I've been dragged back into politics again. Internet Marketing & Political Campaigns

14 years ago

Mike, first off, huge congrats on the new addition to your family...

I'd love to see your playbook when you're done. Politics is big business down here, and most of our politicos have more money than brains. Maybe armed with an effective plan, who knows...

"I'd love to vote for the most qualified candidate, but the sumbitch refuses to run..." -Will Rogers

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Ken Preuss

14 years ago

Michael,

How friggin' cool to have a Warrior who is using these strategies in a massive arena most of us wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole!

I for one am extremely interested in how powerful IM and social networking practices are to current politics, and am surprised the topic didn't get even more traction here after the most recent US presidential election.

Will be VERY curious to see how sales pages play into the picture as well.

Ken

P.S. Would love to interview you on my show about this if you're open to it. I'll be in touch.

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Hesaidblissfully

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

I for one am extremely interested in how powerful IM and social networking practices are to current politics, and am surprised the topic didn't get even more traction here after the most recent US presidential election.

I think the issue was that when the topic was brought up, some people would derail the thread by using it as an opportunity to air out their grievances with whichever candidate they disliked (ie: Candidate A's marketing approach is mentioned, and someone chimes in complaining about his policies). In other words the political marketing threads became too political

I agree that it's a fascinating topic that shows the power and influence of marketing beyond just commerce.

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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Thanks John for the well wishes. He's my little tax deduction just in time for 09.

Political consulting is a gigantic business, and all of the offline marketing people who crave a quick buck can really be a niche player if they understand the game. I wasn't even considering a foray back into the dark side, but the guy who is running is a real champ of a human being, and I'd just love to see him rant away on C-SPAN on the floor.

It got me thinking though... this is a seriously untapped niche outside of major national and well-funded state level campaigns. But there are local campaigns all over the place that run $50,000-$500,000 budgets for just a city council seat. Heck, Bloomberg spend $100 million for NYC mayor, which was pure insanity, but his challenger had a $10,000,000 campaign. It would be possible to manage several campaign media projects simultaneously, so in an election year, a consultant can clean up.

What if someone just set up the online contribution system and took a percentage of the revenue to manage the service?

It's endless.

This campaign will be a multi-million dollar project in the $2 million range just for the primary.

Originally Posted by Ken Preuss

Michael,

How friggin' cool to have a Warrior who is using these strategies in a massive arena most of us wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole!

I for one am extremely interested in how powerful IM and social networking practices are to current politics, and am surprised the topic didn't get even more traction here after the most recent US presidential election.

Will be VERY curious to see how sales pages play into the picture as well.

Ken

P.S. Would love to interview you on my show about this if you're open to it. I'll be in touch.

Sure, I'd be willing to chat. I have to get things settled with the campaign first, which will be within a week or so.

After that, I should have clearance to discuss openly.

You're right though about the last election. The primary was huge, when Ron Paul shattered all fundraising efforts via online contributions.

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WD Mino

14 years ago

Mike ,

First off WOW congratulations on the new one. That is awesome I remember when Mine was born lol way back when now.

I think one thing I notice about you Mike is you have an incredible mind for this avenue. So it only makes sense for you to be out there doing it. however. do you realize the multimillion dollar idea you have. with your training and expertise you could literally create an entire course at huge dollars for people both offline and online. WOW

I sincerely wish you the utmost of success. This is just awesome.
-WD

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summer07

14 years ago

Congratulations on your new son!

And also congrats on tapping into one of the richest industries in this country: corporate campaign contributions! The money flows like a flood, no matter what the rest of the economy looks like.

Just speculation, of course, but I think you could probably retire on the products you could create with that playbook.

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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Originally Posted by summer07

Congratulations on your new son!

And also congrats on tapping into one of the richest industries in this country: corporate campaign contributions! The money flows like a flood, no matter what the rest of the economy looks like.

Just speculation, of course, but I think you could probably retire on the products you could create with that playbook.

Yeah, this is the "big one".

This is a major congressional seat with national visibility.

In case anyone is wondering about the number of all elected positions in the entire United States, the last serious estimate that I could find was from 1992, where a guy named Fred Shelley published in his book, "The Political Geography of the United States" that there was a total of 510,497 elected positions in the USA.

