure on these key issues.

5 Quick Ideas - Outreach to the Media

They say that the biggest fear people have is speaking in front of a group.  If that is true, then the biggest fear most organizations have is speaking to the media.  The reason for this is simple - They will never report exactly what you want exactly how you want it to be reported.

You can either accept that reality and work with it, or you can hide from the Media and let them write whatever they want about you.  Obviously that is not the best option.  However here are some options you might consider in getting a favorable position with the press.

1) THEY ARE PEOPLE TOO - Despite what you may have experienced, in general they are just people trying to do a job.  And they are not experts in your field.  They are relying on you to make your message simple to understand to people like them that also don't know your field.  Think of them like the guy you met at the dinner party that you had to explain your business to and had to put it in terms they could understand.

2) REACH OUT BEFORE YOU HAVE TO - Just like any relationship, its best to have that familiarity before you need it.  Take them to coffee, meet them on their terms, and make them comfortable reaching out to you.  The stronger people's comfort level is with you, the more likely you are to gain their trust.

3) GIVE THEM SOMETHING - Provide them information that they may not have access to, make sure that they understand the value of that information, and what they could do with it, and above all, check your facts to make sure they are supportive of your position.  The only thing worse than giving them nothing, is giving them something that is wrong.

Press kits can make the difference

4) WRITE THEIR STORY - Reporters are looking for the story, always.  The more information and detail you can give them when there is a story, the better.  In fact write a sample story for them.  Give them a packet sheet.  Make sure they have all the information necessary, and let your story become theirs.

5) THANK THEM SINCERELY - The only real truth is that all press is good press.  People see the name and that's what they remember.  Even the bad things are opportunities to become good things.  Use that information to your advantage, and always thank them when something is said about you - even if it is negative, thank them for taking a look at the issue.  Offer that you'd like to be a resource to them in the future on these issues, and be sincere... no matter how mad you are at how badly they misrepresented the situation.

They are people, working on an issue, trying to get something accomplished.  Just like you.  They are your best friend - if you handle it right.

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5 Quick Ideas - Outreach to Community Leaders

One of the most overlooked components of an organization's success is its perception and support within the community.  This goes for both the community it represents, and the community where it is located.  This is an important distinction, however the process of being engaged and effective in these communities is the same.

The best way to address this opportunity is to follow these steps -

1) Ask yourself - What opportunities exist in your communities?  What spaces do you need to be in, in order to be effective?  Who do you need to know in the community?  Who will be important in making those connections and opportunities for you?

2) Start With Elected Officials - They are probably the easiest group to identify and contact.  Your city council, local school board (don't overlook them), your state representatives, your members of congress - whomever is elected in your area - they are your first group to outreach to.  More importantly, they can recommend who else you should speak with.

3) Reach Out To Community Organizations - Fraternal organizations, business organizations, the chamber of commerce, local philanthropic organizations and the like typically house the community leaders in some capacity.  Knowing how to engage with them, and where to engage with them, is an important aspect of building that rapport with them.  Also consider church groups as many have greater influence than you've previously considered in the communities.

4) Talk To Your Affiliates - Whether that is a supplier, a business organization, an affiliated industry, or just people you've worked with in the community.  Bring them in to help you figure out where you need to connect.  They can also be helpful in making those connections.

5) Have An Offer - You don't want to start any relationship with an ask.  So instead plan to have something you can offer.  A business offering, a community resource, or just an opportunity to help.  Starting with an offer helps make your approach seem much more communal than self serving.

Reaching out to community leaders is simple, it's just taking the steps to officially do it that will matter.  Make sure your efforts are engaging, interesting and easy to support.

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5 Quick Ideas - Commmunicating Issues Externally

Every organization that has attempted to discuss issues impacting them has at one point or another been faced with opposition for being seen as "self serving." It's unavoidable. No matter what you do, it is going to to be said. Don't waste a single second being consumed about it. Just. Move. On.

