Advice on Campaign Events and Parades ...

Tom writes:

Matt,

Nice work on the book. Concise and to the point. Good format.
What about candidates going to local events (farmers markets, parades, etc) to kiss hands and shake babies? What would be your advice on getting out? Where to find the events and which events would not be a waste of time.

Thanks, Tom

Here's my answer ...

My advice on local events is mixed. There are some events that you simply MUST go to. If you don't -- especially in a small town -- it WILL be noticed (and word spreads).

However, as a rule, the problem with going to events is that they are not "targeted" What I mean by this is that if you meet someone at an outing, you have no idea if the person you're meeting is for you, against you, registered to vote -- or if they even live in your district.

Conversely, if you send mail, phone calls, or go door-to-door, you know you are spending your limited time talking to people who are registered, eligible, likely voters in your district.

So it comes down to a strategic call on your part. If it's an event you can't miss, don't. But don't feel like you are compelled to attend every clam bake, either. Odds are, you would reach more likely voters by randomly calling out of the phone book.

My rule for whether or not to do something on a campaign is to ask yourself what else you could be doing. If the answer is: "I could go to this event, or I could go door-to-door and meet voters," my answer is you should probably go door-to-door. However, if the answer is, "I could go to this event, or I could watch Seinfeld," then go to the event.

Additionally, if you do decide to do an event (such as a parade) there is a way to do it right, and a way to do it wrong. For example, I love those lapel stickers with the candidate’s name on it. Don't waste your time buying campaign pins. Instead, go for those lapel stickers.

Usually, when there is a parade, the attendee's start lining up along the parade route early and getting lawn chairs set up. I recommend sending out an advance team to put lapel stickers on them -- and hand out balloons with your name on it.

Note: Don't hand someone a sticker (if you do, they won't wear it, trust me) -- ask if YOU can put it on them.

Likewise, balloons are one kitschy item that I actually like. Your name will be flying high above the crowd, and even a liberal parent won't say no to a child who wants a balloon!

The point of doing this advance work before the parade starts is that your name will be out more. And think of the psychological affect this has on your opponent when they come marching thru town -- and everyone already has one of your stickers on.

Your opponent (and their volunteers) will assume everyone is already for you, when in fact, they merely accepted a balloon and a sticker ...

I hope this helps.