It’s inevitable. In fact, it’s already started: Comparisons between the 2008 (forget 2012) and this/next year’s Presidential campaigns.
Most probably, there won’t be as many drastic thens/nows as there will be evolutions in tactics. For sure, we’ll see:
- Extraordinary use of social media and analytics
- Foot soldiers, a/k/a message carriers and
- Chum (read: branded merchandise for sale), among other activities
Last time around, politicians did well in driving funds and votes through Facebook, podcasts, Web sites, and YouTube. Volunteer armies continued to transmit the message, whether asking for dollars or votes. And the spoils of war, er, tchtchokes, helped get the candidate in front of audiences hitherto unreached (remember the famous “Hope” poster from Shepard Fairey).
What’s to keep us in corporate America from using similar approaches? [Though we just might not want to charge for swag emblazoned with the corporate name and logo.] Given a robust business case and an unrelenting focus on one simple and compelling message, it’s entirely possible that:
- Jams, other internal community gatherings, and Yammer-type sharing are embedded with data-pulling (and pushing) capabilities
- Our Ambassadors are supported by professional-level L&D training, house party-like events, and continuous organizing tips and
- Visual reminders are reinforced by 3D branded tools, ranging from holograms to the latest version of Viewmasters.
We’ve seen this kind of political movement succeed inside and out of companies. There’s always a ‘but.’ Find out why in our next (and yes, final) Presidential Parallel.