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summer07

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

Yeah, this is the "big one".

This is a major congressional seat with national visibility.

In case anyone is wondering about the number of all elected positions in the entire United States, the last serious estimate that I could find was from 1992, where a guy named Fred Shelley published in his book, "The Political Geography of the United States" that there was a total of 510,497 elected positions in the USA.

So for your new product, you'd have a built-in list of over half a million potential buyers who already won and want to win again...and another half million that lost and want to try again. Just think of the product funnel you could create...and let me know if you need any help writing it.

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Kristen

14 years ago

Congrats on the little one.

And, sign me up for your end product. I had never considered this as something I could get into but it is the perfect marriage of both my passions.

I can hardly wait until that little ol election is over so you can deliver the play book, as you call it.

I'm psyched.

Thanks
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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Originally Posted by summer07

So for your new product, you'd have a built-in list of over half a million potential buyers who already won and want to win again...and another half million that lost and want to try again. Just think of the product funnel you could create...and let me know if you need any help writing it.

Yeah it's a massive, perpetual market. The strange part is the fact that it's every two years, but with the right template, I believe that enough money can be made in a short period of time to take some long breaks before scouting for new campaign clients looking for a ramp up.

Originally Posted by Kristen

Congrats on the little one.

And, sign me up for your end product. I had never considered this as something I could get into but it is the perfect marriage of both my passions.

I can hardly wait until that little ol election is over so you can deliver the play book, as you call it.

I'm psyched.

We'll see how it goes, but I think it could be real interesting.

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sevenish

14 years ago

Originally Posted by honestbizpro

You did kinda remind me how a prominent Internet Marketer started using his marketing newsletter as a political platform the last election and that really really turned me off to him....permanently.

That would be because that "prominent Internet Marketer" made some mistakes and misunderstood entirely his various audiences and the obvious boundaries between them. Mr. Hiles strikes me as someone who well understands his market and the boundaries.

Michael, congratulations on your new baby son!

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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Originally Posted by WD Mino

Mike ,

First off WOW congratulations on the new one. That is awesome I remember when Mine was born lol way back when now.

I think one thing I notice about you Mike is you have an incredible mind for this avenue. So it only makes sense for you to be out there doing it. however. do you realize the multimillion dollar idea you have. with your training and expertise you could literally create an entire course at huge dollars for people both offline and online. WOW

I sincerely wish you the utmost of success. This is just awesome.
-WD

Thank you for your kindest words.

I've dabbled in the IM arena over the past year, testing some things.... thinking about a point of entry.

It's funny how these kinds of things happen. I accepted the position from purely an altruistic bent, not even thinking about the ramifications of how it could be leveraged after the fact. But then, after mulling over my conversation with the candidate, the big neon sign lit up the horizon.

We'll see how it gels.

Originally Posted by Hesaidblissfully

I think the issue was that when the topic was brought up, some people would derail the thread by using it as an opportunity to air out their grievances with whichever candidate they disliked (ie: Candidate A's marketing approach is mentioned, and someone chimes in complaining about his policies). In other words the political marketing threads became too political

I agree that it's a fascinating topic that shows the power and influence of marketing beyond just commerce.

Any discussions that I bring relating to this topic will be strictly about strategy and tactics. If someone doesn't like some issue from a legislative perspective, this isn't the place.

Originally Posted by honestbizpro

Hi Mike big Congrats. I can only imagine your arsenal will be expanded.

You did kinda remind me how a prominent Internet Marketer started using his marketing newsletter as a political platform the last election and that really really turned me off to him....permanently.

(especially since he was not with my candidate!

)

I can assure you that while I am passionate about my politics, any playbook would be completely apolitical, and strictly about the strategy and tactics.

You could interchange the party, issues, and candidate. I'm looking at it strictly from a media marketing and product sales perspective. I'm looking for a particular consumer who is disenchanted with their present representation. I will be making a pitch to try and convince that group of my product's viability as an alternate solution.

My personal politics aren't up for grabs in this forum - but you could probably figure them out pretty easily.

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Joseph.

14 years ago

Mike,

I'd be very interested in learning about your experience.

