Tag Archives: decision makers

Building Credibility in Political Advocacy

What if your ability to influence an elected official had nothing to do with your, or their political party; nothing to do with your contributions to a campaign; nothing to do with how they vote on a thousand issues that aren’t your issue? What if, instead, your credibility could survive any divide, any headline, orContinue reading “Building Credibility in Political Advocacy”

In Advocacy, Consistency Makes You Bold

Last week, I shared the three traits that really matter most if you’re going to have staying power and be effective in American politics: compassion, credibility, and consistency. Those three qualities, balanced between each other will help you stand out from the masses when you’re trying to be heard. They’ll increase your access, and keepContinue reading “In Advocacy, Consistency Makes You Bold”

Already burned out by politics in 2025? Here’s your simple plan to get back in the game, and stay in it.

It’s usually not by being hard-nosed. It’s certainly not by picking fights. It’s almost always about being a compassionate human, a credible expert, and a consistent voice. That’s how you move the needle in American politics by building one relationship at a time. The first half of 2025 is in the rearview mirror. And there’sContinue reading “Already burned out by politics in 2025? Here’s your simple plan to get back in the game, and stay in it.”

Unscripted: The State of Play in American Politics

Over the next few weeks, our politics will be driven by wedge issues – the issues designed to separate us by the smallest of margins and drive us into camps of predictable political action. But those aren’t the issues that really define us as Americans.

Unlocking the Hidden Potential in Our Political System

For some reason, many would-be world changers back away from participating after they hear an early “no.” Many of us struggle to see our way past that first roadblock and toward another path.

Bring Your Cause Home With You

The whole system is rigged. Lobbyists like me have all the access because we’re there – in the capital cities – and regular people are shut out. So, is it really worth it to travel all the way to Washington, DC, wear uncomfortable clothes, sit across from perfect strangers and talk about your issues? DoesContinue reading “Bring Your Cause Home With You”

2024 Reminder: Your Cause Will Outlast Any Election

I’m writing this piece as results are rolling in from Super Tuesday in 2024. As expected, former President Donald Trump is the story of the week, running a near clean sweep (Nikki Haley secured 17 delegates by winning Vermont). More than 600 delegates ahead of his only remaining Republican rival, no one is giving greatContinue reading “2024 Reminder: Your Cause Will Outlast Any Election”

Step Two: Make A Plan

Two weeks ago, I shared that our very first step to stand out as advocates should be building trust. Finding ways to connect with people before jumping into the politics of it all helps you play the long game. When you build that trust, you gain credibility over time. But what about the short game?Continue reading “Step Two: Make A Plan”

Step One: Build Trust

Easily one of the hardest things to do in advocacy, is choosing to trust someone you do not like. Yet that is the task at hand – as much so in 2024 as in any other time. Recently, my work took me back to Washington, DC for a marathon week of meetings. Meetings to absorbContinue reading “Step One: Build Trust”