Consulting & Research

The TSG Approach

We know that advocacy and PAC results are a team effort. You’ll never hear us say that “We raised thousands of dollars for a PAC” or “We won the issue” because we believe in client collaboration as we jointly diagnose and prescribe evidence-based interventions.

Because our approach to each client challenge is highly customized, you may not be aware of various services we provide. Let us help you uncover not only your challenges, but your advocacy, PAC and influence potential.

Evidence-Based Approaches to Raise Your Advocacy,PAC and Lobbying IQ
(Influence Quotient)

We have utilized research and data-driven methodologies to PAC, grassroots and public affairs challenges long before the current popularity of data driven advocacy, because we know that it gives you an influence advantage in the competition for hearts and minds.

Velocity Research and Data Analytics – Our award-winning research methods give precise insights on the best messages, messengers, and mediums for your particular influence challenge, making your outreach less of a guessing game and more evidence-based. Simple methods of research are available via your social media and web analytics that are built into the platform you are using. Everyone is using those methods, so you don’t have an advantage. The competitive advantage comes from investing in more timely research, with deeper analysis. Typical client research results uncover an average of eight independent variables that predict what leads your population to contribute to your PAC, engage in grassroots, raise more PAC funds, become a more engaged association member, or a more productive staff member. Our PAC clients report that implementation of our research findings leads to not only improved fundraising results, but to fundraising velocity. The research analysis and our recommendations gives you a communications strategy, because you know the messages, messengers and mediums that predict engagement.

Narrative Development, Testing and Delivery Coaching – We use social science methods to develop and enhance narratives that get traction with your target audiences. Our highly acclaimed story coaching, whether delivered privately, in a classroom or virtual setting, gives confidence and clarity to your stakeholders responsible for sharing your story — whether they are government relations staff, organization executives, or advocacy/PAC volunteers.

Scientific PAC Ambassador Analysis, Evaluation and Recruitment Tools – Using our Velocity Research methodology, we analyze your PAC Ambassador / Champion fundraising results and behaviors to create a customized set of best practices for your peer-to-peer or staff fundraising efforts.

Scientific Influence Quotient (IQ) Audits

We have combined our knowledge of the science of influence and our extensive understanding of the challenges facing today’s government relations professionals to create our unique Influence Quotient Audits. An IQ Audit is a “checkup” of your internal or external writers for the organization or individuals.

Credibility Quotient (CQ) Audit – A high CQ is essential in our world of hyper-abundant content and noise. Our CQ Audit is based on over 30 years of peer-reviewed social science research that contain the core of modern influence research. We will review your communications materials for over 15 important credibility components, also taking into consideration the hostility and skepticism of your audience. You will receive a CQ score, report and/or presentation with the findings and our recommendations for improving the credibility of organizational spokespersons and any communications you wish to audit.

We examine your communications for over 60 peer-reviewed influence techniques (context, altercasting, inoculation, consensus, scarcity and metaphors, to name just a few of the 60), as well as correctly employed tactics, influence errors, and potential influence tactics that are underutilized.

This can include your legislative testimony, advocacy or PAC websites, podcasts, group presentations, PAC or charity fundraising drives, social media posts, and even your association membership campaign communications.

Authenticity Quotient (AQ) – Are you and your organizational communications “for real?” How do you know? All audiences crave authenticity, and the Millennial and Gen Z audiences demand it. We have isolated the 12 scientific elements of authenticity and by reviewing the communications of your choice, can assess your current Authenticity Quotient. You will receive an Authenticity Quotient score, and we’ll teach you and your team how to become more authentic spokespersons as well as increase the authenticity of your organizational communications.