That said, you should do your best to mitigate these comments. The previous section (LINK) covered how to have the discussion within your own organization - and many of these suggestions hold true for external communication as well - however there are ways to communicate externally that shift the discussion some. You should try to incorporate these.

REFRAME THE IMPACT - You know full well how your business/ industry/ organization will be impacted. However it makes a much more impacting presentation if you can show how this issue affects others - and can do so from their perspective. Have a brainstorming session to come up with the perspectives, and shape the discussion. Don't be afraid to invite in the groups you believe to be impacted to get their take on the issue.

BUILD THAT COALITION - Once you see how far out the impacts of an issue can go, bring in the groups that represent those impacted organizations. Get them on board. Coalitions are much more effective to the broader public than a lone voice.

THIRD PARTY IS KEY - Research. Information Sessions. Studies. All of these types of input are essential, but need to be at an arm's length. The more you can show that the impacts you are referring to were found by others and not commissioned by you, the better off you will be in communicating a believable position.

BE AVAILABLE - Once you start showing impacts to others, they are going to want to learn more. Making yourself available to explain further in detail will help serve that coalition building, as well as position you as being open, honest, and forthright on the issue.

KEEP IT IMPERSONAL - The fact of the matter is this - People take on a personal attachment to issues.  The more you can avoid this, the better.  Present everything calmly and dispassionately.  Receive opposition and criticism with compassion and understanding, and present alternative issues that the people opposing your position may not have considered.  You wont win them all over, but you will be seen as sincere - which to the undecided individuals will be important.

Know that you are going to face opposition - however doing nothing in the face of opposition is as good as letting the other side win.  Don't worry about any of the outside factors that could influence your success, just present your side.

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Bully Politics - And It's Effects on a Community

The situation isn't new.  There is a group pushing a particular issue in town, they get passionate, and then they start to push a little too hard.

People get offended, turn off, and even shy away from getting involved.  And often the forceful group gets their way.

It happens frequently, people take on a cause and get wrapped up personally into the issue.  Then they can't understand why other people don's share that passion, and especially when their point of views differ.

This quickly turns into anger and resentment.  Then to pressure.  Then to public reactions on private opinions.  Then to outright hatred for the other side.  No kidding this happens more than you think.  The goal becomes to vilify the opponents rather than respond to the issue.

As you can see this situation is one of the worst things that can happen to a community.  The personal attacks dont heal quickly - if at all - and can leave people challenged in their issues.  Knowing how to curtail the personalizing of issues is often one of the first steps to achieving victory on an issue.

Here are some suggestions of how to address this problem with the least amount of damage in the community -

DETATCH THE ISSUE - If you can come in and dispassionately address the issue not as a function of impact but a function of governance, you cam move the issue away from how people are being affected, and as such make it a better discussion for everyone (don't worry, those people personally invested will still be incensed that you oppose them).

DATA NOT DESCRIPTIONS - People quickly and easily react to a single experience.  However the power of that experience dissipates when scope is introduced.  "Yes, that one time that thing happened and it was bad.  However it happens 1000 times as often with good result."  This moves the discussion into the whole, not the single.

RESEARCH NOT OPINIONS - Whenever possible, point to research that has been done at an arms length - meaning not seemingly commissioned by an interested party.  You can point to the needs of the whole much more legitimately if you can point to research backing your position.

CALM DEMEANOR ALWAYS - There will be times of frustration.  This is not something to let loose.  It looses your credibility.

PACKAGE THE ISSUE - You have research, data, background and an even keeled presentation.  Be the voice of reason on the issue and present an entire picture, not just the impassioned plea of the aggrieved.

This wont always work, but at the end of the day you will keep your credibility.

North Shore on Politics

So I am in Hawaii right now, speaking to another group on political advocacy.  And naturally I had to watch one of the greatest movies of all time on my way here - North Shore.

