Winning Edge

#39 Your Post-Election Game Plan

The election is over and here's what to do next. 

For Candidates Who Didn't Win:

  1. Keep the Network
    • Maintain connections with supporters and donors
    • Send handwritten thank-you notes
  2. Give Yourself Time
    • Process the results
    • Appreciate skills gained and lessons learned
  3. Conduct a Post-mortem
    • Document what worked and what didn't
    • Record details while fresh
  4. Take the Longview
    • View this as one chapter in your story
    • Use experience as a launchpad for your next chapter

For Candidates Who Won:

  1. Thank Your Supporters
    • Write thank-you notes to key supporters, donors, and spouse
  2. Protect Your Time
    • Be selective with new requests
    • Manage priorities carefully
  3. Find a Mentor
    • Seek guidance from experienced officials
    • Build valuable alliances
  4. Have an Agenda
    • Focus on two priorities:
      • One campaign promise
      • One bipartisan issue
  5. Become an Expert
    • Choose a relevant issue
    • Build expertise through focused study

Bottom Line:

  • Post-election is the beginning of your next chapter
  • Actions in coming weeks set the stage for future success

For more tips on post-election strategies, refer to the accompanying one-page PDF.

Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion.

For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com