Inside the Cave: In-Depth Look at Digital, Technology & Analytics Operation

The GOP and their conservative friends thought we were making progress in a sizable way in the 2012 election.

In our minds, we were confident that we were tracking at a comparable pace with the Obama campaign. The Obama 2008 team made such an incredible splash on the technology side that the GOP knew that they needed to master this field. Call the Obama 2008 success a slap in the face. In hindsight, the GOP should have been listening to communication experts and been on top of this years in advance of the 2008 elections. But I digress as that's a mute point now.

Elections 2012. The GOP Presidential contenders were out front, tracking aggressively in their effort to win on Election Day. I tip my proverbial hat to them for working hard, for a long time, to try to win the Presidential seat back to the GOP.

But what we were dismissing and overlooking was the brilliance of the technology mechanics and the chess-like maneuvers that the Obama team used. We tried pushing the same tactics for outreach - i.e. door knocking and phone calls -  from before but doing it only better and in greater quantities. While we were distracted with old mechanics, the Obama team was using old functions and moving with the culture, using the language and outreach needed to reach the 21st century citizenry. They won. And we lost. Now that we're done licking our wounds, we better get up and figure out how to quit being the losing team.

A friend sent me this report. It is profound as it reports numbers from both sides (Romney and Obama) and gives intel on why the Obama team was so successful.

We thought we had arrived as conservatives. I do think we greatly improved. But count me out of the GOP dialog if we're simply going to try and play catch up over the next 4 years. Next time around, the GOP and its conservative friends better have a report done like the following that shows how "we" broke the glass ceiling, created by the Obama team 2008 and 2012.

Here are a couple highlights:


"The Lesson: Don't fight the last war. In 2016, the game will be different...GOP needs to catch up AND get ahead of where campaigns are going next like OFA did with Analytics in 2012.


"What’s Next: 2016
• Better Social Targeting: Phones are falling of “the cliff” first but door knocks, still the gold
standard, don’t scale easily. Can personalized outreach from friends on Facebook become the
next phone call or door knock? The technology has plenty of room to improve. For one thing,
Obama for America didn’t necessarily use social data itself to enhance its voter file or
determine who to target. This will be standard by 2016.
"• Real-Time Analytics Overtakes Polling: We have only just begun to understand what Big Data
can do. The trend towards real-time analytics, and towards treating voters as individuals rather
than as members of crude subgroups within a poll sample, will continue to evolve. We will also
better be able to understand and model the relationship between online conversation and
public opinion (which we can’t currently do very well). In four years, the media will stand up
their own Analytics shops to better understand how voters are moving in real time.
"• True Digital Integration: Practitioners on both sides agree that 2012 was a big step forward for
integrating Digital with the rest of the campaign. Jeremy Bird notes than in eight years, “We
will have difficulty telling a Field Director apart from a Digital Organizing Director. They are
one and the same in future campaigns.” Indeed, as the backbone of the campaign itself moves
online, separate Digital departments may fade away. The challenge will be to accomplish this
transition while continuing to grow digital’s primacy within campaign organizations."

Communication 101

So you want to get a message across? Or perhaps you've been trying and no one is listening? Even the best communicators are wise to review some of the basic guidelines for communication; for those of you who don't consider it "your thing" perhaps these tips will be just the thing you've been looking for.

Remember the following; they are part of the basic 101 tips of communication.

• What you "Meant" doesn't matter: The message that counts is not the one you intend and try to send, but the one that is received. 
• Perception Matters. Impressions will be made in the first 30 seconds of introduction. 
• The most important form of communication is Listening. 

Now, for a little more in-depth insight:

What you Meant: As individuals who want to convey a message be it via public speaking venues or just one on one with a friend over coffee, our default as humans is to think that we are right, that our message makes sense and that anyone not understanding me is weird. But, if you want to be an effective communicator you have to try a different paradigm.

As frustrating as this is, whether the listener understands your message is not based on your intentions, passion or how well you think you articulated the message. Instead, it is dependent on how well the message is received by the listener. A lot can happen in the transition from your mind to their ears.

If they take away something different than what you intended or do not offer you confirmation and recognition that "they get it", do not blame it on them. You are the influencer. If people are not responding to you as you had hoped, it's possible you should reconsider what you said and how you said it! The power, persay, is in your hands to make sure the listeners "get" the message you intended.

Powerful Perception: How will those you want to influence perceive you - immediately? This is one I wish everyone would understand: Everything about you communicates something. And this truth is as sure and unchangeable just as the sun comes out in the morning and the moon at night. If you can't change it, you best learn to work with it.

For example: What are you wearing when introducing yourself to individuals? What do you want to communicate and does your attire, mannerisms, personal presentation reflect that goal?

Scenario: You are speaking to college students; are you dressed in casual and classy attire, displaying smart, stylish, mature and credible? Or are you dressed in a patriotic tie, your hair is a mess and you smell like you just ate onions, the students may mock you and for sure twitter and facebook will be a buzz with the "weird one" that came to class today. Now, what was it you wanted them to take away? I don't think it's that you might struggle with style.

But on the flip side: If you were a college student showing up to speak to a political party meeting you would not want to dress in pjs, yesterday's tshirt and slippers. The listeners will be frustrated they are having to give you the time of day. But if you go prepared, friendly, dressed in a classy, modest, professional attire, have a message clearly stated and are respectful to those you meet - they may ask you to run for city council! Am I serious? Somewhat. Why the difference? Because, perception matters. They have a few seconds to immediately "take in your story" and determine who you are through their senses. You might be a brilliant guy with the perfect message but if you immediately throw them off in the first 30 seconds, communicating something that causes them to perceive differently than what you wanted, your message may be in danger.

