Election's Over. Now Start Campaigning!

Yes, it is November 5th. The fall election is two days behind us, but the June election is coming up fast. Believe it or not, if you plan a run for June 2016, you better be on it now. Start fundraising if you haven't Remember, friends and family first. And what better time to visit with friends and family than the Holiday season!

You know you will be going to lots of family get togethers, Holiday parties and maybe even a high school or college reunion. It's that time of year. Get yourself a remit envelope, a small handout, professionally created and printed and practice your elevator speech.

When people ask you what you've up to, don't be shy. Hand them a card and a remit and tell them about your run. Ask for their support and, even if it's not appropriate to hit them up for cash at that moment (maybe the carols are playing or the turkey is getting passed around the table), the right time will come soon. Pick up the phone and call back every one you made contact with within a day or so of the contact, and make the ask.

And now for a delicious Holiday fundraising fettuccine. You'll need it to keep up your energy as you dial those phones and press that flesh.

Fettuccine with Sausage & Kale

 

• 1 pound fettuccine
• 1 pound spicy italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large bunch kale, trimmed and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan

Directions

1. In large pot of boiling, salted water, cook pasta until al dente; drain. In large skillet, cook sausage over medium-low until browned, about 7 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water and cream; simmer until reduced by half, about 7 minutes. Add kale; toss until wilted. Remove from heat; toss with pasta. Sprinkle with parmesan.

Fundraising - Don't be Shy

Feeling a little leery about asking people for money for your campaign? Now is not the time for shyness. Be bold. Channel your inner pushy telemarketer.  Now is the time to pick up the phone and call your friends, family, including old Aunt Minnie from Fresno and put the bite on them.  In a nice way of course.  They are your best bets for early money that will make the campaign grow. They are there for you and they want you to win.  They want to be able to say, "I knew her when..."  It's an opportunity for them and for the campaign coffers.

Got a day job? Great, then you have coworkers, suppliers, vendors, customers. Be professional, but let them know you are running, hand them that all important remit envelope when you sneak in a spiel over lunch or when schmoozing that business deal.

Got friends in Public office? Get their lists. I cannot emphasize this enough, especially if they are endorsing your campaign.  They want you to win. They have raised money in the past for their own campaigns and they can help you now, with a data base of names and contact information, maybe even make an introduction or two to their highest powered donors.  Don't be shy about asking. People who gave before are the most likely to give again.

Attend church or synagogue?  Belong to clubs and organizations?  Have kids in school?  More potential donors. And don't forget the neighbors. Not only good places to display your window signs, but good people to ask for campaigns donations, even small ones. They all add up.

If you've been endorsed by unions or other endorsing entities, ask their leadership for donations personally.  See if they will provide a list of members or send a letter on your behalf.

If letters are sent, do follow up with a personal phone call, especially for higher donors.  Volunteers can help with smaller donors.

But follow up is key. And as the candidate, you are in the best position. To make the "pitch."  Remember, it's not yourself you are selling, it's all the good you will do in office that will benefit the community and the donor, even indirectly, that motivates the giver.

Now here's a delicious Money Pie to get your campaign fundraising juices flowing.