This rule is fairly simple, and typically holds true. This rule applies to calling people who you have already identified as being volunteers.

The rule is:

For however many volunteers you need at an event you need to schedule twice as many. And to get twice as many people schedule, you’ll need to make twice that in dials.

So:
80 Dials = 40 Scheduled Volunteers = 20 Volunteers

Applying the rule to a real campaign problem could go something like this.

We need to make 2,500 calls this week. We figure that a volunteer can make 30 calls an hour. This will require about 83 volunteer hours. We’ll make calls 5 days in that week, that puts us at almost 17 volunteer hours a day. Figure someone will stay for at least 2 hours we’ll need between 8-9 volunteers a day. For the week we’ll need 45 volunteers to reach our goal of 2,500 dials.

To attain 45 volunteers, we will need to confirm 90 volunteers, and make 180 dials to get them.

What happens if more than half actually show up? Then you are on easy street! Just be prepared for more to show but plan on the 50% marker.

Remember volunteers are the heart of any campaign, treat them like the gold that they are!

While most campaign spending is on mass media like television and radio, those advertisements are mostly wasted since the majority of people who watch television and radio don’t vote. However, phone lists can be isolated to identify registered voters, likely voters, party affiliation and even demographic information like age and neighborhood.

Very simply, with robocalling, candidates are enabled to send different targeted messages to different groups of people — aimed specifically at issues that need to be addressed to each group.

And unlike working with printed materials or mailings which take several weeks lead time, you can produce a robocall campaign in a fraction of the time.

If you are a candidate, or work for one, here are a few tips to keep in mind to optimize the success of your campaign:

Robcalls are very good for two specific objectives. First, for personally thanking voters for their support and to remind them to get out and vote. And second, to respond to last minute attacks by your opponent.

For the purposes of thanking voters, be sure to keep your message short and repeat your name twice. For example, “Hi, I’m glad I was able to reach you. This is Tom Smith, and I wanted to personally thank you for the tremendous support you’ve given me during the campaign. I hope I can count on your continued support at the polls on Tuesday. Again, this is Tom Smith, and I look forward to working with you as your next legislator. Thank you.”

For the purposes of responding to last minute attacks, you can say something like this: “Hi, I’m glad I was able to reach you. This is Tom Smith and I just saw that commercial my opponent is using against me. I just wanted to personally tell you am I appalled at this type of campaigning, not only because people are tired of it, but more importantly because it’s not true. I refuse to get in the gutter and say the same types of things against my opponent. We need a higher level of civility and discourse during campaigns. Again, this is Tom Smith, thanking you for your support and reminding you to be sure to vote on Tuesday. I look forward to working with you as your next legislator.”

Also, it is very important that you leave as many messages on answering machines as you can, so as to not interrupt the personal time of the voters. That means you should place your calls during the day, when about 70% of the homes are vacant. Voters can listen to your message later at their convenience.

Overall, robocalls for political campaigns are an extremely powerful tool and have to be used properly to engender support. (If not used properly, the use of the technology can actually backfire.) So, start planning your robocall campaign early and design a program that will maximize your message, target the right groups, and get out the vote.

If you are beginning to think about a spring or summer work presentation or wedding speech, I’d suggest that you do the hard work now and create time for practise nearer the event. This doesn’t necessarily mean writing a first draft, but simply pulling together all the information you’ll need and starting to think about the potential shape and structure of your speech.

This period is the equivalent of a sportsman’s pre-season training. It will enable you to maximise the chances of hitting the ground running once the speech draws near. Many of these tips won’t take you long, but they’ll save you time and stress nearer D-day.

Contact others for background information. If you are a Best Man, it’s never too early to start contacting the Groom’s family for anecdotes. If you are giving a business speech its worth asking the organisers what the audience will be expecting from you.
Create a master document into which you dump all your thoughts along with everyone else’s. Even if it doesn’t seem so at the time, this process can end up being extremely useful in creating an overview and structure when it comes to writing the speech itself. At this stage don’t worry about what’s interesting, what’s funny, or what’s off limits. Put everything down!
Keep an ear out for quirks, quotes and snippets of potentially relevant information and jot them down in your overview.
If you’re using photos, diagrams or props, start thinking now about what you need and where you can get them.
Take some time to start sketching an outline of your speech or presentation. This will begin to create the context to judge which of your stories and ideas fit well together.
Be prepared to write a number of drafts before you get it just right.
Enlist the help of a colleague or friend off whom you can bounce ideas and eventually practise delivery. Ask them to be critical and so anything that passes through you both is likely to be worth saying.
Find out about the venue in which you’ll be speaking. Where will you be standing. Will there be a microphone? Will you have a lectern? This information will all come in useful when you start writing and practising.
Check who is speaking before and after you. What are they likely to say? How might they refer to you? Start thinking about ways to link your speech to theirs.
None of this is rocket science. Quite the opposite in fact. But it does show that there’s plenty to be getting on with early on. A speech is nothing without content or context. And they are best achieved through careful planning.
My next piece about putting pen to paper. In the meantime, please feel free to call me with any speech or presentation-related question on +44 207 681 8247.

