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Consultant's Corner
Building Name Recognition
By Stacy D. Cole
May 04, 2004
Building name recognition is the beginning of grassroots support. By getting your name in front of people and building a good reputation, they hopefully will give you their support (preferably physically and monetarily); you will begin to grow your grassroots network.
As previously stated in the last column, your "kitchen cabinet" should be vocal in their support of you to their friends, family & associates. The best advertising is through word of mouth. Would you be more willing to buy a product (or consider buying it) more on a recommendation from a friend or colleague whom you trust, or based on an advertisement? More than likely, you will trust your friend.
Being involved in other civic and volunteer organizations is another great way to build name recognition, especially by taking on leadership roles. Examples of some of these organizations are Boy/Girl Scouts, a local hospice, and your church. People will see that you are a capable and dependable person who can get things done, and someone who they feel that they can trust.
It may seem obvious, but it still needs to be stated: be active in local Republican clubs and organizations. It will enhance your name and perception by leading in party-building activities; i.e., voter registration, Lincoln Day dinners, and GOTV are just a few examples. This will also raise your profile in your local and state party structures.
Another step in building name recognition is by getting involved with groups or causes you would like to eventually champion as a candidate and legislator. If that cause is crime prevention or law enforcement, get involved with Neighborhood Watch. If you are interested in improving our educational system, volunteer at a school and/or get involved with PTA.
It will be important to your future campaigns to have a wide breadth of knowledge & experience with different organizations. Voters might be turned off if most, or all, of your volunteer experience was with politically oriented organizations. It will give the appearance that you are politically motivated. This saying is particularly true in politics: Perception is reality. There needs to be a balance between civic and political organizations.
These are only a few of the ways to build name recognition. There surely are other ways to do it, and that responsibility falls on your shoulders. Volunteer in causes that you care deeply about. If you volunteer just to volunteer, your heart will not be into it, and it will show.
Good luck!!!
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