Now if you aren't familiar - first of all your life has been wasted - but it is the story of Rick Kane, Arizona surfing champion (wavepool in Tempe, stop interrupting me) who goes to the North Shore of Hawaii to take on the surfing world.  Along the way he loses everything, makes new friends, learns valuable life lessons, and leaves Hawaii a champion.  No spoilers there, go watch it, it's pretty much the best movie ever made.



Now my ridiculousness aside, there are actually some pretty important lessons to learn from this -

DON'T EXPECT SOMETHING OFFERED TO BE DELIVERED
Rick goes to Hawaii on a whim, no place to stay other than a guy he met a year ago who offered him a room if Rick ever goes to Hawaii.  Rick shows up, the guy is a strip club bartender, and doesn't deliver.
Lesson - Always verify before you agree to someone's help.

NOT EVERYONE IS AS THEY SEEM
Rick idolizes Lance Burkhart in this movie - the big wave surfer who seems to be the pinnacle of the sport.  Despite all the magazine covers, sponsors, and accolades he has, the guy ends up being shallow, self centered and a cheat.
Lesson - Don't believe the hype

RESPECT IS EARNED, NOT GIVEN
Rick runs into a series of problems with a group of locals - Da Hui.  Locals who don't like haoles (mainlanders) riding their waves, talking to their women, or them in general to be honest.  Until he proves himself, at which point he gains their respect, trust and mostly their acceptance (He's still from Arizona after all).  It wasn't that the Hui was the enemy, it was about respect.
Lesson - Protect your reputation, trust and respect, and don't give any of them away

VICTORIES DON'T ALWAYS HAVE TROPHIES
Chandler - legendary Hawaiian shaper - teaches Rick that winning isn't about money, fame, attention or trophies, but about the experience and what you gain from the experience.  The win is trophy enough.
Lesson - winning is not defined by who stands on a podium

DON'T LOSE TO YOUR OWN EGO
Everyone struggles with this in the movie.  Turtle, Rick, Chandler, The Professor, Kiani, Vince and Da Hui - Everyone.  But in remembering the sage advice of Turtle, all is won -

''Round Here we treat friends mo betta." - Turtle

Lesson - don't disrespect others to advance your own agenda.

The only person who ends up losing in the end is Lance, who loses out because of his ego.

So yeah, I did just make you read about the 1987 movie North Shore, now don't be a kook and go watch it.

5 Quick Ideas - Engaging Members

In any advocacy effort, your membership is your army - your foot soldiers that can deliver the message you are trying to promote.  As such engaging your membership is key to your success in what you do.

However keeping members engaged is one of the hardest things to do in an organization because advocacy can ebb and flow, and there may not be an immediate perceived threat.  Many organizations rely on communication in the form of a newsletter in order to keep their members engaged.   However that isn't enough.  There is no action there.  The engagement wanes - and you lose your army.

There are however many other ways to keep them engaged.  Little things you can do that can keep your membership engaged in the process.

IDEA 1 - TAKE THEIR PULSE
Ask them for input - and report back.  Ask a simple question in a survey format, and engage them in the process.  This gives you three personalized touches to your membership and sensitizes them to engagement
- You get them to open the email and click on the survey
- You get them to fill out the survey
- You report back to them on the action they took
Three points where you are getting them involved

IDEA 2 - GET THEM TO CONNECT AND ACT
You probably have a social media presence.  And yes, you can say "follow us on..." but is that enough for engagement?  Instead, ask them to do something:
- Post your Instagram pic of your city hall
- Give us a Tweet about your business hang ups
- Post a facebook post connecting their following to your organization
These secondary steps create more interesting engagement with the membership

IDEA 3 - REFER A FRIEND
Make a personalized ask to your membership if there is someone they know who would benefit from the advocacy you are making, and find ways to connect with those individuals.  This extra step brings in a great connection and builds community.

