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Photo Impotence: Digital Photo File-Size Matters

Michael Merrick Crooks — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:56:55 GMT

During the Republican campaign season clients often send digital photos to be used in crafting their Republican campaign brochure or other piece of collateral that must be printed. The problem is, they send a photo that's only say, 24kb.

To illustrate why that's not big enough, imagine a drop of paint. The bigger the area you spread that drop out, the thinner it gets. Spread it out enough and your density is simply too thin. By the same token, a photo is made up of dots. The more you spread those dots out ie: the more space between each dot, the less dense the photo.

To help combat "Photo Impotence", we created the chart below to help Republican campaigns better understand the size a photo file needs to be to be able to print at a specific size. This is a guide ... digital printing and offset printing vary as to what size will work. And yes, while a 24kb photo may not work on your print project, it may very well look excellent on your Republican web page or Republican email newsletter.

If you need help with photos, art files, brochures or promotional items for your Republican campaign, just let me know.

Warm Regards,
Michael, Goplogo.com

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

Republican Campaign Logos: Why You May Need Multiple Versions

Michael Merrick Crooks — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 22:01:56 GMT

The Problem: Your Republican logo prints fine on letterhead and the like, but doesn’t look good when screen printed on a shirt.

While the logo may look great when printed with an offset press (letterhead, envelopes, business cards) the artwork may not be suitable for screen printing for such items as t-shirts and lawn signs. The reason is that screen printing ink is a bit thicker than offset ink. Couple that with the fact that you are pressing the ink through a screen, fine lines and tight registration may be difficult. That means that areas inside letters such as “O”, “P”, “B”, and “R” can plug or fill in as can areas between graphic elements.

The Solution: Rework your logo to put more space between fine lines and graphic elements and enlarge the letters a bit to avoid plugging.

If you have a simple logo ie: one color with all bold letters and no fine lines, you may be fine. However, if your logo is fairly complex, you may wish to have an offset version and a screen printing version of your logo. Embroidery is another problem if your logo has graduated screens in it, in which case you’ll need yet another version of your artwork .

If your logo is multiple colors, it’s a good idea to have a black & white version in cases where only a one color imprint is available on a promotional item.

While this may seem complicated – it’s not. And getting the versions of the artwork you need is affordable. For a free evaluation, simply email your .eps or .jpg to me at hello@goplogo.com.

Warm Regards,

Michael Crooks

Republican Campaign Support Services

517-589-0008

hello@goplogo.com

Campaign Artwork: Avoiding Headaches

Michael Merrick Crooks — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:12:44 GMT

Campaign logo artwork is a major problem every campaign cycle — yet it's easy and affordable to solve.

In a nutshell, your artwork file with .jpg at the end is useful on your website and in email. But, if you want me to imprint it on lawn signs, lapel stickers, pens, mugs or anything else — a .jpg is not in the proper format. In most cases, it will turn out to be anything BUT crisp and clean.

Locate your logo and see if you have a version that ends in .eps. If not, then you need one. In most cases, we can convert your .jpg into useable artwork that any vendor can use for around $50.
We offer a FREE lifetime replacement guarantee. If you lose it, we'll email it where ever you want for free.

Simply email me your .jpg and we'll give you a free evaluation.

Below, I show examples of and explain the difference between a .jpg and a good vector art file. In my next blog, I'll discuss why you may need different versions of your logo to facilitate different methods of imprinting

For more info call me at 517-589-0008 or email hello@goplogo.com. If you'd like a free PDF copy of the flyer below, just email me with : "Artwork Guide " in the subject line.

Warm Regards,
Michael Crooks
www.GopLogo.com

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

Republican Campaign Banners: Part 3

Michael Merrick Crooks — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:57:50 GMT

Engineering For A Parade: Pole Pockets

We engineer Republican parade banners with horizontal "pole pockets" across the top and bottom. In the top pole pocket, insert a 1" diameter pipe roughly two feet longer than the banner's width. The 12" sticking out each side makes a comfortable carrying handle. We recommend PVC pipe as it's lightweight, splinter-free and inexpensive — yet strong enough to offer the support you want.

