13. How to get people to care what you think with guest Frank Mecca
Who are the most influential groups in Sacramento?
We all know the traditional power players. Organizations that play big in electoral politics. Either they write big campaign checks, mobilize big voter turnout, or perhaps do both.
Dig deeper, though, and you’ll see they aren’t the only ones at the Capitol with clout.
Just because you don’t participate in electoral politics - for whatever reason – it doesn’t mean you are relegated to the sidelines.
Take stock of where you already have points of leverage. Maybe it’s access to information or technical expertise. Maybe it’s strategic alliances you’ve built. Maybe it’s your standing in the community.
These are your tools. If you use them effectively and consistently you will build credibility, trust, and eventually influence.
Today, I talk with Frank Mecca, former Executive Director of the County Welfare Directors Association. When Frank began his stint at CWDA he was one in a staff of three. By the time he left thirty years later, Frank had built a formidable advocacy shop with 11 staff, a history of legislative wins, and, above all, significant political standing at the Capitol.
In this episode we discuss:
4:18 - “Why would people care what you think?”
6:33 - Leverage the relationships you already have
10:04 - Create points of leverage: Be right. Be First. Be Nice.
17:53 - Building a genuine alliance with Labor
20:40 - Invite yourself to the table
21:50 - It also takes political courage.
25:00 - Separate yourself from the noise
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
Find me on Twitter and let me know what you think about this episode.
This episode is sponsored by:
• FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.
• Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com.
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