By Dan Bevarly, Ahead of Ideas

After winning your election, instead of bronzing that pair of shoes used to walk the campaign trail, you may want to consider bronzing your computer mouse.  It’s a new day in political campaigning. With the explosion of online social networks affecting and responding to changing preferences and expectations for how people communicate and share information, some of your best campaigning may happen in front of a laptop and not necessarily in front of a person.

Yes, yes, there is nothing more genuine than to meet with voters on their front porch or at a rally where they’ve taken time out of their day to hear your positions or to share their thoughts or needs.   There is no replacement for that type of connection. 

However, the Internet provides a source of information and communication for citizens 24/7; where they want it and when they want it.  Voters and non-voters alike are finding it not only comfortable, but also preferable to connect with each other (and their candidate) online around a common purpose, interest or geographic location.

So how do you find your voters on the Web, and how do you connect with them?  Start by finding the online communities, or social networks, where your voters converge.  Keep in mind these communities can be local, grassroots as well as national or even international.

Are you aware of Face Book, LinkedIn, YouTube or Twitter?  Have you ever written a Blog, or posted a comment on a news media Web site about an issue being discussed?  These are all social networks that enable you to connect with voters. 

What value do social networks provide?  They can be a very cost-effective way to introduce yourself, deliver your message, and provide ways for citizens to connect with you and for you to respond –directly and/or to the collective.  You can also use them to raise funds and attract volunteers.  Using social networks says to your voters, “I get it.” 

Keeping in mind there is a form of etiquette that should be exercised or risk turning off an audience or being “flamed” by others, it is easy to immediately begin communicating in this online environment by keeping a few rules and suggestions in mind. 

1. Formulate a strategy.  There are some “obligatory” networks you will want to have a presence so you can include it in your presentations, collateral and advertising.  Having a page on Face Book is a good place to begin.
2. Be “in network.”  That is, you want to be a part of the network(s) you chose —among the members, speaking to them as one of them, not as an outsider speaking into the network.
3. Add value. You want to contribute something that adds value to the conversations taking place.  Share ideas, experiences or even links to additional subject matter content that enhances the dialog.
4. Use more than one network.  Different networks have different purposes and can help enhance your public outreach and contact. 
5. Consider your own network.  A campaign web site can easily include an ongoing public forum for voters to respond to surveys, learn about and discuss issues of interest and where you can regularly post responses and new content. 

Most political candidates today are aware of the power of social networks.  While some candidates have not embraced them, others have found ways to capitalize on them and leverage these online communities into real time votes on Election Day.

For more information, contact Dan Bevarly at Ahead of Ideas – http://www.aheadofideas.com.