I write and share smart ideas I find in books.
1. Always assume Hanlon’s Razor. Always. (H/T: Tim Ferriss)
3. Derek Webb has been one of my favorite musicians for the last two decades. He has nearly lost me in the last year.
4. Keep your marketing simple and clear.
5. That royal wedding was perfect:
Good political marketing is simple.
Why?
Because all good marketing is simple.
It just has to do with the way people process information.
I think that Donald Miller explained all of this best in his book Building A StoryBrand.
In it, Miller tells the story of Steve Jobs shift in advertising before and after his stint at Pixar.
First, the computer “Lisa” was released with a 9-page advertisement.
Sales went nowhere.
After Pixar, Job’s new computer released by Apple was introduced with just two words: “Think Different.”
The rest is history.
Make no mistake, people are drawn to clarity.
Political consultants tell me to keep my message simple, vague, and forceful. Forget about engaging the intellect of the voters. Most are mentally lazy and bore easily. It’s all about style, not substance. Memorable slogans, catchy metaphors, bite-size non-thoughts. Entertain their emotions and you’ll win their hearts.
-Congressman X, The Confessions Of Congressman X
I completely agree with this idea that wishful politicians need marketing.
Effective marketing is the bullet in their gun.
I think you can get someone to do your finances though.
But maybe that’s just my feeling because I have studied economics for so long.
But study marketing!
Specifically, study persuasion.
There is so much to the art of persuasion in the political arena.
If a college student were to ask me how to prepare for Congress, I’d say, ‘Major in marketing and finance so you can sell yourself to the electorate and requisite donors. A minor in theatre might also be helpful, so you can convince voters you’re someone you’re not.’ [Laughs.]
-Congressman X, The Confessions Of Congressman X