Get the idea?

Listening: Giving a presentation requires significant talking, of course; but a one on one conversation with your teenager or a colleague is best served with lots of listening on your part. Once they know you care about what they say, they might be willing to listen to you. And those you're "listening" to can tell if they are being heard with intentional listening. So be careful.

Listening builds credibility, is thoughtful, is wise and a good relationship building tool.

Exercise Suggestions: Consider, how do you like to be communicated to? Does it get under your skin if someone tries to tell you something but then they drone on for eons? Or if they take great interest by listening to you, how do you want to return the favor? Perhaps by taking even greater interest in their point of view?

You might also try catching yourself: try counting every-time you say the word "I". Or try reading the other individual as you are speaking. Do they keep checking their watch, or looking away, or starting to yawn? It might be time to listen and ask them something in return.

More tips soon! And remember this basic fact: communication is a part of life. You can't get away from it - so might as well do it right! 

6 Ways Social Media Marketers Should Capitalize on the Visual Content Revolution

Wowwweee! Another great source to give additional technology tips for influencing. Have I mentioned I love technology?

Check it out - and share!

6 Ways Social Media Marketers Should Capitalize on the Visual Content Revolution

Source: blog.hubspot.com via Gustavo on Pinterest

Thanks to HubSpot for this great resource!

Brilliant Briefing on Marketing

Trust me. When you get to the end you'll say wow just like I did.

A simple, succinct, informative, unbelievable report of everything from email marketing, to social media facts to cell phone details. It's what every "Wanna be an Influencer" person needs to review.

Click here or on the image:
HubSpot, 120 Awesome Marketing, Stats, Chars and Graphs

Regarding Newtown: Look for the Helpers

Friend and pastor Eric Moore shared the following. What a perfect message for today, a week after the CT shooting. We are grieving right now.

______
(Rev) Mr. Rogers Quote - Biblical Thinking on NewtownBy Eric Neale Moore

Mr. Rogers said it powerfully in language children can understand.

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world."

Former Presbyterian minister, Mr. Rogers took the Kingdom principle "be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good" and said it in a way that applies to the horror of Newtown, CT. One young man was overcome with evil, and now thousands are overcoming that evil in thousands of ways.

Goodness wins, evil loses.
_____

Powerful message, huh. We will not dispair. God has not left us. With Him, through Him and in Him only do we have hope. 

Praying for God's peace to the families of the departed ones this morning. 

UC BERKELEY: Mobile Reporting Guide

Americans for Prosperity had a conference out in Nevada a few months ago. The goal? Being citizen reporters and better understanding how to take advantage of the social media and internet world to appropriately convey and communicate our message.

Andrew Breitbart (deceased in 2012) was a citizen report in the highest form. He was committed to the truth and not afraid to track it down or expose the lies for what they were. AFP has highlighted the importance of his role in our culture. And, my guess is he really did pave the way for us.

You and I have seen how and felt that the mainstream media does not tell us - always - the "Real" truth.  The reports at times seem to be slanted a certain direction so frame a certain narrative. Perhaps the agenda of the narrative-teller was accomplished but we end up mis-led. What really happened in Behngazi? Why are there really protests going on at Walmart stores? What is the conversation at the tea party gatherings (you know, the ones where the media reports 1,000 people attended but really it had a few more zeros on the end, aka 1 million)? How are people behaving at Right to Work rallys? I'll stop. I'm sure you get the point.

We have, sadly, become a "consumer" generation and culture. If CNN says it, Millennials believe it. If Fox-news says it, Baby Boomers and the Greatest Generation are ready to take it to the bank. If MTV promotes it, teenagers think it must be ideal.

We must bypass the middle man. If you want to know the real story, why not tell it yourself? If you want to know the Mayor's position on an issue and you're friends with him and with his permission he does not mind you recording a statement - why not?

So, I've just come across this "Mobile Guide" by UC Berkleley School of Journalism. If you are interested in being a Citizen Reporter, I'd encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give it a try. I'm hoping this resource might help!

Perhaps even conservatives have been relying on government forms, entities and others too much ourselves. If you are concerned you're not getting the whole truth - become a citizen report and go report it yourself!

Happy learning!

Pew Research: Year in Review

A few photos (and reports if you want them) from Pew Research on where our culture is right now at the end of 2012. A year in review worth - reviewing!

The article is here

US Prayer Caucus - Has Enemies??

You will be encouraged by this interview of Congressman Randy Forbes, Chair of the US Congressional Prayer Caucus. Fox News Channel's Gretchen Carlson speaks with him regarding a letter they received asking - well, just take a listen.

I'm telling you - politics and politicians are not all with evil intent. There are some WONDERFUL men and women serving us in elected office. Be encouraged. God IS working in our - and their -  midst!

Thanks, Democrats for Sharing Your Strategy!

Dear Move-On.org shared this piece with "me" today (via email). They are 8 principles to follow regarding the "Fiscal Cliff".

Some of them might not be new but then it is helpful to see what they are specifically focusing on; hearing their talking points to support their issues; see where they hope to "hit" Republicans on.

Take a listen (it's only 2 min and 30 seconds; I replayed more than once - and took notes.

Labor Freedom 101 (Right to Work)

Michigan is a big union state. I believe unions have probably had their place in our culture and have often been run by good people, used by good people to help good people.

But changing of the times often means re-considering approaches and strategies. And RTW laws don't mean getting rid of unions all together; but hard working citizens should have a choice as an individual as to whether they want to be a part of that union. They should not be strong-armed into doing so.

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a conservative think tank, describes the issue in a few seconds. It's short, sweet and visual - and that helps me! Perhaps it will serve you as well.