10 Things I've Learned From Politics (so far)

1. Personality is just as important as policy.
2. It's better to believe in something vs. everything.
3. Words do matter.  The delivery of them matters even more.
4. Positive trumps negative.
5. Authenticity is hard to fake but easy to harness.
6. Leadership trumps politics.
7. The internet isn't a channel, it's THE channel.
8. Influence is contagious—so is hope.
9. You can't force people to like you.
10. Anything is possible.

Comments

[Cam Beck]

"Personality is just as important as policy."

When you consider the power the government holds over you and the fruits of your labor, you'll realize that's a very dangerous position to take.

[David Armano]

Cam, I'm stating observations that I believe are true regardless of party, or political affiliations. Personality matters (as does policy). Ask Churchill, Teddy Roosevelt et. al.

[Cam Beck]

I'm not arguing with you - Just pointing out that it's not necessarily a good thing to bow to the altar of the Cult of Personality before or on the same plane with policy. Ask Stalin, Hitler et. al.

[David Armano]

I totally agree Cam. Like anything powerful, personality can be a force for good or evil. To the point of my post—it still matters. A lot.

[frank patrick]

#3 brings to mind one of my all-time favorite quotes about communication...

"It is content, or rather the consciousness of content, that fills the void. But the mere presence of content is not enough. It is style that gives content the capacity to absorb us, to move us; it is style that makes us care." - Tom Robbins (from Another Roadside Attraction)

[Steve Portigal]

#0 - Everything is politics

?

[David Armano]

Steve, we're social beings. All social beings practice politics. #0 is a given. But point taken. ;-)

[Eric Reagan]

Can't help but compare this list to thinking about branding as well. Many similarities in that list.

[Former Client]

David, I think you just wrote the next great marketing book outline! Those are things we can all use to better our messages and resonate more with consumers. Great way to bring it all together in a nice short digestible list.

[David Armano]

I think more former clients should comment here... ;-)

[Greg Ness]

David,

Looks like an interesting, provocative list. I'd sure like to see you expand on this.

[Martha Mihaly]

The cynic in me would add one more:
"Don't get caught."

[KSchnabel]

or Perception (PR/Spin) is everything.

[gianandrea facchini]

#9: you can't force people to like you. but you can pay for it.
This is the sad truth: most of the promises coming from the candidates are built to provide you with short term financial benefit.