7 Lessons Campaigns Need to Learn

It’s always easier to learn from the mistakes and successes of others than to have to learn the same lessons ourselves. Running a successful campaign is no different!

A few months ago, we asked candidates we had trained to give us some feedback on what worked and what didn’t in their campaigns. We got back several responses that highlighted important lessons about running a campaign and being a candidate that you may be overlooking. 

Read through until the end to learn from the mistakes and advice of these candidates.You can avoid the same pitfalls and run a successful campaign!

 

 

1. Fund your campaign from your sphere of influence

 

The best way to get funding for your campaign is to reach out to people you know. Your family members and friends will likely volunteer their time and perhaps funds to help you get your name and message out there. Some less obvious groups of people may be your neighbors, coworkers, people who go to your church, or are members of the same clubs and organizations. However, you have to ask them! Don’t just assume that they will see your financial need and be prompted to give. It never hurts to ask!

 

 

2. Get your message out there!

 

Every campaign we talked to mentioned the importance of knocking on doors. There is no substitute for face-to-face conversations between the candidate and potential voters. It makes the difference between a winning campaign and a campaign that doesn’t gain enough name recognition to cross the finish line.

Other ways to get your message out there is to employ the use of yard signs, direct mail, social media campaigns, and meeting with constituents at local events!

 

 

3. Don’t overlook your digital campaign

 

Most of the campaign respondents said that their digital campaign was mediocre and they could have done more. Don’t overlook your digital footprint. You have the opportunity to reach more people online than you may be able to speak to face-to-face. 

If you’re struggling with what to post, consider taking pictures of your candidate at events, volunteers in the community, and videos on your campaign’s stances to get you started!

 

 

4. Prioritize Doors

 

When asked what the most effective way of reaching potential voters in their area was, the overwhelming majority said it was getting out and meeting with voters face-to-face by knocking on doors. After that, they recommended social media and direct mail. 

Make a door knocking plan, secure help in reaching those goals, and stay on track. 

 

 

5. Prepare for Negativity

 

Be prepared for negativity from your opponents, members of your community, and the media. In this day and age, negativity is inevitable in politics. Do your best to resist wading into the mire yourself, but do know that you will likely face attacks from sources outside of your opponent’s campaign.

 

 

6. Consider working with another candidates or campaign when applicable

 

Of those who worked with other candidates and campaigns, most found it to be an effective strategy. Last year we interviewed a few successful school board candidates in Wisconsin who ran together, compiled their resources and messaging and ended up flipping their school board to a conservative majority! You can check out that interview HERE for more details on their collaborative strategy.

 

 

7. Don’t get complacent

 

This is especially common among experienced candidates, but new candidates should be aware of this tendency as well. Don’t assume that you don’t have to put in the hours and the work just because you’ve been elected before, been successful at other endeavors, or think you’ve got it made in the shade! Overly confident campaigns get complacent – and this complacency can often cost you your election or reelection bid.

As you’re planning your campaign or are thinking about running for office, keep these seven lessons in mind. This is a great time to run for office if you’ve been on the fence. To learn more about if you have what it takes to run, check out our FREE online course titled, “Should You Run for Office?” HERE.