Too often voters feel ignored. They have someone come to their door looking for their vote, yet that person doesn’t feel listened to. They feel like the candidate has someplace else to be or is just going their their lines. Does a candidate really expect a person’s vote if they don’t focus on them?
Candidates are only human. They have a lot on their plates but they need to manage that to be able to focus on the voters who ultimately control their political future. Most people are just looking to put a face to the name, but there are voters who want to discuss an issue important to them. If a voter is particularly passionate about an issue, they usually have a network of like minded people in the community. Listening to their views can often lead to a larger volume of support. People who are issue minded are also more likely to make their voices heard on election day with their vote.
Some tips and advice
- Don’t look beyond the person in front of you- Listen, take notes, ask questions, show real interest. They may be able to educate you on their focused issue. Get their contact information to follow up.
- Don’t look at your watch- Once you look at your watch, people know that you are not engaged. If time is that much of a concern, you scheduling is poor. When you are knocking on doors take your time and get to know the voters.
- The next person may not be the best person- The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
- You meet the same people going up as you do going down- My grandfather used to say this. Win or lose, this is your community. Do you want to be know as a glad hander or a stand up person.
A candidate needs to concentrate on people. You are asking people for the privilege of being their voice in government. Focus on them.