IDEA 4 - RECOGNIZE PEOPLE AND THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Whatever you can think of, recognize.  If you have a member that spoke at city council, post a pic and thank them publicly.  If you have a member that did something unique with an elected official, relay the story.  If someone you know supported a successful candidate outside of your association's efforts, recognize their contribution.  People love to hear about themselves and see themselves recognized in front of their peers.

IDEA 5 - ASK THEM TO SERVE - AND OFFER TO HELP
The only thing better than getting your issue passed on a local level is not needing to advocate for it in the first place because you already had decision makers in place.  Cities, counties, states, and the federal government are always looking for people to serve on commissions, task forces, and committees.  The support of a community organization, business, or association like yours is usually what makes the difference in getting into these positions.  Once you've gotten your members in the positions, you have accomplished two goals:
- They are more engaged and bought in to what the organization provides, and
- They recognize you were the one that made it possible.

Engagement is all about making the right touches in the right places in the right ways to people.  Not everyone will respond to everything, but the little pieces you can implement to make it more common, the more apt they will be to act when you need the army in place.

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5 Quick Ideas - Engaging Leadership

We've already covered that one of the most important things in any organization is having the right leadership team in place.

However more than just having them in place, you have to make sure they are engaged.  This team is the key to your success as an organization.  Making sure they are set for success is essential in keeping them around.

This guide should give you some of the key elements of making sure your Leadership team is empowered to succeed.

IDEA 1 - UNDERSTAND WHY THEY ARE THERE
They believe in you and the organization, that's why they are in the door.  But why they show up, contribute, and stay is the reason they are there.  Understanding their motivations, desires, and expectations will help lead you to guiding their leadership

IDEA 2 - KNOW THEIR NEXT STEP
An extension of understanding why they are there is knowing their next steps.  This takes place in 2 forms:

• Their personal next step - where they are looking to take their career, their interests, their motivations
• Their organizational next step - where do they want to be or what do they want to do in the organization

Both steps are important because if you know where they are going, you can help guide them there, if you know what they want to do next, you can help incorporate that into the organizations strategy .

IDEA 3 - INCORPORATE THEIR SUCCESS
Your leaders are there for a reason - they have demonstrated success.  If they haven't, then you've got the wrong team - Go back to the drawing board and get a good leader.  Use how they have found their success in your organization. 

• If they are great motivators, let them inspire your team and membership.  
• If they are great connectors, allow them to bring in new partners.  
• If they are great managers, empower them to find efficiencies.  
• If they are great advocates, put them in front of decision makers.
• If they are great innovators, give them a chance to shape your future growth.

Doing these allows 3 things - first it allows them to excel at what they excel at in front of their peers.  Second it allows you to get for free what others would pay enormous sums of money to garner.  Third it gets your leaders to buy in greatly in what you are doing.

IDEA 4 - INQUIRE ABOUT THEIR NEEDS
Outside of the obvious element of if you are able to help them, they will in turn feel a need to invest back in you and your organization, understanding their needs helps you bring them the personal, professional, or organizational elements that further their success.  Ask them - maybe they need a new personal assistant, maid service, HR manager, tennis coach, or their kid may need an internship.  Whatever it is, you can most likely help.

IDEA 5 - RECOGNIZE THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS
Yes, it seems like it goes without saying, or at least that its already been said (because it kind of was in the first leadership post), but it is key.  If they know you appreciate them, and hear it, and their peers hear it... you are building their resume and reasons to support your efforts.  Also, it sends a subtle signal to the other leaders that they need to be a part of this process and effort.

Leadership is key.  Good leadership is imperative.  Good engaged leadership is the gold standard.  Make sure yours is worth its weight in gold by succeeding together.

5 Quick Ideas - Project Planning

Just as with Long Term Planning and Short Term Planning, projects demand their own plan.  The thing about project planning is it is the best opportunity you could have to build your involvement base.

As has been mentioned elsewhere, volunteerism is down... everywhere.  And while there have been many theories posed as to why this is, nothing has really been offered as a way to solve this.  Project Planning is your best bet, and here's why -

A project has a specific task, requires people to be involved, gives them defined and accomplish-able tasks, and best of all... it ends.

