How to Avoid Unrealistic Budget Expectations
Building a winning campaign infrastructure is like painting a masterpiece. In the same way artists have to use contrast, focus, light, and movement, consultants must assemble a cohesive team of vendors and staff that can work to make their vision come to life. The issue is that most candidates want Van-Gogh results on a high-school-art-competition […]
Read MoreWords Matter in Government Affairs; Message Clearly
How you say what to whom and when. It seems so simple, but in the midst of government affairs or advocacy work, many tend to lose focus. When a legislative battle arises, human instinct is to fight it with overwhelming logic and firepower. That may have worked in the past, but the state legislatures and […]
Read MoreWrite Better Email Copy That Wins Your Next Campaign
Writing great copy – whether for an op-ed, direct mail piece, or website – is hard. Writing copy that truly convinces people is harder. Early in my college career, I wasted a lot of time writing emails to my professors. I spent hours on each email, using a complex process to ensure the background of […]
Read MoreTips for Consumers of Political Polling
It’s been no secret that polling is under fire. Heck, I’ve written about the topic a handful of times myself. Several peers have written in depth articles defending what we do. Still, the story continues to be debated in the public square. Clients still have questions that let me know they are concerned about today’s […]
Read MoreCommon Mistakes Local Campaigns Should Avoid When Using Digital
Meet John. John is a political consultant based in Arlington, Texas. In 2016, he helped guide his clients’ campaigns to narrow victories primarily using traditional methods of TV and direct mail alone. Even though his efforts were successful (his clients won), the margin of victory was too close for comfort. John knows his future campaigns […]
Read MoreBudgeting for Political Consulting Firms Is Like Catching Fireflies
Do you remember summer as a kid? If you lived in the eastern half of the United States, your evenings probably involved catching fireflies. As you stand there in your backyard, jar in hand, you see the lightning bugs flicker their tails on and off. Your legs spring into action as you dive forward to […]
Read MoreThe One Thing That Makes Your Political Campaign Successful
Imagine me coming at you like a late night infomercial, shouting a constant stream of industry buzzwords. Maybe I’m pouring wine on carpet then getting it out, or showing you a wicked-cool, growing chia pet. All while huge font text is plastered on your television screen. Now those of you who know me will say […]
Read More3 Benefits of Digital for Local Elections
Time flies in politics. Only two months after President Trump’s inauguration, the 2017 election cycle is gaining momentum and 2018 predictions are on the rise. Getting lost in the noise is easy in a fast-paced political environment. To win your local election this cycle, your campaign needs to standout by taking a fresh approach. Campaigns […]
Read MoreLessons from a Trip to Colombia Presenting on Politics & Communication (…and Our Adoption Story)
I just arrived back from Medellín, Colombia – the City of Eternal Spring. If you’ve never been, seriously make it your next vacation. Beautiful setting in a valley 6,000 feet above sea level. Kind people that smile and speak to you on the streets. Perfect weather that puts Hawaii to shame. [Jump to the bottom […]
Read MoreRepublican’s Final Frontier: Local Elections
Political systems in the US are looking mighty red after sweeping Republican victories in 2016. The GOP controls the White House, US Senate, US House of Representatives, 33 gubernatorial offices, and 32 state legislatures. To borrow from Star Trek, local elections are the final frontier. County and municipal elections remain a strength for the Democratic […]
Read More