I thought about offering online consulting for local politicians in Ontario. I think the potential is HUGE in this field.

It's hard to break into this market though - you need to have powerful connections already in place........direct mail campaigns to get clients won't do it I'm afraid + many politicians are 50+ and still don't really "get" the power of the internet.

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

My personal politics aren't up for grabs in this forum - but you could probably figure them out pretty easily.

Political views are personal. I respect the other side even if I don't agree with them. With that being said, I just hope there is a big R next to your client's name

Thanks
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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Originally Posted by summer07

That's spectacular, Michael. Offline campaign, online campaign, potential 'how-to' info products AND a documentary. I'm a bit of a 'grassroots politics' junkie, so this is fascinating 'real life drama' for me, and I hope you find a way to keep us posted somehow...as if you'll have any free time between now and the election!

But please make sure to come back and fill us in when you can.

Best wishes...you're on the ride of a lifetime!

Audre

I will stop by when I get a chance, but thing are going to get really crazy. Then it will all be over - hopefully starting over for the fall race for the general election.

But if not, the consolation prize is a 50/50 cut on the proceeds of a fat documentary deal and another congressional campaign under my belt.

Originally Posted by Joseph.

Mike,

I'd be very interested in learning about your experience.

I thought about offering online consulting for local politicians in Ontario. I think the potential is HUGE in this field.

It's hard to break into this market though - you need to have powerful connections already in place........direct mail campaigns to get clients won't do it I'm afraid + many politicians are 50+ and still don't really "get" the power of the internet.

Political views are personal. I respect the other side even if I don't agree with them. With that being said, I just hope there is a big R next to your client's name

Yes it's a Republican candidate running against the Republican incumbent in the spring primary race.

You are correct, it's extremely hard to break into the market. Most college poli-sci majors work for free as volunteers on campaigns for years before they get a shot at campaign management for candidate races.

However, issue-based campaigns are everywhere, and all someone has to do to crack into that business is to get a couple of wins under your belt helping some social group or agency win a referendum. (I say "all that someone has to do is"... like it's easy. It's not.) But once you've got the experience, people will hunt you down.

I have refused several offers in the past two years to become active again as an operative, but I have enjoyed the quiet calm. The only reason I got back into uniform for this one is because the candidate is a personal friend, and I think he'd do a better job than the incumbent.

But you do raise a good point. If someone is to be successful in political marketing, you either have to pick a side and drive it hard, or you have to divorce yourself from the issue completely - and treat it with a clinical approach without any emotion or involvement. That is extremely difficult for a lot of people to do. I can't vote in this district, so it doesn't matter to me that the candidate and I don't see 100% eye-to-eye on every issue. But as a whole, he will bring a better approach to the table, and I can ignore my own attitude about an issue. I just treat it as any other product marketing effort. I've got a set of attributes that are specific to my product, and I am looking for a customer base that is most interested in those exact attributes - even if sometimes that takes me into slimy territory.

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WD Mino

14 years ago

Mike ,

That playbook is going to be a goldmine maybe you should reconsider just offering it.

I meant what I said above there you have an incredible market right there and it is yours for the taking . simply awe inspiring . of course if ya need a hand

-WD

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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Originally Posted by WD Mino

Mike ,

That playbook is going to be a goldmine maybe you should reconsider just offering it.

I meant what I said above there you have an incredible market right there and it is yours for the taking . simply awe inspiring . of course if ya need a hand

-WD

Thanks.

I haven't totally decided what/how/etc... but whatever it is, I can assure you it will be comprehensive. When I am documenting my efforts on something, I keep track of EVERYTHING.

It will probably end up as a series of educational/training products covering different aspects of the PR and media side, as well as fundraising, etc...

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Jesus Perez

14 years ago

Congrats on the son! Way more important than the politics.

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Scott Ames

14 years ago

A golden opportunity , wow. If he/she wins you'll be a hero.

I can see a book "How to run for Congress and win" or similar..

If you have the budget, it would be very cool to have someone film everything, then later put together a documentary on winning a seat in Congress. They did that with Bill Clinton's campaign and I found it very interesting. Even if it runs on PBS you could make bank by offering your book at the end much like Rick Steves does in travel. He has a $40 million business now.

