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Politician As A Client???

by vndnbrgj
11 replies
So, a good friend of the family is running as a state rep for the district I grew up in.
He and my dad go waayyy back. They had a business together at one point, and if he gets elected, like it looks like he is going to, my dad is going to step in and help with his current business.
He is a very good man and a very good business man.

So, I am meeting with him this week to discuss his marketing.
My question is if its a turn off to other businesses to have a politician as a client.
I don't know how you feel about politics and don't care enogh to turn this into a debate.
My point is he is a democrat. Would I them be limiting myself?
Would businesses not want to work with me becayse I am supporting a democrat?

I am doing this because, well, I think I am good at marketing.
I would support him regardless.
He has gotten support from the Chamber of Commerce, the sherrifs office, and at least 7 other politicians.
As well as several other things he is associated with.

I am just not sure if it willhelp my image, or hurt it.
#client #politician
  • Profile picture of the author MaxwellB
    The politician being a client isn't such a big deal as a political organization being a client.

    A politicians business being a client I don't really think people will care or mind.

    Now if you were developing his campaign website and doing the seo or marketing...yes I believe prospects that knew that would decide not to work with you if that wasn't in line with their political ideals.

    At least I wouldn't haha. Why would I want to give money to a company that is supporting a political party I am not affiliated with or agree with.
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    • Profile picture of the author kebertt
      It may limit you in some markets, but open up many other doors. You need to think of the potential having a client of that caliber could offer you. I'm sure he has a lot of connections with local businesses. If you choose to not mention that he's your client when prospecting I highly doubt anyone is going to recognize you as "a democrat's website designer".
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      • Profile picture of the author MaxwellB
        Originally Posted by kebertt View Post

        It may limit you in some markets, but open up many other doors. You need to think of the potential having a client of that caliber could offer you. I'm sure he has a lot of connections with local businesses. If you choose to not mention that he's your client when prospecting I highly doubt anyone is going to recognize you as "a democrat's website designer".
        This is true but it depends on where he's located.

        In my town in the Philadelphia suburbs of pennsylvania...in fact in my town and pretty much my whole county it's a very red county. There are zero democratic officials at any local level.

        So his district may be electing a democrat but if his town that he may want to network in and do business in is not blue it may be an issue.

        Overall though to the OP I do agree it will open up as many doors and it shuts haha.
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    Actually, in the political arena, you can be quickly pigeonholed as either a democrat or a republican marketing operative.

    If you work for a campaign, get paid cash up front.
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  • Profile picture of the author JCoffey
    In my opinion, I'd try my best to get this deal. Working for a politician can be excellent for your own reputation whether they're a democrat or republican, people will know that you have what it takes, especially if he does get elected.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jon Martin
    Can't you keep it on the DL? You don't have to advertise EVERY client in your portfolio!

    Either way, I don't think it will hurt you as much as it will HELP you! If people see that your client is an elected official they may look at you as a bigger deal - more professional in some sort maybe. It will surely help your image in the long run, I'd say.
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  • Profile picture of the author vndnbrgj
    I appreciate all the comments.
    However, they seem two sided. Some say yes, and some say no.
    That was my problem too.

    Jon, as far as keeping it on the DL, I wouldn't want to.
    1. I would have to tell my him to be hush hush about working with me.
    2. I couldn't use his connections then. (Which are good ones in my area)
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    If you can get the results, then do the job.

    Like others have said, you don't have to talk about it to everyone you meet. Keep it in your back pocket. Use it when you have to.

    Doesn't matter what your candidate says to other people--of all the things he's going to talk about, his web guy probably isn't top-of-mind...and nor will it be for those he's talking to.
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  • Profile picture of the author bob ross
    Like Hiles said, get paid cash upfront because they are notorious for not paying or taking forever to pay after services are completed.

    Direct mail is something they LOVE.
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  • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
    John, if you want, get with me after 3 tomorrow, i currently have 4 political campaigns running.
    Ill give you the good, the bad and the ugly, of what i have personally had to deal with.

    btw, campaign managers... will be the people you ultimately wind up working with
    and they have a clear cut vision of the "presentation"

    they think they know everything, and have a holier then tho attitude, have egos the size of Manhattan, and try to spin everything... if you don't reign em in quick, things can quickly spin out of control .... HA... now that i think about it... they sound like seasons sales people.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mekanism
    I've been considering the politcal route for a while. presidential campaigns often have good internet marketing (ever since Obama broke the mold), but the lower level elected officials have DISMAL marketing online. and they have MILLIONS to spend.

    if I were you, i'd milk this opportunity for everything i could
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