Archive for July, 2009
Successful Campaigns Use Technology to Advance and Enhance
by Deena C. Malley
The recent elections in Iran and the last presidential election in our country should have sent one clear message to elected officials and potential candidates – technology has to be an integral part of any campaign strategy. While technology will never replace traditional grassroots efforts like door-to-door and town hall meetings that put candidates directly in touch with their constituents, it can help raise a campaign’s profile, rapidly disseminate information to an entire constituency within seconds, and serve as a powerful tool for campaign donations.
Other than putting up a static website, most candidates have not used modern technologies and social media to advance their campaign efforts. One common mistake is trying to have the campaign manager serve double duty as the online communication manager. Blurring the lines of these two roles does not allow for the appropriate focus on maintaining a dynamic, interactive online presence. Another common mistake is selecting an eStrategist who is either a really good technical person or a really good public relations person. To make an online campaign work, it is better to find someone who can walk in both worlds easily and effectively. Read the rest of this entry »