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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Originally Posted by BlueSquares

Congrats on the son! Way more important than the politics.

Thanks. I agree, which is why I declined the management of the full campaign at this time. We've got a 13 month old girl, and a newborn boy. Momma needs me here, not cavorting around at fundraiser dinners here and in DC.

Originally Posted by Scott Ames

A golden opportunity , wow. If he/she wins you'll be a hero.

I can see a book "How to run for Congress and win" or similar..

If you have the budget, it would be very cool to have someone film everything, then later put together a documentary on winning a seat in Congress. They did that with Bill Clinton's campaign and I found it very interesting. Even if it runs on PBS you could make bank by offering your book at the end much like Rick Steves does in travel. He has a $40 million business now.

We're already making the assumption that he isn't going to win this campaign. That being said, there's always a chance, and we know what we're doing at the grassroots level. But we're facing seriously entrenched, well-financed opposition - and if you know anything about the GOP, you realize what a tightly oiled machine they run. If you aren't already one of their fair haired children, you aren't getting any formal support from within the party. ESPECIALLY as a newcomer to politics shooting for a congressional seat. They want you to grovel your way into owing everyone and their brother for favors to be pulled later down the road. They groom their candidates like a farm team system.

Holy crap if we did pull off this scale of an upset, my wife would have to figure out a way to take care of the kids without me for a bit because we'd be all over the networks.

The funny thing about political campaigns though, even though you run a losing show, it furthers your name and demand - especially if you do a good job in the trench. The fundamentals are the fundamentals, and simply showing political candidates how to construct a campaign around specific language by always working to frame the discussion is a huge asset to anyone. Yes, I am talking about the exact same foundations that go into sales copy a la NLP and other devices. Understanding how to position yourself and frame the discussion is everything.

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Martin Luxton

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

We're already making the assumption that he isn't going to win this campaign . . . understanding how to position yourself and frame the discussion is everything.

Michael,

Your candidate could still come out winning (for the future) if he loses with grace (but with a MacArthur-like "I'll be back").

I am always amazed at the vicious personal attacks during US political campaigns and I really wondered if, in the last election, the losing candidate would have won if he had more often given the kind of impressive and gracious speech he gave when conceding defeat.

Martin

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DogScout

14 years ago

Congrats on the new addition. I know you will make a great papa!

I know there is a ton of cash to be made in the political arena and if that is something you can stomach, congrats as well. It would make me feel like Michael Corelone... "Every time I am almost out; they just suuuuuck me back!"
Lol.

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Katie Rich

14 years ago

I would be very interested in this as a (local, UK) politician.

I'm not sure how it would translate to the UK, we sure don't have the funds you have there for campaigns, but it would make interesting reading. If you do it, let me know!

Congrats on becoming a daddy again. I love mine, grandchildren, you can give them back when they are soggy

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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Well, we're off and running.

I was pushed by the campaign committee to accept the campaign chair position, so I am going to be incredibly scarce around here for a while - at least until the second week of May.

To give all of my offline marketing friends an idea of what's possible, I convinced the candidate and the committee to run a video blog a la Gary Vaynerchuck "Crush It" style. Political campaigns are natural storylines because there are dedicated characters (protagonist, antagonist, supporting role etc...) and there's a built-in story arc... election day. So it only makes sense, when you're the unknown challenger trying to connect with your voter base, that you leverage new media to forge relationships with your constituency - just like all the social media marketing gurus preach, right?

We will be waging two simultaneous campaigns - offline and online. The traditional, grassroots offline campaign will be primarily targeted to an older demographic that doesn't have the level of social media adoption. The online campaign will be targeting an early 40 and under age group... primarily using Facebook and MySpace, and targeting PPC campaigns to build an opt-in list and further solicit volunteers and donations.

When it's all over, there will be an even bigger deal, because whether we win or lose, I've secured a letter of intent for an international distribution deal for the forthcoming feature length documentary movie about the campaign (That was already in the works from day one Scott).

It's not a small deal.

So... wish us... something...

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Tina Golden

14 years ago

When it's all over, there will be an even bigger deal, because whether we win or lose, I've secured a distribution deal for the forthcoming feature length documentary movie about the campaign.