The reason for the bottom horizontal pocket? To prevent the wind from blowing the banner either forward or back rendering it unreadable. A length of PCV pipe, measuring the width of the banner, with a couple end caps works great. You fill the pipe with sand, cap the ends and insert it into the bottom pole pocket giving it enough weight to remain stationary even if the wind blows.

To learn more about why we should be engineering your Republican campaign banner visit GopLogo.com.

Warm Regards,
Michael Crooks
hello@GopLogo.com

Republican Campaign Banners: Part 2

Michael Merrick Crooks — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:43:25 GMT

Substrate: Choosing The Right Banner Material

If your Republican banner is for one-time use such as a city-specific parade or special event, it can be made of a lighter, less expensive banner paper.

On the other hand, if the banner will be used multiple times and/or hung up for viewing after use, a heavier, more durable substrate such as a 13oz vinyl banner material is recommended to withstand multiple rollings and "trunk abuse". If the banner will be hung in a window or outside for a long period of time, an ultraviolet (UV) laminate should be applied to prevent color fading. Even better, we use UV inks that eliminate the need for a laminate — which is why our banners never fade, yellow or have laminate-peel problems.

Learn more about why I should engineer your next banner at GopLogo.com.

Warm Regards,
Michael Crooks
hello@ GopLogo.com

Republican Campaign Banners: Part 1

Michael Merrick Crooks — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:32:36 GMT

Banner Height:

Like most things in life, there are a few things to consider when ordering a Republican campaign banner. For starters, if the banner will be carried in a parade, how tall the carriers are in relationship to the height of the banner must be considered. Don't order a banner that's 4 feet high if you're going to have children that are only 3 feet tall carry it.

By and large, when you consider what height is comfortable to carry a banner, I believe you'll agree that, even for adult, a banner that is 3 feet high is sufficient.

With proper thought, you'll spend less in the long run on a well thought out, properly engineered banner. Read more of what I know about banners at GOPLogo.com.

Warm Regards,

Michael Crooks
hello@GopLogo.com

Connecting With People On The Republican Campaign Trail

Michael Merrick Crooks — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 22:00:12 GMT

CAMPAIGN TIP: Republican candidates, cost effectively get your web address into voters' hands at parades, festivals & sporting events with a pen, pencil, emery board or a refrigerator magnet — with your website on it.

These items remain with the recipient LONG after a lapel sticker because they have perceived value that gets more of them into the home, looked at and acted upon, ie; they check out your web site. Of course, the whole thing is a bust unless you give people a reason to be at your website.

Load your website with position/white papers.

Seriously, give people the opportunity to learn something about your Republican candidacy. Where do you stand on the issues? What are you for and against.

Address Specific Areas and Issues

Break it down by specific towns and cities and talk about the issues that concern the people in those specific areas. This is a good use of staff and volunteers early on. Tell them to get out there and rub elbows with the folk and find out the local concerns and issues. While jobs and the economy may be foremost in people's minds district-wide, each community within that district will have other issues. Find out what they are and address them on your website.

This will go a long way to connecting with each community.

Learn more Republican campaign tips at GopLogo.com

Warm Regards,
Michael Crooks
hello@GopLogo.com

Republican Campaign Balloons: Good Idea?

Michael Merrick Crooks — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:39:18 GMT

Custom-imprinted Republican campaign balloons are nice for Republican meet and greets, rallys, parades and fundraisers … especially if TV will be present. Balloons are inexpensive. However, helium is not. And lugging tanks to a fair or festival site, blowing up and tying balloons is a hassle.

Unless you're expecting TV cameras … consider more hassle-free hand outs such as StickNetics (StickNetics.com) imprinted with useful contact info.

Remember, the goal is not to see how much "stuff" you can give away. The goal is to get as much of your stuff into the hands of those who genuinely want to know more about your Republican campaign.

To that end, giving someone with a genuine interest in your Republican candidacy an item with your website on it is great - as long as you have meaningful, benefit-oriented content on Republican your website.

Learn more at GopLogo.com

PS: The shirt pictured is available Exclusively from GopLogo.com. (Ruger .223 not included.)