So being successful with project means you can bring more people in long term to meet the demands of larger more involved aspects of your organization.  If you do it right.

This means -

IDEA 1 - HAVE A CLEAR OBJECTIVE
Every undertaking should have a clear objective.  Spend time knowing exactly what the outcome you want is, and all of the elements of that.  For instance, if you are putting on an educational forum, you want to test:

• How many people should attend
• How much money you should raise from tickets
• How much money you should raise from sponsorships
• What kind of publicity you want to get out of your effort
• What takeaways do you want people to have from your effort
• What objectives you can accomplish in relationship to your overall plan

Knowing your desired outcome not only allows you to figure out your plans of how to get there, but allows you clear understandable expectations for people to accomplish.

IDEA 2 - CREATE CLEAR RESPONSIBILITIES
Assuming youve set your clear objective, and all the sub-objectives you can consider, your path to success should be easier because you will know what the metrics for success are, as well as what you can accomplish.

Use this opportunity to break down what needs to be accomplished into pieces that others can take on.  Give them CLEAR directions of what you expect, as well as ideas of how to accomplish those goals, and move them forward from there.

IDEA 3 - CHECK IN REGULARLY
Clear objectives are great, as long as someone follows through.  People are more apt to achieve their goals if:

• You provide them clear expectations
• You provide them the tools to accomplish those expectations
• You make sure you are checking up on them so that they know they need to meet those expectations

No one wants to say "I didnt do it" publicly.  Capitalize on that fact.

IDEA 4 - GIVE UP CONTROL OF EVEN SOME BIG THINGS
Face it, your role is to manage here.  So give up control of things to others.  They will perform if you keep on them.  Give up control of some BIG things too.  The trust you place in others will come back ten fold.  And trust that it will get there.

IDEA 5 - NOTHING IS EVER PERFECT, BUT ONLY YOU WILL NOTICE
We've all heard stories about brides breaking down because of some miniscule detail being overlooked at their wedding.  The cake was too tall, we used the wrong silverware, the flower arrangements werent perfect.

Yeah they happen, and it wasnt what you expected.  But no one else knows that.  And they never will unless you make them.

Project planning is an incredible opportunity to test those involved with your organization.  Dont let these opportunities pass you by.

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The Proper Care and Feeding of Contact Relationships

The most successful government affairs programs center around a strong contact database.  Whether you are looking to change policy, increase your PAC, or build coalitions, your contact database is going to be the key to unlocking success with other people in your efforts.

Simply put the deeper your reach, the more effective you can be in your efforts.  Influence depends on trust, reach, and support.  A broad contact database can provide you with the ability to influence others to support your efforts.

So where do you start in these efforts?

1. YOUR CURRENT LIST - Who do you know to start with, and how can you get a hold of them?  Sure you've got their work phone numbers, but do you have their home phones, cell phones, email addresses (including personal), or other ways to get messages to them?  
1. Do you have them organized into contact groups - meaning if you need to quickly get a message to a group of people quickly, can you get a blast out without looking up a bunch of people?  
2. Do you know how to get a hold of them on social media?
3. No idea how to figure this out? - Check out the RAP Index
2. YOUR MAIN AUDIENCE - Whether that is your employees, core volunteers,
   
