Tips for politicians

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Rule 1: Think strategically. One of the reasons why promising politicians fail, is the lack of strategic planning. Some prefer to leave everything they do to “creativity”, “political instinct“ or “political experience”.

Many politicians who embark upon strategic planning like to apply only those elements of the strategy which suit them. This cannot work if strategic planning is done properly.

For if your political opponents know your strategy, they will try everything to neutralize it.

Rule 2: Do not just plan for victory. Know and tell your voters what you will do with your victory.

Take into account that many voters distrust politicians. They believe that all politicians are selfish. Politicians, they suspect, do not look after their voters but after their own interests. As a successful politician you should always be aware of your strong and your weak points. If you have sufficient money for a media campaign this is merely a strong point if your opponent lacks money. If your opponent has more resources than you, if your party is deeply divided about an important issue or if your party leader is unpopular do not ignore or deny these facts, but take them into account in your planning. If you lack a political manifesto it can be written in a few weeks. If you lack money, plan a funds-raising campaign and write down how much money you want to raise by what date. If you lack allies in an important interest group, develop a sub-strategy on how you can get into contact with important people in that interest group and by when you will do so. Finally, do not forget that you can turn every weak point into a strong point if you are clever and imaginative. If for instance your opponent is a long-standing, experienced and influential politician while you are a new young contender, attack him for being worn out, lacking fresh ideas or having lost touch with the voters.

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Rule 4: Listen to the people and focus on their prime needs

Many politicians love to enter into debates with other politicians on petty political details instead of promoting the interests of their voters. Debate then becomes an affair within the political class, which bores voters and leads to alienation between those who elect and those elected. In reality, voters are pretty down to earth. Successful politician listen to their voters, identify the “bread and butter issues” and address them. They show that they can deliver the goods and render the services the voters want. Focus upon the prime needs ...

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