Warm Regards,
Michael Crooks
hello@goplogo.com

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

The Best Use of Republican Campaign Promo Items & Swag

Michael Merrick Crooks — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:24:08 GMT

A volunteer who has donated 40 hours of their time to your Republican campaign and is expecting nothing, will be pleased and excited with a high perceived value, low-cost gift such as a mug, pen, bandanna, t-shirt, water bottle, clipboard, campaign hat, visor or lapel pin.

The beauty of rewarding these good Republicans with the type of promotional items I've mentioned is two-fold.

1) Most of the promotional items are useful in the execution of their duties whether it's walking a parade route, manning a trade show or fair booth or going door-to-door.

2) Your Republican campaign volunteers and staff will use these items where other people will see your name/logo thus help promoting your Republican campaign.

The only other people who really need anything with your Republican campaign logo on it are donors who would appreciate a nice little gift for their donation.

Beyond that, the fact of the matter is, hardly ANYONE will vote for you simply because you gave them a campaign promotional item. So save your investment for those who really matter: campaign staff, volunteers and donors.

For more insightful Republican campaign marketing articles and promotional tips visit GopLogo.com.

Warm Regards,
Michael Crooks
hello@goplogo.com

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

Difference Between Republican Campaign Disclaimer & Identification Statement

Michael Merrick Crooks — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 12:57:56 GMT

There is some confusion about the difference between an "Identification Statement" and a "Disclaimer" — even among seasoned Republican campaigners. Most often, Republican campaigners mistakenly use the word "Disclaimer" when they really mean "Identification Statement".

Here's the difference:

Identification Statement: "Paid For By …"
The identification statement tells people who paid for the advertising material ie: "Paid for by Joe Blow Candidate Committee (address) (treasurer if applicable)."

Disclaimer: "Not Authorized by…" A disclaimer comes after an identification statement, when the material relates to a candidate and is an independent expenditure. If the expenditure is authorized by the candidate committee in writing, then the disclaimer, "Authorized By ... etc .." is used. If the authorization is not in writing or it simply is not authorized then, "Not Authorized By Any Candidate" is used. Typically an independent pro-candidate mailer or advertisement is authorized. An independent attack ad is usually "not authorized ...." wink, wink.

To read more Republican Campaign tips visit our GopLogo marketing tips page.

Be sure and visit our Facebook page and "like" us.

Warm Regards,

Michael Crooks
GopLogo.com
hello@goplogo.com

Not The Time For Wishy-Washy Politicians

Michael Merrick Crooks — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 23:39:00 GMT

With our vote, we asked Rick Snyder to solve your problems. Now he's presented a plan to solve our problems. Now, everyone is yelling, "Solve our problems as long as I don't have to feel any pain." The problem is, if no one feels pain ... we will ALL feel pain.

What's even more troubling, is that Republican Representative and Senators, who we elected to "do the right thing" are now backing off. Why? They are more interested in re-election than they are doing the right thing.

During the campaign cycle, many of those running made bold proclamations about helping to fix what's wrong with Michigan. But ya know what is REALLY wrong with Michigan? Everyone likes the idea of an economic Utopia, but few are actually committed to doing what must be done to achieve it.

So if you are making decisions based on how it will affect your re-election possibilities ... shame on you. You don't deserve the faith and trust we bestowed on you. Because Michigan can't wait until your "next-term" for you to do your job.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Michigan Legislature, you have a responsibility to everyone who voted for you (the majority) to make the tough decisions NOW! And that means making decisions that will best serve the State of Michigan — not your re-election.

Michael Crooks
GopLogo.com
hello@goplogo.com

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

One Chance To Fuel The Fire We Lit

Michael Merrick Crooks — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:34:00 GMT

"We've got one chance," said the Rick Snyder ads. Truer words were never spoken. Elected officials now have one chance to get it right. They will do the right thing or they will be one-timers.

By next election time we need to see real results. Not that candy coated, spin doctoring kind of results. None of that, "If you take inflation into consideration the net gain is actually ..." No. We don't want to take ANYTHING into consideration. It's either real or it isn''t. Elected officials will now either do what they said they would do ... or they won't. No gray area. Like the Asian philosopher said, "There is either do or not do."

