Know why you’re running for office – the “real” why, not just your usual story – so that you’ll be magnetic to donors, voters and volunteers who want what you stand for.
You know how during election season it’s all back-to-back TV ads and everybody’s saying some variation of the same thing, or bad mouthing the other guy?
But occasionally, someone jumps out of the pack.
Some candidates resonate with you while others, who say essentially the same thing, barely register?
For many years, I didn’t think much about what draws me to particular candidates. There are just some I personally found engaging.
After getting involved with my local political chapter and participating in endorsement interviews, I started paying attention to what was appealing about those people who made me sit up and take notice. I realized the magic was this: Their passion was authentic and came from their hearts.
Introvert, extrovert, polished, awkward –the style of the person does not matter as much as where the message comes from.
I could tell they knew WHY they wanted to run for office. Not just some old story, but really – why. They embodied it as they spoke.
In coaching language, it is described as ‘being’.
Candidates who speak their truth and come from a place of clear purpose are ‘being’ authentically powerful.
The audience can feel the commitment and passion. It is the ability to connect on an emotional level that generates enthusiasm for a campaign.
Do you want people lining up to volunteer time and money?
Do you want people willing to stand in line for hours to hear you speak and cast their ballots?
Do you want to develop a following of those excited to promote your name?
If you answered yes to those questions, then do this: Connect your life story to your life purpose and align both to your JUST CAUSE- then speak about it from your heart. Your Just Cause is the REAL reason you are running for office.
Consider Bernie Sanders. Whether he is your cup of tea or not, he does have a dedicated following. He is not particularly eloquent when speaking, he is not a fashionista (well, except for those mittens).
And yet.
Sen. Sanders courageously speaks what he believes in a way that people trust his actions will match his words.
His audiences feel he is committed to making their lives better.
They know this because his reason for becoming a politician is rooted in his life story and aligned with a purpose of creating a fair playing field for all.
By serving in the senate, Bernie Sanders is empowered to change lives by enacting policy that levels the field – his Just Cause. His voters believe he is the right man for that specific job. And those feeling The Bern, stand in line for him.
How’s your commitment doing?
Does your answer generate enthusiastic connection?
If not, consider digging a bit deeper into the reason you want to hold this seat.
Go beyond what triggered you to run and the perspective you can bring to the job.
Talk about how winning the seat will allow you to manifest your life purpose in a way that furthers YOUR Just Cause.
When you are clear about your motivation, you won’t need a script. You can just say what is true. And you will connect to your people – who will volunteer, donate money and vote.
It will feel great.
FIND OUT HOW TO CONNECT YOUR STORY TO YOUR CAMPAIGN. Let’s Talk – Mindful Direction Coaching