That's awesome, Michael. Congratulations on the new family addition as well as the new position.

Tina

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summer07

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

...We will be waging two simultaneous campaigns - offline and online. The traditional, grassroots offline campaign will be primarily targeted to an older demographic that doesn't have the level of social media adoption. The online campaign will be targeting an early 40 and under age group... primarily using Facebook and MySpace, and targeting PPC campaigns to build an opt-in list and further solicit volunteers and donations.

When it's all over, there will be an even bigger deal, because whether we win or lose, I've secured a letter of intent for an international distribution deal for the forthcoming feature length documentary movie about the campaign (That was already in the works from day one Scott).

It's not a small deal.

So... wish us... something...

That's spectacular, Michael. Offline campaign, online campaign, potential 'how-to' info products AND a documentary. I'm a bit of a 'grassroots politics' junkie, so this is fascinating 'real life drama' for me, and I hope you find a way to keep us posted somehow...as if you'll have any free time between now and the election!

But please make sure to come back and fill us in when you can.

Best wishes...you're on the ride of a lifetime!

Audre

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matrix1989

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

Today I was asked to sit on the advisory board for a candidate running against a well-known US Congressman in this year's primary election. I declined the campaign management seat because my wife just gave birth to our son on Dec 31st, so I don't really want to distract too heavily from my core priority of family.

This isn't my first trip to the proverbial rodeo. I was the local campaign coordinator for a congressional rep all the way back in my senior year of high school (incidently, the exact same seat that this campaign will be for). I've run a successful campaign for a county commissioner, and advised a state governor campaign.

One of things that I bring to the table is the heavy internet marketing and social media marketing with integration of offline organizations.

I will be using the same tactics that we all use in internet marketing, from list building to SEO and online fundraising via "sales pages".

My intention is to document this effort and maybe publish our playbook after the election if anyone would be interested in IM from a different perspective (local political campaign consulting/management).

Any other ideas? Questions or thoughts as I pursue this breaking opportunity?

congrats on your son, same birthday as me!

I've also used IM to my advantage in the political realm, as i started a local Young Americans for Liberty chapter on my campus and am now taking over the IM side of things.

Good luck

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Douglas Munsie

14 years ago

Michael,

Congratulations on the birth of your son! As a father of 2 young children myself, I know the joys of having a new child around and also the increased desire to stay close to home and tend to the family.

As for your new project, I think that you're ideally suited to this type of marketing. In all of the threads on this forum in which you've participated I've always been impressed with your rational and analytical approach to marketing.

Being a Political junkie and someone who desires to run for elected office someday, I will be looking forward to updates about your experience.

Douglas

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Dan C. Rinnert

14 years ago

So, with the election now over, any updates?

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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

So, with the election now over, any updates?

Oh he got his ass handed to him on a silver platter.

I mean, what do you expect when you take on the minority leader as a 20 year incumbent.

My advice to him all along was that it was a hail mary bomb at best, so smash and grab.

He pulled 5% of the vote.

Originally Posted by Paul Myers

Michael,

Congrats on the new addition!

For a GOP primary challenger in Hamilton County? You're a braver man than I, Gunga Din.

As far as the marketing potential of the experience, there's more than political candidates to consider. Issue-based organizations and charitable groups could benefit tremendously from this sort of approach. And they don't have the same cycles...

Paul

Well it was slightly north of Hamilton County, Ohio 8th, Boehner territory.

And that was even more insane - he's the former speaker of the house.

I was helping a friend who asked me to advise him on his campaign. In the process it made Boehner climb out of the ivory tower and actually show up in the district, so all wasn't for naught.

Yes, there's a huge demand for this sort of thing, and after this last campaign cycle, I remembered about 1/2 way through the race why I got out of politics the last time around.

There was a day and time in my life when it was far more important to me than it is now. It's so godawful polarized and just damn negative now.

I realized that all government and politics are based on the philosophy of scarcity... dividing up the pie with the idea that's all there is and all there will be.

I subscribe to the philosophy of abundance, and empowering people to build futures for themselves.

It's just incompatible with my value system now.

I think I am getting old.

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Paul Myers 14 years ago

Michael,

Well it was slightly north of Hamilton County, Ohio 8th, Boehner territory.

