Well, we’re here again. Looking forward to a new year and all the potential it brings. It’s a great time of year. We’re waking from the holiday coma, striking out on new adventures, and pursuing new goals. What a season!
It’s no different in politics. After an end of year respite, those in advocacy are gearing up for what’s next. In 2022, that means a year full of speculation over what will happen next November. We’ve got 10 full months ahead of us when pundits and politicos will tell us just how crucial this election is. I have a prediction: more than a few will say this is the biggest election in our history.
But for those just seeking to stay informed and not inundated by politics this year, I think a few key new year’s resolutions might help you keep a level head in 2022. Here are my top three.
Follow the Consumers, Not the Polls
Polling results will maintain their ubiquity in the coming year. We’ll hear leaked internals as candidates jockey for position in contested primaries. We’ll endure every West Wing fan’s favorite “right direction/wrong track” language. And more than a few times we’ll watch campaign representatives dodge questions about underperforming expectations. Polls will be everywhere.
At the same time, they’ll take you no where at all. That’s because the only poll that really matters happens on Election Day – and that’s a long way off. So how can you reliably gauge where people are this year? Focus more on financials – and I don’t mean just the stock market. Pay attention to a couple of key indicators where you can: are people spending more, or saving more? Are they investing in their businesses, or shoring up reserves? The answers to those questions will tell you a much more honest picture of just how Americans are feeling.
How we spend our money reveals our level of optimism for the future. If you want to feel informed, watch those trends.
Make It About Your Bottom Line, Not the Party Line
This resolution will be tough for a lot of folks this year. Big elections always draw on our propensity to marginalize, even demonize, the other side. After about mid-May you’ll be hard pressed to have a meeting that doesn’t get sprinkled with partisan commentary. Commit yourself now to not take the bait.
Your issues deserve the best delivery you can provide, to any party willing to listen. Avoid unforced errors by practicing your talking points so you can steer clear of improvisation induced faux pas. Build in clear asks, get yourself right to the point, and tailor your stories to the audience. If you need more on this, look back through my recent posts on advocacy meetings (starting with this one).
Build at Least One New Bridge
There’s no better way to advance your agenda than to build broad, diverse coalitions to support your cause. Building new relationships – especially those that span the political divide – are always in season. Unfortunately major election cycles force too many to find greater differences with their neighbors than commonalities. That kind of thinking will make successful advocacy darn near impossible in 2022.
Instead, commit yourself to identifying one (yes, even just one) group outside of your network and start a conversation with their team. Share a meal, talk about your goals, and see if there’s even one item out of ten where you can support each other’s legislative endeavors. That’s the real work of successful advocacy organizations. They reach beyond their sphere in a concerted effort to grow their influence. You should too – especially in a year when you’ll be pushed and prodded toward partisanship.
Bonus: Subscribe to My Email List
Listen, I’m simply not above shameless self promotion. But more importantly, I want to be of service to you in the coming year. I want my content to help you – whether you’re involved in advocacy, looking to develop new soft skills, or just need a balanced perspective on current events from time to time. The best way to stay connected is to get on my email list. I’m committed to only sending you ONE per week, and they’ll have the links you need to survive another wild election cycle.
In November 2022, I don’t want you feeling like you’re still guessing how to recover from another whirlwind year in politics. I’m aiming to provide you with some new resources this year. New content, in new formats that, I hope, will add real value to you. So, do the thing and sign up here!
Part of the Possible 