Category Archives: Political Action Committees
More I2M Survey Results
Here are more results from our Innovate to Motivate® Success Survey. These results focus on PAC fundraising techniques and metrics.
One of the hallmarks of I2M is that we go beyond what is being discussed and commonly known to “drill down” and reveal patterns and data that can help us pursue political involvement excellence. I think you’ll find these results indicative of that philosophy.
Effective PAC Fundraising Techniques vs. Frequently Used Techniques
We asked our community two PAC fundraising questions:
- Which fundraising techniques are most effective?
- Which do they most frequently use? (percentages may total more than 100% due to respondents citing multiple techniques)
Most effective PAC fundraising techniques:
- Peer to peer (one on one asks, small group meetings, personal phone calls, etc.) – 69%
- Special…
Common Obstacles to Trust and How to Overcome Them: Part Two
We’re going to explore more common obstacles to trust and how to overcome them.
Direction changes
The insidious impact of direction changes is why it is so important to foster a grassroots and PAC community within an organization. Campaigns definitely have their purpose, but they can reduce motivation in the long term unless community is created from them.
Our advocates will tolerate change, but not ambiguity. I’m thrilled to hear about organizations that are revitalizing their grassroots and PAC communities. However, the fact that they have to “revitalize” means that the original effort stalled. This impacts our ability to motivate our team for future battles.
How do your advocates and PAC leaders know that this “revitalization” isn’t just another two-year attempt (or more commonly,…
The Most Effective Way to Communicate With Your Legislator
I never know if the volunteer means effective in terms of time expended, or effective in terms of influence, so I always provide this two-pronged answer.
First, it depends on how that lawmaker prefers to be communicated with. The most influential lobbying groups know that each lawmaker is different and they have a retail, rather than wholesale, influence strategy approach.
That being said, the most effective way is not the most influential way, but those are two different roads. Effective in terms of time and effort is obviously email, but influential communications takes place face to face. The great communicators are never afraid to communicate face to face.
The Latest on PAC Burn Rates…
You’ve heard that you have to “spend money to make money” and that applies to PAC’s as well. But are there benchmarks on PAC operating expenses?
Dan Backer of Backer Capital Strategies released some detailed, useful research on PAC operating expenses. Rather than cherry-picking top PAC’s, he examined PAC operating expenses by receipts for a more accurate picture.
It’s worth a look…
Originality and Your Brand
Amyism #37
The Grassroots/PAC Brand: “Just like any company is known by the quality of its customers, so too is a government relations department known by the quality of its grassroots or PAC customers. Potential PAC and grassroots members are attracted to reliable, successful brands. If you aren’t happy with the quality of your customers, you need to alter your brand.”
I came up with that Amyism years ago. About five years ago, in fact, and it still rings true today. All advocacy groups and PAC’s are in a competition. Your interest group, association, or corporation is in a competition for the involvement and emotional allegiance of your stakeholders and outside audiences. While true allegiance is a…