Ack!

There was a day and time in my life when it was far more important to me than it is now. It's so godawful polarized and just damn negative now.

I hear ya. It's gotten to the point where people who can disagree respectfully are a surprise, when that used to be a requirement for being taken seriously.

I remember some conversations with Roxanne Qualls in 1985, before she got elected to City Council the first time. She was pretty progressive, even for the more liberal precincts of Cincinnati, and she had no time for people who demonized the opposition. One of the phrases I remember most from back then was from her: "It's about positions, not people."

We need more of that. And not just in politics.

Paul
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Dennis Gaskill

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

I realized that all government and politics are based on the philosophy of scarcity... dividing up the pie with the idea that's all there is and all there will be.

Sometimes I think it's about taking the pie away so no one has any.

I subscribe to the philosophy of abundance, and empowering people to build futures for themselves.

It's just incompatible with my value system now.

I think I am getting old.

Couldn't agree with you more here...only I wouldn't say I'm getting old, I prefer to think I'm evolving.

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Dan C. Rinnert

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

Oh he got his ass handed to him on a silver platter.

I mean, what do you expect when you take on the minority leader as a 20 year incumbent.

My advice to him all along was that it was a hail mary bomb at best, so smash and grab.

He pulled 5% of the vote.

Was he the one that didn't want to spend more than $1000 so he wouldn't have to do any campaign finance reporting? I heard there was someone like that in one of the races, but wasn't sure who it was.

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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

Was he the one that didn't want to spend more than $1000 so he wouldn't have to do any campaign finance reporting? I heard there was someone like that in one of the races, but wasn't sure who it was.

No that was Tom McMasters, guy from Huber Heights.

Manfred stopped listening to his advisory board about 1/2 way through his campaign.

He failed to recognize a couple of things:

1) Dissent doesn't mean that people will vote anybody but X. Even in Massachusetts. Not being X might get people's attention, but you still have to stand for something.

2) The reasons that the GOP voters have been disenchanted with the incumbent aren't the reasons that upon which he chose to base his campaign. This creates an appearance of incongruity with your message not meeting with what the audience wants to hear. In a primary election, the audience is all about party and party line. If your message is one that appeals to a broader audience, you're not going to play well at a central committee meeting, who is solely interested in what's good for the party and holding party lines.

3) Just because you're an independent, and it's much harder in Ohio to get onto the ballot as such, that alone isn't a good reason to run within the confines of a party structure. The parties know what's up. Again, it's about having a congruent message. You can't be passionate about policy positions that would be deemed "moderate" and then promote your message successfully to a very conservative party structure in an era when the general attitude of the public is shifting back towards conservativism.

4) The party line runs broad and deep. You aren't going to deviate from party message with enough of a compelling reason to create a shift in power. Spending your time trying to find the free thinker in the pack of lemmings isn't going to win you an election. Creating a better message than your opponant that will compel the lemmings to vote for you over the other guy wins elections.

5) In the end, Manfred couldn't close the deal on the $. He had financing lined up on the front, but he couldn't get the deals closed in time for the primary. He waited too late to make the decision to run, and the special interests that were genuinely interested in floating some extremely large sums of money simply couldn't work fast enough within their own bureaucracies.

It was once again a great experience, lots of lessons AND MARKETING LESSONS to be learned. But unless there's a radical shift towards rational discourse in this nation, I'm really not interested in jumping back into the mosh pit.

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Dan C. Rinnert

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

No that was Tom McMasters, guy from Huber Heights.

Ouch. He got more than twice the percentage of votes that Schreyer did.

He failed to recognize a couple of things:

...

2) The reasons that the GOP voters have been disenchanted with the incumbent aren't the reasons that upon which he chose to base his campaign. This creates an appearance of incongruity with your message not meeting with what the audience wants to hear. In a primary election, the audience is all about party and party line. If your message is one that appeals to a broader audience, you're not going to play well at a central committee meeting, who is solely interested in what's good for the party and holding party lines.

As I recall, he had a couple blog posts that would have pretty much done him in with the majority of Republican voters.

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MichaelHiles

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Dan C. Rinnert

Ouch. He got more than twice the percentage of votes that Schreyer did.

