Five Keys to a Cash-flow Positive Campaign

Greetings:

Are you, or someone you know, considering running for office?  If so, STOP, and answer this question - how will you get the financial support you need to WIN.  Notice, I didn't say, make a showing or build recognition for the future - but to WIN.  Obviously, the amount that is needed will be different in every race, but the most consistent absolute in politics is: if you can't ask for the money - you can't win!

During the last cycle, I met a guy from Minnesota who worked on many political campaigns and he said something that has stuck with me ever since - he said, "I have met many people who wanted to be elected, but I haven't met many elected officials who couldn't ask for money!"  That comment combined with my desire to find a way to impact the political climate of our country are the reasons that I have started Strategic Campaign Fundraising!

It seems to me that too many of our gifted candidates genuinely struggle when it comes to asking people to support their campaign, so I am committed to work toward a solution minded approach to helping get rid of that problem.  It all boils down to having a strategic plan that is based on critical assumptions that are constantly evaluated, and then the execution of the plan.

That strategic plan has two main sides to it:

1. Campaign Strategy
2. Funding Plan

Though these are completely different one can't work well without the other.  The first critical step to building a successful Funding Plan is to make sure it will meet the needs of the Campaign Strategy.

This sounds as if it is so obvious that it is ridiculous to even say it, but you would be surprised - this is usually where the campaign fails first. Once there are difficulties with the campaign funding, the potential for disaster exists.  Below are five keys to help make sure your campaign is a cash-flow positive campaign.

1. Start by learning how to raise money.  There really is a right way and a wrong way to go about this.  There will be much information on this blog in the future - but if you would like to talk sooner, my cell phone will be listed at the bottom. 
2. Develop the campaign's platform.  This will take minimum financial resource up front, most of which can be raised easily by your most loyal friends and family, and is the critical piece to "how" you will be successful raising money.
3. Show a conservative methodology to spending that mirrors the message of the campaign.  This is really the first place a candidate will be judged.  If you can't manage your campaign - you are not qualified to hold an office.  
4. Create a vision for the campaign - not just the "what you will do if elected" but more importantly the "how you will win".  People with resource fund vision that they understand.
5. Communicate effectively with past donors and potential donors.

 Hopefully this information will help you or someone you know start out successfully, because if you don't start well, it is hard to finish well.

Steve Boyett
256-682-7426