   membership, leadership, or key businesses, the best place to start is there.  Obviously knowing how to communicate to them is key, but more importantly, you want to know who they influence:
1. Do they know elected officials, community leaders, business leaders?
2. Are they "influencers" to certain groups either within your audience or the community in general?
3. Are they willing to promote your messages for you?
4. No idea how to engage them?  Check out NationBuilder
3.  YOUR CORE LEADERS - Slightly different than your broad organization here we mean your people that will take the message out for you.  The ones you can empower with tools like Aristotle to build that PAC and grassroots presence.
4. COMMUNITY LEADERS - Where are your holes?  You know who your members are and who they influence, but who is important that you can't get to quickly?  This list could be elected officials you don't have a relationship with, or large businesses / organizations in town that have a strong reach / influence. How can you get to them?  Have you looked at resources such as CapWiz to assist you in this?
5. MEDIA - Do you maintain an active media list for your organization?  By active we mean actually engaged with them and connected through social media and the like.  One of the core resources for this is Vocus.
6. YOUR INFLUENCER'S INFLUENCERS - Who do the people you are trying to convince engage with online?  And can you reach out to and incorporate them?

Next comes the act of engaging with them.

The secret that social media doesn't want to admit is - just because you have 2500 friends on Facebook... that doesn't mean you have 2500 friends.

Friends, whether online or in real life, require attention.  Otherwise your contacts are the online equivalent of that guy who ordered beer ahead of you at a hosted bar event that you made a joke about getting more free tickets with.

The good news is attention can be given in many different ways online to cultivate that relationship. Here are a few simple ways that wont take a lot of time for you

• "liking" updates and photos
• Commenting on people's updates (It doesn't have to be much, just a "good info")
• Sharing other people's updates when appropriate (dont share other people's kid's info
• Putting up an update that you tag people in (because they may be interested)
• Promoting your updates / posts / etc. in areas where they would be interested
• Creating smart links (shortened URLs using a service like Bitly) so that your updates could be shared
• Dropping them a quick "Hey, how are you doing?" type message

Thinking about those same 2500 contacts - If you liked 10 updates, put in 10 comments on updates, shared 10 more, tagged 10 people in your update, sent 10 people a "hey how are you?" message each day - all of which would take you less than 5 minutes in a day - You would have a person touch to all 2500 every 2 months.

That is how you cultivate those relationships.

Four Months Left

September
October
November
December

That's it.  That's all you've got left of 2015.  Did you get all you needed done?  What do you have left?

You need to set up 2 plans -

One plan to address what you are going to do for the rest of this year to meet your goals.

One plan to figure out what you can get done in 2016.

Let us know how we can help you.

Another Perspective

Getting to see things from another perspective helps you realize your own limits in vision.

Today I got to take one of my boys with me into LA.  We had some work to do, a few meetings, and then a chance to play.  He'd been there before.  But it became a playground to him.

LA is an amazing place and he was filled with wonder.  And most people get blind to it all.

It reminded me back when I first moved to DC.  I looked at the Capitol Building and realized that is the seat of power for the world.  Most people scuttle by it without much regard.  I made myself a promise at that point.

"The second I walk by this building and am not in awe is the second I need to leave because I've become too jaded."

That day never came for me.  And I try not to let it happen anywhere I go.

Candidate Trump... and What it Means

Everyone is making a big to do about Trump running for president. Lots of speculation. Lots of assumptions. Lots of guesses.

Also, a lot of posturing.

However this isn't the first time we have seen an otherwise non-politician entering a race.
- 1992 We had Ross Perot, a Texas Billionaire, took a sizable amount of the vote
- 1996 Perot came back, to less effect
- 2000 Ralph Nader came in to the race and pulled a lot of Democratic support from Gore
- 2004 Rev. Al Sharpton was the second to last candidate to withdraw in a field of 10
- 2008 saw Alan Keyes return, but there were primarily elected officials on the ballot
- 2012 we had Herman Cain, a businessman who's plans shaped how candidates presented theirs

So the question isn't can they run, how far they can run, or can they get the nomination.
The question is what will the discussion be centered around, and will they make an impact?

Looking at the elections of the last 25 years - Perot and Nader made an impact in the discussions and outcome. Sharpton was able to define an opposition to war, and Keyes and Cain were able to present a series of plans that shaped discussions and presentation styles.

However in order to actually become the nominee, you have to have support across a large swath of the party. Only time will tell if Trump is able to build that support.