Course, that means most will have to stick their necks out. Take a chance. Do what's right and correct and proper — for a change.

But as voters, we have one chance also. And that is to support those who have the intestinal fortitude to do what's best. Because once an elected official does the right thing and gets his/her ass handed to them because there was no demonstrable support from the public .... they won't be likely to do that again. They'll play it safe. They'll play "give to get". They'll return to the status quo.

Yes, as voters, we got our one chance. Now we must support and celebrate and demonstrate for those who will stick their necks out for us.
If we don't, all this rah, rah, shish,boom bah for the last year will have been just a bunch of well-meaning, do-gooders lighting a fire then failing to continue to add fuel.

It was our right to elect them. It is our responsibility .... to hold their feet to the fire.

Warm Regards,
Michael
hello@GopLogo.com
517-589-0008

Learn more about
Republican "Merry Christmas" gift wrap at www.GopLogo.com
RepubliWrap®: Wrapping Christmas Up Republican Style.

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

Rick Snyder Understands Marketing

Michael Merrick Crooks — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:47:00 GMT

I believe Rick Snyder just proved what I've been saying all along: Apply sound marketing principles to political campaigns and you'll be more effective. I've never understood why those who run political campaigns seem to believe that "marketable differences" and "unique selling propositions" don't apply to campaigns.

Cox, Hoekstra, Bouchard and George ran typical "political;" ads and typical political campaigns. Nothing wrong with that, in and of itself. But what happened was, Rick Snyder zigged when everyone else was zagging.

Snyder positioned himself as thee person with REAL business experience. Everyone else in the race could only trot out their political experience. Guess what? The general public doesn't care about politics right now. They care about not losing their home. About feeding their family. About not having to worry about tomorrow. And right now, the public isn't all that enamored with politicians.

Here's the real difference. Cox, Hoekstra, Bouchard and George all talked about what they'd do to solve our problems based mainly on their political careers.

Snyder told us what he'll do based on his business career.

Who do you want to draw your blood during a physical? Someone who can talk a good game but has never drawn blood? Or someone who talks a good game and HAS ACTUALLY DONE IT BEFORE?

My hope is that Snyder wins in November and that we'll finally have a leader who will make the the right decisions — not the right political decisions.

Hopefully Michigan Republicans will look at this race from a MARKETING standpoint and not a political one — and learn something

For smart, common-sense Republican campaign marketing tips, tactics and strategies, visit GopLogo.com

Michael Crooks
hello@GopLogo.com

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

How A Candidate Can Suck Less At Door to Door

Michael Merrick Crooks — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:56:00 GMT

This guy pulls into my driveway, gets out and approaches me. The first thing out of his mouth is, "I'm not selling anything. My name is Joe Blow and I'm running for State Representative."

OK, hold the phone, Joe. Yes, you are selling something. You're selling yourself. That's the first thing a candidate must wrap their head around. They are selling themselves.

Next, he hands me his palm card as he says, "Here's my palm card with some of my information. Do you have any questions?"

Do I have any questions? You just walked into my life. I don't know you from Adam and in the nanosecond I've had your palm card in my hand, I apologize that I haven't had the time to read it!

I stammer out a "no." And then he says, "I hope I can count on your vote in the August Primary. Have a nice day."

I take his card and put it on my tool box and go back about my business. What he should have done is one or more of the following:

1) Told me in 25 words or less why he's running.
2) Told me why he's more uniquely qualified than anyone else for the position.
3) Told me the benefit to me for voting for him.
4) Highlight three issues and in 25 words or less tell me how or what he plans to do about it.

The sooner candidates begin realizing that they are no different from any other product being sold in the county the better off they will be. Candidates need to focus on features and benefits when attempting to get someone to "buy" them. Don't just ask me to vote for you. Tell me WHY I should vote for you.

I look forward to your comments.

Email me at hello@goplogo.com.
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©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

Lawyer Running For Judge, Doesn't Know The Law

Michael Merrick Crooks — Mon, 03 May 2010 02:52:00 GMT

File this under, "How To De-Rail Your Own Campaign" or "How To Screw Yourself Right From The Start."

This week the KY Jelly Award goes to a gentleman who is running for Judge.

