Today
we publish the third in a series of five articles aimed at budding candidates from Heather White, the
professional relationship expert and networker extraordinaire who
founded Smarter Networking
(whose website also includes more free networking advice).
> Last week: Making the right impression with the people that matter
This is the third instalment in my series regarding successful networking for new approved candidates, and considers how you should go about getting to know a constituency.
This means a lot more than glad-handing some dignitaries and endless photo opportunities. Given the recent expenses scandal, voter trust in MPs is at a real low, and voters are now starting to turn against MPs who do not appear to be working hard for their constituency. If you wish to be nominated as a candidate, and hopefully get selected in the polls, you need to prove that you’re much more than a snout in the trough.
For instance, a number of people are putting their names forward to fight a seat in the next general election as an independent – a protest vote against the main three parties and the expenses culture that many of the electorate assumes exists in Westminster. Remaining credible and electable means not underestimating the importance of being seen as a force for good in the constituency. An MP who looks after the interests of his or her voters is always valued regardless of political persuasion.
OK, so where do you start? Ideally you’ll have an interest in or existing link with the constituency you wish to represent. However, even if you think you know an area, you may not necessarily have the same ideas of what is important or not as the voters have. So ask yourself these questions before you even start:
- Where is the constituency, what are its borders, councils, town & parish councils, Govt Office region (obvious question but if you’re new to the area then these are important)?
- Who are the existing representatives – MP, councillors, MEPs, regional assembly members, etc?
- Where are the major concentrations of population?
- Where are the more isolated homes and businesses located (important not to just focus on areas with more people)?
- Who are the main players in the constituency? Seek advice from councillors, read the local paper, watch the local TV and speak to people.
- What are the top 10 local issues in the constituency, and which areas tend to have localised problems or bugbears?
A little bit of desktop research should help you with the first four, but the bottom two questions require more thought and a little bit of pro-active networking. Finding who the main players are in the constituency isn’t a simple case of ‘google searches’ or flicking through the local free paper once a week. Often, you’ll find that a local business owner has brilliant links with councillors and the Rotary Club, as well as being a school governor at a large state school. He or she would be a key local stakeholder – especially if they were a Conservative voter!
The only way you’ll uncover community stewards like these is by getting out and meeting people. Try and get to events and areas of interest and talk to real people. And when you do, for goodness sake tell these people who you are and give them your contact details. Being open, frank, honest, helpful and available are the five basic rules you should always follow.
Here are some great tips to uncover the issues and people that matter:
1. What are the main issues across the country? It would be healthcare, education, crime and public transport. How are these huge issues compounded locally? You’ll only find out if your constituency has a horribly inefficient bus service by getting on those buses and speaking to passengers. So pop along to:- The local hospital and try and speak to GPs, patients, hospital staff. Just ask generic questions and take notes.
- The local schools – mix it up: some state, some private. Try and speak to parents and hear what they have to say. If you can, speak to teachers and the senior staff to see how they feel. Read their latest results and familiarise yourself with the latest Ofsted report... this is fodder that will prove you’re keen and willing to understand.
- Any local events – a village fete, a county show... Your local Conservative office should help you with these. Make sure you read the community sections of the papers too.
- Pubs – an easy sell I’m sure. But in some communities (especially smaller, rural communities), the pub remains the community hub. Utilise it and listen to people. Rolling out of it sloshed isn’t such a great idea though!
- Meet the local police – maybe offer to spend some time on the beat with a local police officer or community support officer. Speaking to these people will easily ensure you meet business owners and learn a great deal about the constituency which may not be immediately apparent.
- Housing associations and charities dealing with local issues and people.
- The local centres of trade – markets, high streets. Try and speak to shoppers and owners of businesses and see what they think are local concerns.
- The local council meetings – include parish and town councils if possible, and try and arrange an invitation to be introduced to your local Conservative members as an approved candidate. Being pro-active in this department could and should set you apart from your rival candidates.
2. Once you’ve spoken to people, make a list of the top ten local issues, and try and plot smaller issues on a map. A pinpoint in a map identifying a small Wednesday market that traders are worried will close will help you remember for the next time you visit.
3. Write in to the local paper and get your face and name known as someone who is a doer.
4. Drive on the local roads and see the poor surfaces, traffic-flow problems and road works first-hand. Experience of these things may not be pleasant for you but are invaluable when connecting with voters.
5. Remember to log every place you go and as many people you meet as possible. Keeping a detailed calendar in Outlook, for instance, will allow you to list details of the event and people and then you can return and see the people you met – it shows a personal touch.
The below matrix illustrates much of the above (click to enlarge):
So, it’s not all about doing a bit of ‘googling’ and then turning up and getting voted in – this is a long and time-consuming process, but ultimately will only benefit your chances. Get out there and network!
Next week: Gaining the upper hand on rival candidates
