My Next Steps

I am developing a plan for my future.  Don’t get me wrong: I’ve had plans before but in general, they had one fatal flaw:  They relied too much on elements out of my control.

My most recent previous plan included making a career change to political speechwriter.  My big goal.  My dream job.  I love to write. I want to help people with my writing. I have lots of political opinions.  I’ve given award-winning speeches.  The big problem:  I couldn’t find the dream candidate to write for.  There are lots of smart public servants but is there one I agree with on ALL the major issues?  And enough of the minor ones that I could say, convincingly and with a straight face, “Yes!  I agree with that!”

The search went on.  And on.  And then I looked in the mirror.  That’s right.  If I need a candidate I can agree with 100%, why not me?

I’m not delusional.  I’m not hoping to be anywhere near the nuclear codes or even national office.  But there are enough state and local positions that affect people’s everyday lives that could use what I have to offer.  (Okay, before I give that as a stump speech, I need to spiff up that message a lot.)

Here’s my social media plan to promote my political career:

I will use Facebook, Twitter, blogging and the occasional YouTube post to get out my message.  I will especially focus on retweeting with people I respect in an effort to gain more followers.

Each post will

• share my opinion on an issue including suggested solutions
• speak in a way that’s relatable to people who don’t like to get into the political weeds as much as I do
• be witty but not mean
• seek to build bridges of understanding if not agreement

Although this is a long-term plan, taking 2-4 years, my goal will be to make a targeted post on Facebook and Twitter once a week and blog once a month.  I will move to blogging once a week after the first year.

The measure of my success: My election.