While at a community event this weekend, This guy introduces himself as a candidate for Judge and hands me his business card. His card was the fold-over type and it had EVERYTHING! His web address and phone number to a little quiz and a football schedule.

This card had everything .... but an identification statement. (paid for by (Usually mis-identified as a disclaimer)

Can you say, "Campaign Finance violation?"

I pointed out the missing identification statement to the guy and he replied with an astonished look on his face.

Ignorant Candidates
Judges are supposed to know the law. Lawyers running for judge are supposed to know the law. This guy obviously doesn't know the law. He can't convince me that he has a command of the issues when he doesn't even have a command for the laws that govern his own campaign. I visited his website. What a surprise! No Identification statement there either.

I'm not going to vote for this guy for Judge because it's obvious he doesn't know what he's doing and he doesn't have enough sense to seek proper counsel.

Opponent Leverage
What fun this guy's opponent could have. What minor misery could be created for a Judge candidate who has already racked up numerous campaign finance violations?

Easy Risk Reduction
If you are running for office, go to the Secretary of State website and download a copy of the Campaign and Election guide and all the appendices. Then READ IT!

Bottom Line: The information is just a mouse click away. If you don't access it, read it and implement it, you deserve what you get.

I welcome your comments.
Visit GopLogo.com for more Republican campaign marketing articles.
Emal us at hello@GopLogo.com

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

Where's The SHOW of Support?

Michael Merrick Crooks — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:14:00 GMT

Showing Party Support
I went to a Republican District Christmas get together the other night. My first observation was that aside from me and a guy running for Congress, none of the other 20 people in the room had on anything with the GOP logo ... not even a pin.

Folks, if we are going to create interest in the Republican Party, we need to show that there are indeed, those who are proud enough and dedicated enough to the ideals of Republicanism that we are willing to WEAR THE BRAND.

We'll wear brand names on our clothes such as Wrangler and Nike. We'll drive around and advertise Chevy and Honda. But God forbid we leave the house donning a Republican logo.

What are your reasons for not wearing the Republican logo? Post your comments here.

In Support of Elected Officials
Next, let's talk about showing our support for those Republicans in office who do the right thing. Whenever a Republican official makes a tough decision - that is the right decision- although it's an unpopular decision, we MUST publicly, enmasse, show our support. Too often, a Republican will do the right thing and vote against a tax hike even though it will mean a cut in services. And then he/she is left twisting in the wind because no one is willing to support them. So the next time, that elected official isn't so willing to stick their neck out.

We want smaller government.
We want less taxes.
We want a return to personal responsibility.

To reverse the direction of this great Titanic we are on will take some time and it will mean that there is going to be some pain. We can no longer afford to say, "Do what you have to do as long as it doesn't affect me and it's not in my backyard."

If we truly want what is best for this coutry and future generations, we must let our elected Republican officials know that we not only expect them to do the right thing ... but we will also support them and help insulate them from the political backlash that will surly come.

What do you think? Post your comments here or email me at hello@goplogo.com.

Be sure to visit www.GopLogo.com for campaign marketing insight.

Looking for a great Republican Christmas Gift or perhaps some Republican Gift Wrap? Visit www.GopLogo.com

Marketing The Republican Brand Like the Product That It Is.

Michael Merrick Crooks — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 06:02:00 GMT

When it comes to Republican marketing, we can take a lesson from the auto industry.

Lets use Ford as an example. It's the job of Ford Motor Company to market the Ford brand and position it in the mind of the consumer as a better choice than the competition. It's the job of the local dealer, say City Ford, to market City Ford and position City Ford in the mind of the consumer as a better choice than the other Ford dealerships while reinforcing the Corporate message.

It's marketing that starts at the top and works it's way down.

As Republicans, we haven't been doing that.

I believe the National Republican Committee should market Republicanism and position Republican in the mind of the consumer as a better choice than Democrat or Libertarian. Lets start with clearly defining what Republican s stand for. The NRC would also provide the State Republican Committees with marketing tools to help state parties market and position brand Republican to fit the state niche.

