Getting ready to run a campaign as a candidate or a ballot measure? Dragonfly Public Affairs has a handy, snappy list of things to-do which may soothe your campaign anxiety.
This list has been created over many campaigns, it's just a starting point. Don't forget, Dragonfly Public Affairs are campaign pros with over 20 years of experience. We can help your campaign determine what components are necessary for your particular campaign. No two campaigns are the same and we recognize that while the budgets may differ, everyone wants a Win. We can help. Reach out.
Tip #1 - Get legal.
Legally, you need to form a committee to raise, spend and report back on how you are allocating your resources. It's simple, but sometimes candidates or committees get caught up by skipping the basic step of filing a formal committee. Dragonfly highly, highly recommends that you hire a professional campaign legal and accounting organization that will keep track of your books, file your forms and ensure that the fling deadlines are met. Step one, is ensuring compliance with all filing requirements of the state and whatever your local jurisdiction requires.
For example, there may be fundraising limits within your City that are specific and require separate filing deadlines and disclosures. The City of Los Angeles Ethics Commission has a very robust system and even requires communications to be reported and uploaded to the City's webpage.
Tip #2 - Get your domain.
A good domain name is super critical now, more than ever. Not only do webpages help you communicate your bio, endorsements and positions, but they also make fundraising a lot easier (follow tip #1) because you can link everything together. Find your domain on Google Domains, then start building out from there. Dragonfly has designed and built some amazing webpages for our clients and can certainly guide you along the way. A word of caution: campaign webpages don't need to be expensive, its a short term spot, no special coding or complicated content required. Keep it simple.
Also, since COVID, QR codes have made a comeback. Be sure to create a QR code to link your website to any printed material that the campaign will be using. For example, QR codes are a great addition on business cards and direct mail because you can link directly to your Act Blue or E-fundraising connections webpage. It is also a lot easier for potential donors to just click and send vs. writing a check.
Tip #3 - Gather.
It sounds very agrarian, but it's true, gather. By gather, we mean, gather up old photos, gather up your resume, gather up friends, gather up your accomplishments, gather up the last bit of energy you possess. The beginning of the campaign requires that all of the amazing, worthwhile things that you have done in your life are now ready to be shared with voters.
Voters may or may not know that in 2016 you were on the Planning Commission or that you served in the military, these facts are part of a compelling narrative that should be shared with voters. Gather up images of those past successes and memories, because you will need content on direct mail, social media and your webpage. The best part of this step is, you may be reminded of how incredibly cool and grateful you are about the life you have lived.
Tip #4 - Go inward.
Yes, go inward. Why are we doing this? What's the point of this whole election? If it's a ballot measure, the answer is usually pretty simple: we need _____ and therefore we are going to pass a ballot measure to do ______. In most cases with ballot measures, the reason is financial or policy based such as needing additional revenues to repair roads or fund public safety. This purpose will drive the rest of the campaign because the "why" drives how you will communicate to voters. The entire messaging strategy will be built around the why. Go inward, early.
For candidates typically, there is a longer, internal calling towards service. Maybe there was an issue in your city that needed to be addressed and you stepped up and someone saw a potential leader. Whatever the reason, here you are, getting ready to run. Those reasons live inside you, in your mind and in your heart. Dragonfly lets voters know what those reasons are and why you should win. The reason you are running for office is compelling and the story needs to connect with voters in a meaningful way. Candidates that are clear on this point can develop a better narrative.
Dave : "I think there are certain things you should expect from your president. I had to care more about you than I do about me. I had to care more about what's right than I do about what's popular." (from the movie Dave)
Tip #5 - Talk to Professionals.
In addition to the 4 tips above, there are about 1,000 additional things on a campaign to-do list. If you already know all of those things, then you probably are not reading this and certainly don't need help running your race. But, in the off chance you don't know what steps 6 to 1,000 require, you probably need to hire up. You need a professional to help create your message, develop an identity package, communicate to voters, develop a field plan through PDI and draft scripts so your volunteers are all sending the same message. In the very near term you will need to file candidate statements, raise money and talk to humans. This is where a seasoned professional can help. Dragonfly anticipates campaign needs and guides committees to win because we seen a lot and done a lot.
Dragonfly is your conduit.
Campaigns need to accomplish a tremendous workload in a very condensed and intense timeline. You may need a conduit to project manage, create a message, communicate to voters and crank out some gorgeous direct mail. What does a campaign consultant actually do? Think wedding planner, think pilot, think sports manager. We have the experience and know how to envision, adapt, create and implement a plan. Talk to us, we want to create on your behalf.
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