Deflategate and What It Means For Your Company

So yesterday Tom Brady was officially suspended for "Deflategate."

In case you don't know what it is, click here.

Without risking an impending fistfight with a Southie for having the gal to suggest Tom Brady may have done something wrong, here are some lessons to take away from this one -

1. Dragging Things Out Hurts More Than Helps - Just like ripping off a bandaid, if there is a problem you are aware of, you should just address it and fix it rather than dance around it.  Sure you're innocent until proven guilty, but that doesn't mean you're not guilty if you actually are.
2. Good Looks And A Winning Record Only Go So Far - Ok, deflated balls aren't quite stolen crab legs or physical assaults on your spouse, but its bad.  And just because you are insanely popular in your network.  Breaking the rules is a bad thing.  Don't expect people to be behind you just because.
3. Influential Friends Can't Fix Everything - Yes, powerful friends can help get you out of a jam.  But don't rely on them when you're wrong.
4. Nuance Looks Guilty - Splitting hairs on issues makes you look like you're looking to get off on a technicality.
5. A Heartfelt Apology Is Gold - Don't let your ego get in the way of your reputation.  We all F up from time to time.  We are human.  People want to see us fall.  We are human.  People also want to feel good about forgiving you.  We are human.  So be human and make those things possible.

In the end Tom Brady will sit out a few games.  Star in some commercial or an movie teaser that makes us all like him again, and by October we will have forgotten about all of this.

The difference is we would have forgotten a month ago had this just been open from the start.  Or at least from the day after the Super Bowl.

Lessons from EmailGate

A good friend of mine wrote a great article on the cyber security lessons of Hillary's EmailGate.

Here's the public perception lesson -

You can't run for president and appeal to voters young and old if you act like the old.

What do I mean?

• Ask the average 60 year old how they view Hillary's excuse of having difficulty with multiple devices and they will likely go with it
• Ask the average 40 year old, and they are likely to be carrying 2 devices on them
• Ask the average 30 year old if they can manage 2 email accounts and they will tell you they have several, but rely more on various social media platforms all linked into the same smart phone
• Ask the average 25 year old and they will tell you that they find better communication through apps that chances are you havent heard from
• Ask the average 18 year old and they are going to speak in a language you will need translated

Hillary's answer appealed to only 1 group.  And what is their answer?  Vote Warren.

That simple thing caused younger Democrats to start looking elsewhere.  Not necessarily the scandal, or the lost emails, or any of that - it was that they were looking at someone who used too-much technology as an excuse.  Something they can't relate to.

Obama on the other hand has adopted multiple social media platforms, and even gone on obscure internet shows - like "Between Two Ferns" - to make sure his appeal stretches beyond just traditional bases.

Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: President Barack Obama from Funny Or Die

Now obviously there are many reasons that people choose to vote for a presidential candidate.  However this very well could be Hillary's Dukakis in a Tank moment -



The question is, are the messages you are sending making you look like Dukakis in a tank, or Obama on Between Two Ferns?

Stepping up YOUR game

Congressional Quarterly just released several interesting reports examining the 2014 election cycle.

Associations: 5 Big Movers from CQ Roll Call

The goal is examining what associations have fundamentally advanced their political efforts (combining lobbying and PAC spending).  The National Association of REALTORS topped their list (REALTORS also topped the CQ list of PAC fundraising and spending)

Government Affairs Strategies, LLC has been pleased to be part of the team that helped make this a reality for the past 5 years.  We know the hard work and dedication that went into this success.

So what would it mean to take YOURS organization to this level? It comes down to several key things -

1) Commitment - this took many years, a lot of time, and a great deal of money. The results are clear, but to get there you must be ready to commit. We've also worked with organizations that weren't ready to commit, and their results are also clear. So look internally and ask if you are ready to implement the necessary strategies and steps to succeed.

