Political campaigns don’t differ from private sector business in many ways as they are subject to the external environment.
In a depressed economy fundraising becomes more difficult as discretionary income for individuals is more limited. While campaign costs rise for communication items such as mail, postage, media production, etc. the correlation to increased donor giving doesn’t always coincide.
Likewise, campaigns at state & local levels are subject to whatever policies may be coming out of Washington whether they have any bearing on those individual offices or not.
Although campaigns have no action steps to change the national economic or policy initiatives they can control the environment in which the campaign approaches its daily activities.
Jay and I have had a longstanding agreement that when political consulting reverts from fun to work then it’s probably time to move onto something different.
We incorporate that mindset into our planning for client events that while still meeting campaign goals can also be enjoyable. For example, if a fundraising event is needed for the campaign why not do it outdoors at a skeet shooting range versus a hotel meeting room. Granted it’s a little more difficult for the candidate to speak with 25 shotguns blazing, however you can reach the same goals that particular task is designed.
Ultimately the campaign also will function better when the candidate and staff are in a good, positive mood.
For the record, Rosebay Development Partners political consulting is much better when the University of Alabama’s football team is doing well on the field. Although success was still achieved, some of the most lackluster consulting from our team came in 2000 when Mike Dubose posted a 3-8 record after starting the season at No. 3 in the polls.
In short, campaigns have the ability to change their internal environment which ultimately leads to success externally. If it is a chore then it’s probably time to find another line of work.
As long as Nick Saban is coaching at the University of Alabama I would highly recommend RDP for your political campaign needs – we’re both in the business of winning!
Tags: Alabama, Campaign, Crimson Tide, Election, Football, Jay Wilson, Neal Orr, Pigskin, political campaign, Politics, Rosebay Development Partners, Win
