Every move counts when it comes to running a political campaign. Winning requires a multifaceted approach to ensure every base is covered, but while trying to manage a myriad of teams, strategies, and policies, even seasoned candidates can make mistakes. Zee Cohen-Sanchez, political strategist, CEO, and founder of Democratic campaigning firm Sole Strategies, pinpoints the common pitfalls that candidates often stumble into during their campaign journeys. With an eye for effective strategies, Cohen-Sanchez emphasizes the importance of direct engagement and judicious resource allocation to secure voter support and campaign success.
Neglecting Call Time, The Undervalued Power of Personal Connection
Cohen-Sanchez identifies the first major blunder as the underestimation of call time. Call time is the time a candidate allots to calling supporters to ask for campaign donations. Direct phone conversations with potential donors are not just routine tasks; they are golden opportunities to build rapport, understand donor concerns, and secure essential funding. This personal touch can make a significant difference in a campaign’s financial health and overall momentum.
“Call time is more than a fundraising activity; it’s about creating lasting connections that can fuel a campaign,” Cohen-Sanchez explains. “Candidates who skimp on these interactions miss out on not only financial support but also on valuable insights into the electorate’s pulse.”
Overlooking Field Campaigns, The Essential Ingredient for Voter Conversion
The second mistake Cohen-Sanchez highlights is the neglect of canvassing. Canvassing is an age-old method to meet voters where they are and hold meaningful conversations in hopes to gain their support. In an era where digital engagement is often overemphasized, the importance of face-to-face interaction cannot be overstated. Direct voter contact, through door-to-door canvassing or community events, is crucial for gauging public opinion and persuading undecided voters. Door knocking has been shown to be one of the most effective strategies for converting voters, so when candidates undervalue its impact, they’re setting themselves up for failure. And now, with modern technology, teams are able to track their field teams and responses in live-time.
“Field campaigns bring the human element to politics. They allow candidates to personally connect with voters, address their concerns, and demonstrate their commitment to serving the community,” says Cohen-Sanchez. “This direct engagement is instrumental in converting potential voters into staunch supporters.”
Wasting Resources on Ineffective Advertising: The Misallocation of Campaign Funds
Finally, Cohen-Sanchez critiques the common misstep of investing heavily in indirect marketing methods, such as television ads and mailers. While these tactics can increase visibility, they often lack the personal touch that truly resonates with voters. In the digital era we’re in now, these flashier strategies often get more attention from candidates because of the misinformation claiming its effectiveness. Unfortunately, Cohen-Sanchez says many candidates that come to her have spent exorbitant amounts of money on indirect voter contact with lackluster results when they could have used those dollars on more effective strategies.
“Campaigns need to be strategic in their advertising spend, focusing on methods that foster genuine connections rather than just broad visibility,” Cohen-Sanchez advises. “Investing in targeted, interactive, and direct marketing strategies can yield a higher return on investment by engaging voters in a more meaningful way.”
Embracing Strategy and Authenticity for Campaign Success
Cohen-Sanchez’s insights shed light on the crucial elements of successful political campaigning. No matter how big or small a campaign is, the foundation is always the same. By prioritizing call time, running effective field campaigns, and allocating funds wisely, candidates can avoid common pitfalls and pave the way for a successful bid. In the end, the key to winning a campaign lies in strategic planning and genuine voter engagement, elements that Cohen-Sanchez, and her company Sole Strategies, champions in her approach to political strategy.
Published by: Holy Minoza