2) Awareness - the REALTORS have always been strong. Where they are today however took a realization that a) the game has changed, and b) they need to make fundamental changes to remain strong. They were also aware that there was a lot they didn't know - even about their own oeganization and members - so they assembled the right team to figure it out.

3) Ever-growing goals - You can not rest on your laurels. If you do, it gives everyone a chance to catch up, or worse - surpass you. By setting attainable yet challenging goals that evolve, you are able to stay ahead of the curve.

4) The RIGHT team - all the plans and goals you make are pointless if you don't have a good team behind them making sure those plans and goals are accomplished. Get the right volunteers, the right members, the right staff and the right consultants in place. Build the needed resources. Empower everyone to succeed.

We've been honored to help drive the REALTORS to success. It truly has been a great experience. 

-- oh, and by the way, we know what's in store for the future there... And you ain't seen NOTHIN' yet!

100% Miss Rate

Last night Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers became the NBA's all time shot missing leader.  Now being he is a shooting forward, and has played in the NBA for nearly two decades this isn't all that surprising to find out.

Conversely, Michael Jordan famously quipped "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Kobe's comment was less eloquent, "well I've been playing for 19 years"

Jordan's point was that you have to try to succeed.  Both are top five all time scoring leaders in the NBA - so succeed they certainly have.

The top 5 scorers in NBA history are-

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387)

2. Karl Malone (36,928)

3. Michael Jordan (32,292)

4. Kobe Bryant (31,887)

5. Wilt Chamberlain (31,419)

By contrast the top 5 missed shot leaders in NBA history are - 

1. Kobe Bryant (13,421)

2. John Havlicek (13,417)

3. Elvin Hayes (13,296)

4. Karl Malone (12,682)

5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (12,470)

Quite a few common names on those lists.

Often in government affairs we run into problems where we have a road block before we try something.  Whether it's pursue legislation, respond to media, or push forward on PAC fundraising.

Each one of those road blocks are keeping you from making any progress.  If you really want to succeed. You have to try.  There is no other way.

Scanning through Wilt Chamberlain's NBA records that he still holds, you can see that he led the league in attempted field goals from 1959-1966, half his career. He was never held back for fear of failing a shot, and you shouldn't be either.

Where does Michael Jordan land on the list of all time missed shots?

Sixth.

Owning the Moment

A year ago today I was in New York, recovering from one of the most grueling experiences of my life.  The New York Marathon.

• I was undertrained
• I was overweight
• I was out of my league
• I was pretty sure I wouldn't do very well

Not quite the ringing endorsement for a marathoner.  But I was faced with a very simple choice:

• Run it and push through enduring it all,
• Take my time, enjoy it, own it, and see what comes, or
• Drop out

Well I'm not one to quit, pushing was likely to get me injured.  Or I could own the moment.

So I did.

Empire State Building Lit Up

Boarding the Staten Island Ferry

 26.2 miles of people jammed packed 5 people deep on either side of the road there to cheer on 50,000 strangers as they ran through the streets of their city, completely messing up traffic.

If ever there is a moment to own... this was it.  The greatest marathon in the greatest city in the world.  With the greatest people in the world.  An experience truly unlike any other.

Starting Line

 If you ever want to know what you are truly made of, challenge yourself.  But when you do.  Don't just do something small, do something real.  Big.  Unexpected.

A statue the French sent us

On the last .2 mi

 It was absolutely amazing.  I would never have had it any other way.  And I was even with friends who had inspired me.

But that wasn't enough.

With my Friend Andrew who coached me

Now I needed to have a little fun.

So that night at dinner, I set the stage.

A pretty great pizza joint off of Times Square.

In the picture with Andrew you can see a staircase behind me.  That's where I owned the moment.  After all I have done, I wanted to have a little fun.  So I told everyone at the table, I was heading to the top, and I wanted them to applaud whatever I did.  They complied...

I had the entire restaurant applauding me.  A few even came over and congratulated me, one asked if I won.

Yes... Yes I did!

I owned the moment!

See what owning the moment can do for you!