Thanks, Lawrence

Lawrence is a London-based professional speechwriter, with vast experience in corporate speech writing as well as speeches for weddings and other functions. Likes: Writing; old-fashioned service; hearing that your audience loved it. Dislikes: Dull speeches and presentations; cheesy, recycled gags; over-complicating things.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_G_Bernstein

But, just like getting that sore tooth checked out or doing a few laps around the track, you must fundrase.  A campaign without money is like a car with no wheels – if it gets anywhere, it is by pure accident.

The biggest problem most campaigns have is that the candidate simply does not know how to ask for money in the first place; for most candidates, asking for money is an utterly foreign thing. For this reason it is best to start your fundraising by going to your friends and family and then moving on from there.  Ah, but I am putting the cart before the horse – first you must learn what a good “ask” sounds like.

An effective fundraising call must include some basic things in order to increase your success, furthermore it must be adaptable to the individual you are talking to.  Keeping in mind that things are a little different when talking to friends and family, there are a few basic elements the call must have:

• A basic introduction of yourself.
• What you are running for and why you are the best candidate.
• What your victory will do for them and the issues they care about.
• A dollar amount.

In short, you have to make them want you to win your race even if they don’t live in your district.

Now I understand the touchy point number three brings up.  Just remember that the purpose of fundraising is not to exchange favors for money, rather it is to find supporters of your cause anyway and make them care about you.  How far you are willing to bend on a particular issue is your own choice, but remember that the media and public are not as forgiving.

Don’t neglect number four either – it is always best to over ask for funds.  As a general rule you should ask for double the amount you can reasonably expect from small dollar donors.  The reason for this is that people are either shocked or flattered by such a high amount that you can easily negotiate things down; and who knows, you my actually get the amount you ask for!

Next you must start making calls and sending out mail.  But where do you go after you have exhausted you friends and family?  Well, the next step is to go back and see who from your past you haven’t called and then call everyone you have ever had any real contact with.  Got along well with a co-worker ten years ago? Give them a call.  Miss someone in your book club? Couldn’t hurt to try. Regularly go to a coffee shop? Talk to the manager.

Ok, you have gone through all those people, now it is time to call utter strangers.  You can acquire lists through various sources – candidate reports from past years, from your parties database, and companies are all good places to go.

These people are generally regular donors and are, therefore, used to being asked for money. I know it may seem strange and out of place to call these people up, but this time you have the advantage of never having to talk to them again if they reject you – no harm, no foul! When asking for money from these people and organizations, it is always best to do a little research – if a group always donates $500, you should not go in there asking for $1,000.

By now you might be picking up a theme: no two fundrasing calls are the same.  For this reason detailed note taking is key.  If you are comfortable with spreadsheets,  you should create one with various information: names, notes, amounts, all are important to know so that you can properly follow up with people.

Finally, don’t be afraid to go back to people a few months later.  Often, if people see that you are using their money wisely, they will be willing to help you out as your campaign progresses.

In the end, just remember that this is just part of the job and that your opponent is going to be sitting at a desk making calls even if you are not.

So why do we bother? Because, not only is literature necessary for day-to-day door knocking, it is the most effective way to reach a large number of people in a relatively cheep way. The difference between complete garbage and something that may get you a vote is quality: quality information, quality product, and quality readability. If you follow this formula, you have a shot at making people look at your literature on and before election day.  The key is to make a product that voters put on the counter and not in the garbage can. Keep in mind that your literature is the one physical thing average voters will have to remind them of your campaign.  For this reason you do not want to skimp on your lit budget. Have it professionally designed and printed – a word document from your home printer looks unprofessional and reflects poorly on you and your campaign.  The best ideas in the world will be ignored if people feel that you are not taking the campaign seriously.