As I recall, he had a couple blog posts that would have pretty much done him in with the majority of Republican voters.

Yep. You can't be a "moderate Republican" in a staunchly conservative district and pretend that you're a conservative while openly proclaiming moderate views. That marketing message simply isn't going to work.

People won't buy (vote for) anything that they perceive has an incongruency in message.

I talked to him this morning and he's obviously disappointed but he now understands what I was trying to tell him all along. He also said that he understood what I meant by not being able to change the system, so play within the system. He thought he could be the enigma like Scott Brown. I reminded him that Massachusetts is a very different political climate, and Brown already held public office and had a warchest and following. I reminded him that in order to get Tea Party support, one has to actually represent the ideology of the Tea Party movement. Not being X doesn't qualify.

He also said he recognizes the level of financial corruption, something that he adamantly disagreed with me about early on. He was very altruistic and didn't want to accept that the US is run by K Street, and we're a nation of oligarchs. Now he accepts that view.

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matrix1989

14 years ago

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

Yep. You can't be a "moderate Republican" in a staunchly conservative district and pretend that you're a conservative while openly proclaiming moderate views. That marketing message simply isn't going to work.

People won't buy (vote for) anything that they perceive has an incongruency in message.

I talked to him this morning and he's obviously disappointed but he now understands what I was trying to tell him all along. He also said that he understood what I meant by not being able to change the system, so play within the system. He thought he could be the enigma like Scott Brown. I reminded him that Massachusetts is a very different political climate, and Brown already held public office and had a warchest and following. I reminded him that in order to get Tea Party support, one has to actually represent the ideology of the Tea Party movement. Not being X doesn't qualify.

He also said he recognizes the level of financial corruption, something that he adamantly disagreed with me about early on. He was very altruistic and didn't want to accept that the US is run by K Street, and we're a nation of oligarchs. Now he accepts that view.

I couldn't agree more

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Paul Myers

14 years ago

Michael,

Congrats on the new addition!

Today I was asked to sit on the advisory board for a candidate running against a well-known US Congressman in this year's primary election.

For a GOP primary challenger in Hamilton County? You're a braver man than I, Gunga Din.

As far as the marketing potential of the experience, there's more than political candidates to consider. Issue-based organizations and charitable groups could benefit tremendously from this sort of approach. And they don't have the same cycles...

Paul

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AP

14 years ago

Congrats on your baby.

Please do a WSO before you leave us.

I'll be the first in line and promote to my list with no commission.

All the best Michael.

~AP

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

Today I was asked to sit on the advisory board for a candidate running against a well-known US Congressman in this year's primary election. I declined the campaign management seat because my wife just gave birth to our son on Dec 31st, so I don't really want to distract too heavily from my core priority of family.

This isn't my first trip to the proverbial rodeo. I was the local campaign coordinator for a congressional rep all the way back in my senior year of high school (incidently, the exact same seat that this campaign will be for). I've run a successful campaign for a county commissioner, and advised a state governor campaign.

One of things that I bring to the table is the heavy internet marketing and social media marketing with integration of offline organizations.

I will be using the same tactics that we all use in internet marketing, from list building to SEO and online fundraising via "sales pages".

My intention is to document this effort and maybe publish our playbook after the election if anyone would be interested in IM from a different perspective (local political campaign consulting/management).

Any other ideas? Questions or thoughts as I pursue this breaking opportunity?

Thanks
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MichaelHiles 14 years ago

Originally Posted by AP

Congrats on your baby.

Please do a WSO before you leave us.

I'll be the first in line and promote to my list with no commission.

All the best Michael.

~AP

Thank you sir. Ever the gentleman and quite the kind gesture.

I have something in the works that you will immensely enjoy.
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- Kristen 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by MichaelHiles
  
  Thank you sir. Ever the gentleman and quite the kind gesture.
  
  I have something in the works that you will immensely enjoy.
  
  As I said back on 01/05, count me in.
  
  Thanks
  
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J Bold

14 years ago

Well considering Obama was immensely helped by his web campaign managed by one of the Facebook founders who left Facebook to do his campaign, every candidate will start needing internet marketing experts for their campaigns in the future.

Interesting to see a member here has been a part of this firsthand.