It would then be the job of the local county parties to seek out, train and offer up the best candidates. Working together, the local candidates and the local parties would continue to reinforce in the publics mind the brand message and why the local Republican candidate is better than the competition.

Once this type of system begins to take place, we can then begin to see some brand building taking place and begin to capture a position in the public's mind.

Until that happens ... we'll continue to loose market share.

Just like all large corporations have lobbyists to handle the "politics" of the business, So must the Republican Party engage in politics ... but not at the expense of marketing the message.

And just like the Bush administration told Detroit, no bailout money until you guys come up with a plan .... I don't see Republican fund raising efforts being exceptionally successful until there's a solid plan in place to develop and market the message.

We need to focus on:

1) Unique Selling Propositions
2) Marketable Differences
3) Feature/Benefit

And for you future political types still in college, maybe focus a little less on the Political Science and a bit more on the Marketing and Advertising classes.

For more Republican Campaign Marketing Tips and Strategies, visit www.GopLogo.com

Warm Regards,
Michael Crooks
e: hello@goplogo.com

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

ReThinking Republican Party Marketing: Talking Off The Rose-Color Glasses

Michael Merrick Crooks — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 05:52:00 GMT

We don’t need to change our politics … we need to change our marketing.

Basic to effective marketing is to have a brand that stands for something. Currently, the Republican brand doesn’t stand for anything. Oh, perhaps it stands for something in the minds of the upper echelon of the Republican party. Problem is, they forgot to tell the rest of us what the hell it is. And I’ll bet most of them can’t articulate it so anyone can understand it anyway.

Walk down the street and ask 10 people what the Republican Party stands for … and if you get one answer, you’ll get 10 different answers. Case in point. Saul Anusis, who is running for Republican National Committee chair, recently published his “Blueprint for a GOP Comeback.” In it he refers a lot to Republican core values and core principles. But do you know what’s missing from his sugar-coated, rose-colored glasses Blueprint? Any definition or listing of what the Republican core values or core principles are!

So! If a guy who wants to lead the party can’t or won’t define what we are or where we stand, how are voters supposed to know?

We just got our ass handed to us from coast to coast and those who would like to lead our party into the future STILL aren’t defining our position.

In November of 2007 I wrote;

We need to get away from "lifestyle" issues such as "gay" anything and abortion. We need to focus on what people really care about when they are in fear of losing their jobs or not being able to afford college or a trip to the doctor. To that end, we must convey to the public how the core Republican concepts of:

1) Less Government
2) Less Taxes
3) A Commitment to Personal Responsibility

will make their lives better.

Well, we didn’t do that. Why? Because we couldn’t. Because the Republicans have FAILED to make good on those concepts.

We do not have less government. We do not have less taxes. And, the concept of personal responsibility is a distant memory in this litigious society. And while Republican insiders can spin the numbers talking about "inflation adjustments", and "net tax decreases" … the average working person looks in his/her wallet and says, "I'm not convinced."

So badly have we failed, that the best we could come up with on te national level in this lst election was, “We’re for change too … but it’s a different kind of change than Obama’s change.”

And then we failed to effectively explain to anyone what that change is. And that brings up the biggest thing that must change moving forward.

We must be able to take a stand, identify that stand and effectively communicate to others what that stand is and how it will improve their lives.

It’s no longer acceptable to simply paint the Democrats as evil.

No more Republican political, sugar-coated, rose-colored double talk. I’m talking about a straight forward dialog that Joe Six-Pack can understand. No more spin-doctoring every Republican screw up, loss or set-back as some sort of victory. It erodes credibility.

Talking Off The Rose Colored Glasses is the beginning of a complete series I’m writing to help local Republican partys better market themselves, In the coming months we’ll discuss message development, membership outreach, ingraining, accessability and generally how local Republican parties can use sound marketing principles to build and strengthen their local party.]

Maybe, the idea of effective marketing techniques and tactics will trickle up to those who have yet to understand that if people can’t tell you what you stand for …. Then you don’t stand for anything ,,,, despite what you think.

What do you think? Feel free to leave a comment.

Warm Regards,
Michael
hello@goplogo.com

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

Republicans On The Warning Track: You're About To Hit The Wall

Michael Merrick Crooks — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:19:00 GMT

How interesting to read the memo from Saul Anuzis that " ... we need to return to our core issues." Duh!

