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Showalter Group
Consulting & Research
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.
“I volunteer as a PAC Champion, and share my PAC story with peers to help fundraise for the IP PAC. I felt like I was hitting a wall with my story, so I reached out to Amy and she practically made herself available immediately to listen and provide great direction and feedback. She was able to give purpose to my story and most importantly, made me feel confident that the story is meaningful. What a great resource!”
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.
“Well, Amy and her team are the first people I think of when I get a new idea to see if they have already done it. She produced a workshop for her loyal fans and many new ones in D.C. where Dr. Rhoads spoke on the science of authenticity, which may have been one of the most ground-breaking and timeliest ever, considering forces in society in 21st century America.”
Improving Advocacy and PAC Infrastructure, Influence and Communications
We collaborate with clients to jointly diagnose and then prescribe appropriate interventions, training delivery options, and transfer of skills to the client. Our approach revolves around establishing sustainable PAC, grassroots and lobbying improvements that serve the organization for the long term, rather than ad hoc grassroots, PAC, and lobbying campaigns. All methodologies are based on our client’s highest priority outcomes, so there truly is no “one size fits all” approach.
However, the services listed below represent our most popular interventions. You can also read about our client results here.
- Grassroots advocacy training: staff, Key Contacts, executives and board members
- Government Relations staff and volunteer strategic planning facilitation and reports
- Motivational grassroots keynote speeches
- Grassroots Influence Quotient Audit
- Advocacy staff strategic planning manual development
- Grassroots program management
- Design of grassroots web sites
- Creation of grassroots collateral materials
- Key contact program establishment
- Coaching for government relations staff
- Grassroots program audit
- Grassroots program establishment – internal and external communications, editorial calendars and content on demand
Creating & Maintaining a Purposeful PAC ®
- Peer to peer fundraiser performance analysis & improvement
- Velocity PAC research and data analytics
- PAC communications influence quotient audit
- PAC strategic plan facilitation and development
- PAC campaign strategy and plan development
- PAC peer to peer and staff fundraising training – communications and narrative development
- PAC fundraising communications and collateral
- PAC contributor communications and editorial calendars
- Executive PAC communications
- Establishment of PAC metrics