Now, on to the basics. For many campaigns, lit is a multifaceted  tool. It is mailed, it is put out on tables, and it is distributed when knocking door to door.  For this reason, you will need to squeeze a lot of information into a relatively small space.  The size of your literature should be of a reasonable size for mailing – generally you will produce something that will be mailed as a first class letter.  For this reason your literature should be no more than 11 1/2 inches wide by 6 1/8 inches tall (for a complete breakdown of sizes, visit the U.S. Postal Service website). The return address, postage, and receiver’s address must be in specific locations on the literature – furthermore you must leave room for the post office to place a barcode on the piece (for specific locations of all of these items click here).  Two notes – you do not necessarily have to have a return address to mail lit, though it does act as a place to put your contact information, and it is worth your while to investigate if your state or local party has a bulk mailing rate so that you can place it and cut your costs.

Now that you know what sizes you are working with, it is time to move on to what needs to be on your lit. The front side, at a minimum, should include your logo and, preferably, a good headshot, slogan, and some statement regarding election day; if your logo does not include what race you are running for, include that as well. The back should contain room for the above listed items and provide voters with the information you want voters to know about you and your issues.  Personal information, such as a short bio, is always a good idea as it allows people to see you as a person, not just as someone who is running for office. Include  action photos of you and your family, and make sure it is colorful and aesthetically pleasing and easy to read. A lit piece is not the time to prove that you have a large vocabulary – remember that this piece will be going to collage grads and high school dropouts alike. Finally, never forget to have your contact information, including your website, on your literature – interested voters will take the time to do more research if they are so inclined.

The one thing that can not be stressed enough is the importance of avoiding information overload. A solid piece of literature should take no more than 30 seconds to read.   As short as that sounds, remember that your literature will be folded in with the junk mail, bills, and flyers people receive on a regular basis – people are not interested in receiving a novel on their doorstep.  Again,the goal of lit is to be placed on the counter and looked at regularly. And that is what it comes down to.  Also make sure that the piece is not visually straining – remember your color wheel and don’t make text and photos difficult to read or view.

Literature reminds people of you, your ideas, and of the upcoming election and should act as a device to encourage people to learn more about you. Don’t feel bad if you can only afford one literature piece, just make sure it looks good and gets your ideas across. Literature comes in all shapes and sizes, but one thing is for certain – you will be judged on your piece.

As a final piece of advice, have a friend or neighbor you trust give you an honest opinion of the literature.  Often they will tell you if something is difficult to read or if one of your points don’t make sense.  Remember, if a good friend notices something, the voting public will.

This program is a way to automate most of your Twitter marketing campaigns. You can set it and forget it! You won’t miss any @replies and the best part is you can use Tweet Later to send your @replies when the user is online!

I use it for all my Twitter accounts to keep track of any @replies, auto-follow people you add me, auto-unfollow anyone who unfollows me, and send Direct Messages to anyone who does follow me.

What I really like about Tweet Later is that you are able to use one account on their system and handle multiple accounts on Twitter. This is great for all my sites and for handling a bunch of clients Twitter accounts as well.

I started out using their free version which is going to be more than enough for most people. They do have a paid account which is heavy duty and allows you to complete control your Twitter destiny.

Check it out and please leave any comments below! If you know of any other programs that do more or different things, leave those as well!

http://www.tweetlater.com/

But it is ok! Odds are if you are upset about something or feel that a better job can be done, the voting public probably feels the same way.  What many campaigns fail to do is translate their plans to the public in the form of a solid message that people understand.  In short, you need to define your message.

A good message consists of two main points: A statement of the problem, and the candidates solution to that problem. After many years of observing campaigns, campaigns usually forget to do one of these two pillars – either they have a solution to a problem that does not exist, or they complain about a problem with no real solution.  These strategies can work, but any opposition worth a grain of salt will be able to pick apart your argument.

So, sit down an think about what is bothering you – write it down! But also be sure to try and come up with some of the root problems associated with that problem.  If you are upset about the pot-holes, try to think about why the roads are in such poor shape in the first place; if you don’t like the high taxes, try to figure out if there is a reason behind that, say for a public works project.  Sit down and think about the root causes – it will make your argument to get elected much more solid.

After that, try to find a solution to the problem appropriate for the office you are running for. The school board can’t control the funding it receives from the state, but it can change its priorities and lobby for more funds.  Likewise, if you are running for the State House of Representatives, you can’t tell a city to plant more trees but you can fight for stricter pollution standards.  In short, don’t promise anything your office of choice can’t deliver on, voters (and your opponent) will pick up on this and you will loose supporters by the drove.

