GA Strategies in March

Coming up in March, we will be heading a number of different places -

- Upstate New York
- Las Vegas, NV
- Washington D.C.
- Prescott Az

Connect with us if you are around

Intent and Reception

One of the biggest challenges anyone faces is how is what they are going to be received.

Let's take a look at a very clear example of this -

Valentines Day

The intent is to encourage everyone to appreciate the love in their lives.

The reception however may not match up.

Many women resent the holiday because it minimizes the need for love the other 364 days of the year.

Many men resent the holiday because it forces them to spend unnecessarily for items that are completely superfluous.

Both are missing the intent.

If you hate the holiday - as many do - make up for it by showing the sentiment year round.

If you love the holiday - make sure your expression of it doesn't drive others away.

Similarly look at your OWN intention and reception.

Is what you are doing / saying / promotion / selling / etc. being seen by those on the other end the way you intend for them to receive it?  If not, is it something you can change?

The key to successful organizations is being aware of their communications.  You will never please everyone, but its better to make sure those you are pleasing are able to spread your message without running into a negative reception on the other end.

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!

Half a month to get back to it?

So turns out we took a bit of time off around the holidays. Why? Because this was the kind of year that dictated it.

Which means we had a lot of catching up to do the past few weeks. A lot.  Which requires a lot of attention.

So now that we are back I even keel for the year, what's next?

Well we are dividing the big projects first -

- new website

- new systems

- new clients

And we are focusing on our core successes -

- strategic planning

- public affairs development

- PAC fundraising success

And just like we have repeated over and over through the last few years - 

We are developing a very precise strategic plan. 

We know where our success will be. What are you doing to ensure yours?

My Favorite Political Movies of 2014

Outside of being a political nerd, I am a huge movie nerd too.  So I thought for fun, I'd compile  my favorite political movies of this year.  No pretentious reviewing, no obnoxious flowery language, just a quick - what you should check out

Category 1 - War Movies

Lone Survivor - Released 1/10/2014
- Imagine the moral dilemma...

Monuments Men - Released 2/7/2014
- Art is what defines us, government is what wants to define us

Fury - Released 10/17/2014
- Protecting ideals means incredible sacrifice

 
Category 2 - Finally They Made That Movie!
Cesar Chavez - Released 3/28/2014
- I wish he were alive today to see what's being done to the farms his farmers helped make the greatest agricultural producing region in the country

Atlas Shrugged III - Released  9/12/2014
- See the first two if you can, and try to understand why there are different actors in each... but still, great story and maybe you'll figure out who John Galt is.


Category 3 - Documentaries to Enjoy
Dancing in Jaffa - 4/1//2014
- Can art transcend entrenched political division?

America - Released 7/2/2014
- The drum-beating narrative of anti-American sentiment deconstructed

Category 4 - Huh, didn't think about it that way...
The LEGO Movie - Released 2/7/2014
- Control and monotony are so irritating...
Need For Speed - Released 3/14/2014
- Just kidding, was checking to see if you were reading - but admit it, you watched it to fill your Breaking Bad fix with Jesse Pinkman

The Purge: Anarchy - Released 7/18/2014
- Absurdity aside, it presents a frightening vision of our increasing isolationism

Category 5 - You Might be a 14 Year Old Girl, But Still
Divergent - Released 3/21/2014
- Government shouldn't define who you are, or who you can associate with, or control all information

The Giver - Released 8/15/2014
- Freedom of thought should break you free of forced moralities - plus the Dude stars in it for you Lebowski fans
The Maze Runner - Released 9/19/2014
- Order and safety do not trump freedom and achievement
The Hunger Games Mockingjay - Released 11/21/2014
- Question for you - are you sure that support you get is in fact benevolent?

Whichever movies you choose to watch - may the odds be ever in your favor!