Months and months ago I wrote that Republicans basically had failed on the issues of less government, less taxes and a focus on personal responsibility.

How bad are thingsfor Republicans ? It can can be summed up by asking most people on the street one question:

"What do the Republicans stand for"

The blank stare you'll get speaks volumes for the failure of the Republican Party to effectively brand itself, create a cohesive, beneficial message then deliver it to the public.

Brand Republican is in the toilet. So you're darn right, Saul. We need to not only return to our core values, we need to find a way to deliver on those core values and then clearly communicate that to the voters without all the spin doctoring and rose colored glasses B.S. you've been spouting for the last year.

You can start by providing the proper support and education to the local Republican parties so that they can properly recruit and train upcoming candidates in campaign marketing and protocol. We've got way too many candidates running around who don't know the first thing about running a campaign. The local parties are no help because quite frankly, they really don't know what to do. Voter Vaults and all are useless if you don't have qualified candidates who can take a cohesive message to the voter.

The State Party needs to show some leadership and decide that if we are going to win elections, we must first have a marketable difference. Then we must have an effective distribution channel (ie: qualified candidates). Then those candidates must be schooled in how to run an effective campaign.

When the political hacks start to understand that the Republican message and a political candidate are really no different than any other product that is sold to consumers, then they might begin to understand the power of marketing.

But to do that, you first have to have a message. So let's start with the basics. Answer the following question:

"What do the Republicans stand for?"

Define that simply, concisely and clearly and we will have the beginning of something that we can market going forward.

There is a growing group who call themselves Conservatives ... but do not consider themselves Republicans.

The law of marketing dictates that there can only be two dominate Brands in any market segment. In political marketing, Democrat is one dominate brand. Over the next 2 to three years either Libertarians, Conservatives or Republicans will rise to be the dominate challenger of the Democrats. As it stands now, it's not going to be the Republicans. Unless,

we CAN return to our core values, define them and effectively communicate that message to the voters. Then, elect some Republicans who can actually make good on the promises.

Let me know what YOU think at hello@GopLogo.com or post a comment right here. All I'll delete are swear words.

Warm Regards,
Michael

©2012 GopLogo/Crooks Advertising Alliance. hello@GopLogo.com

Focus Points For Republicans

Michael Merrick Crooks — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:52:00 GMT

With the primaries right around the corner here's a few things Republican campaigns need to get squared away:

1) Photos. Do you have photos of yourself easily accessible? And I mean a digital photo that's a file size of at least 1mb. Tell your designer you need your photo scanned so that it's AT LEAST 300 DPI at 2" x 2". The photo should be scanned to yield 300 DPI at whatever size you're going to print it at. So if it's 300 DPI at 4" x 6" it will work well when printed at anything smaller. An no. Submitting a print of yourself off your inkjet printer is not acceptable. Need help? Let us know.

2) Identification Statement: "Paid for by ..." must be included on most everything you print. Campaign finance law dictates that "paid for by" must be included in addition to the campaign address. Many, many Republicans are in violation of this. It's basic campaign stuff. Need help? Let us know.

3) Message: If you can't tell voters WHY you are a better candidate than the Democrat then it's time to figure it out. Mr. and Mrs. Six Pack are looking in their wallet and not seeing any evidence of less government or less taxes. As Republicans we've screwed the pooch on those two points. So for many, a good social program is starting to look pretty good .. and that's exactly what the Dem's will give them and business owners will pay for it. Focus on SUBSTANCE over Rhetoric.

4) County Parties: Party politics will account for nothing if your local candidates are making frosh mistakes left and right. Local parties cannot be so caught up in politics that effective campaign marketing gets no attention at all. Make sure candidates have a message that is believable and resonates with the electorate. Too many campaigns are floundering around without any direction. There's a pool of people out there with campaign experience .. identify them and tap into their experience. If you have experience and knowledge ... now is the time to stand up and be counted!

If you need help with anything, give us a call. 517-589-0008

Warm Regards,
Michael Crooks
hello@goplogo.com
www.GopLogo.com

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