So you have identified a problem and a solution to that problem. Now what? You need to tell voters about your plan.  In general, you will have four basic types of interaction with voters:  very short conversations lasting no more than 15 seconds, average conversations lasting no more than one minute, long conversations lasting no more than five minutes, and very long conversations lasting five or minutes or longer.  Furthermore, you should know that those conversations were listed in order from most to least likely to happen – for every very long conversation you will have probably had 100 very short conversations. To complicate the situation further, you never really know if any one voter is going to be a very short or long conversation (very long conversations are generally debates or meet and greets and, therefore, you know about them) – this means that you have to deliver you message in a style that can start out as a short conversation but evolve into a long one.

So, let us suppose you have three issues, X,Y, and Z and solutions to those problems 1,2,and 3.  You are at a community event and you approach someone who might be interested.  The conversation should evolve in a fassion similar to this:

Very Short Conversation Section

Hi, My name is John Doe, and I am running for City Council.  I just wanted to give you a little information about why I am running (hand over literature) and tell you that my three main issues are X,Y, and Z. I just wanted to know if you have been following these issues and if they are important to you?

Average Conversation – transition if voter appears to be interested

Well, I feel it is very important that we solve these issues.  I feel that they can be solved because, when elected, I will implement policy 1, 2, and 3.

Long Conversation – transition if voter has more questions

(at this point expand on your points and answer any questions the voter may have).

That is the long and short of it – just remember that you should always be able to expand on your points if need be – voters will let you know if they are no longer interested in talking to you.  At the end of every conversation, no matter how long or short, remember to give them something to physically remind them of you (usually literature) and remind them again of your name and what you are running for.

Facebook is also the most professional of the social networking sites, so you should treat it as such. This does not mean that you can’t have a little fun, it does mean that you have to take your profile seriously. Facebook will reach the biggest section of your targeted supporters and volunteers for free, so don’t skimp on maintenance.

An Introduction

Facebook started as a social networking site at Harvard University in 2004, because of this, it has maintained an air of professionalism while expanding beyond its original confines to become a tool where you can learn more about people and where they can learn about you. Currently Facebook has over 200 million users with an average of 120 friends per user, furthermore the fastest growing demographic are users 35 years old and older – Facebook is not just for kids.

Getting Started

If you do not already have a Facebook account, start by visiting www.facebook.com and input the proper information in the various fields. I recommend becoming a user as yourself (rather than as your campaign) – this allows people to find out information about you (such as your education and working background) and gives a personal face to the campaign.

Once you are finished doing your setup, you will next want to create a “page” for your campaign. Pages are similar to profiles in that you are able to post information about your campaign just as you could post information about yourself on your personal profile. You can access the page creation site by clicking here.

From there the process is quite simple – Post information about your campaign, add pictures, and network with as many people as you can.

Networking

In order to spread the word as quickly as possible, you will need to let people know that you are online and on Facebook. If you already have a personal account, start by inviting your friends to join your campaign’s page. From there simply let the group grow.

For those of you new to Facebook, start by linking your campaign website to your Facebook page. Make sure you copy and paste the website address properly, or else people will get lost quickly. It should be noted that this rule applies to you longtime Facebook users as well.

Handy Tips

One of the greatest tools Facebook offers to its users is its ability to spread information to a large group of people at once.

Once you have your page up and running, you will be able to send mass messages and upload content quickly and easily. Keep in mind, though, that your Facebook page is not a substitute for your campaign website – you should not be posting entire policy pieces on your page, rather you should announce that you have created a new piece and link over to your website.

You are also able to create events on Facebook such as walking or meet the candidate nights. To do so, simply input the proper information on this website.

Conduct

It is quite easy to have content overload on Facebook, for this reason you should not flood people with too many updates or events. Generally speaking, you should not be sending out mass information in the form of messages or events more than two times a month. Anything more frequent and your messages start to be ignored.  Feel free to constantly update your page, however. People periodically drop in on your page and like to see that you are staying busy.

Personal contact is strongly encouraged on Facebook – if someone asks a question, feel free to respond. Just remember that nothing disappears on Facebook, so choose your words wisely.

In short, have fun, and spend a fair amount of time on your page responding to constituents and updating information. Be conscious of your time on Facebook, however, as it is quite easy to get absorbed.  As a rule of thumb, don’t spend more than 30 minutes a day on your page.

———————

Those are just some of the basics, please feel free to ask any questions you may have!