Money Talks

Political races are similar to marketing campaigns -- the results can be designed in the process by degree of spending and effort. The presidential candidates have been all over the news, and the news has been mostly about one thing and one thing only -- cash. Check out the headlines:

Money is Going to Talk in 2008 -- The Washington Post as early as March 2006

Many political operatives are expecting that the gradual breakdown of the public funding system -- federal funds in exchange for spending limits -- that has taken place in recent years will become complete in 2008. The result would be candidates in both parties racing far past old spending records, and facing new pressure to begin raising money far in advance of the election year.

Iowa Leads in 2008 Campaign Ads -- USA Today

That more money is being spent is hardly surprising. Candidates are raising amounts of cash that are shattering previous records.

Campaigns Prepare for Big Spending Spree -- the Associated Press

The first two quarters of the year, a gauge of fundraising and organizational ability, saw the leading candidates raise whopping sums and build vast networks of donors. But the next three months will be big-spending ones. How much candidates have in the bank will signal how well positioned they are to compete.

Obama to Beat Hillary Clinton in Fundraising Again -- NewsMax.com

Obama's fundraising success is being fueled to a large extent by his success in bringing in contributions from small donors.

This is the topic of today's post at FC Expert blogs. It is no secret that you will obtain growth and results in proportional amounts of investment and generous measures of attention. Where you are focusing your efforts? There is where it shows.

Comments

[Joe Raasch]

Hi Valeria,

A few months ago I was reading an article in Ode Magazine (www.odemagazine.com) on geotourism that mentioned we should 'vote with our dollars' to determine what we want to see more of.

This was never truer than in organizations today. It is rarely a budget issue as an ROI issue. The critical strategy piece is getting organizations to equate their strategy with their budget spend. I see many organizations that talk/strategize in one direction while spending freely in areas unrelated to their strategy! Why is this happening? Is the strategy purely aspirational?

(I posted a comment at FC as well. Voting with my 'dollars' - I want you to write in both places!)

Ciao, Joe

[Valeria Maltoni]

Hi Joe:

The strategy can and does (sometimes should) contain an aspirational piece. I equate strategy with ideas, it is only good when implemented. I have one simple rule 90/10/90 -- spend 90% of your budgets on the 10% of your brand promise (and top objectives) that will give you 90% of the profit. Otherwise what kind of business are you running? Love Ode Magazine, BTW.