The mistake that grassroot political supporters all make is that they spend a lot of time and money getting their candidate elected, and then….wait.

People seem to think that their job is over by getting their leader in office, and then trusting that their issues will be addressed in the coming administration. When it isn’t, they figure either it’s politics as usual or they made a mistake (and replace their choice with someone better).

Imagine instead if on the first day of office, the newly-elected candidate says:

“Thanks to all the passionate people to get me into office. Your work is just beginning. I want you to keep telling me what your communities need. I need to know what policies are working (and not). I need to know what new laws need to be passed (and scrapped). I want to hear from you directly, not through layers of paid consultants and political action committees

To help you, I will be sending experts to train your grassroots committee chairs to poll, write legislation, and summarize the information in a way that I can easily understand it. I’m just one person leading the country, but I need the country to tell me where to lead. I don’t want to fall into the same mistake that my predecessors have. I want to serve my country by listening to your needs.”

This will convert the supporters into active political marketers for America. Communities will be empowered to do something more than wait until the next election cycle. They’ll be responsible for making sure that they’re in active dialog with the government. The general population will have an avenue for creating change. The President can then inspire Senators and Congress to follow what the people want, instead of pushing their own agendas.

Let’s truly create a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Our business is unique in our area. We are a private dog club (www.wolfbrook.com) with a 12 acre dog park (off leash socialization). We offer dog training and dog daycare as well. I’m having trouble putting together a brochure. I’ve been doing tons of reading online to try to learn as much as I can about writing/marketing/press releases…. I think I would like a question on the front of the brochure and then maybe answer it inside with some of the major benefits. Just an FYI, we are NOT into cute dog things with the words paw, or woof or bark if you catch my drift (for example I don’t want to say "your dog will pawsitively love it here").

I’m thinking of putting the question "Wouldn’t you like to do more with your dog?" on the front and then maybe put something like "more fun" "more exercise" "more sports" "more communication" on the first flap. Would those be considered benefits?

I hate to leave out our "features" as we do offer some pretty major things, for example we have a large clubhouse for members use. It is heated and air conditioned and has a full kitchen and bathroom as well as a dog washing area free for members. Most other dog parks don’t even have a port a potty, much less a clubhouse that is for both dogs and humans. Am I wanting to put too much?

Our biggest benefit (to me) is hard to verbalize. We evaluate all potential members. The dogs must be able to socialize and the owners must be willing to become a part of the community. I guess you could say we are selective about the safety and enjoyment of our members.

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Jay’s Answer: I think your benefits are: freedom for dog owners, safety for socialization, exclusive natural beauty, ease of cleanup, and room to exercise.

As for "more fun", etc. – compare your offering with the competition: public dog parks and open (walking) spaces. You do have some unique offerings, and you need to figure out what demographic is likely to want to join your club (given the price & location).

Instead of "Wouldn’t you like to do more with your dog?":

• "Is Walking Your Dog More Work And Less Play?"
• "Tired Of Dog Park Bullies?"
• "WolfBrook: Dog’s Best Friend"

I’m looking for unique ways of promoting a wildlife conservation park to get more visitors, more members, more donations more animal adoptions and more corporate sponsors.

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Jay’s Answer: Each of your needs requires a different strategy, but some of them will no doubt overlap.

For example, to get more visitors, identify who is your competition (zoos? animal rehab? Animal Planet? Pet stores?) and identify what’s unique/special/rewarding about going. Educational? Fun? Healing?

Members/donors require another level of involvement. What benefit will these people receive from this relationship? Will they get behind-the-scenes tours? Private parties?

Sponsors will need both visibility and core value alignment. They’ll want to know how their name will be displayed, to what demographic, etc.

Because the park doesn’t have a direct benefit (except for people that want to stay at/visit the park), you need to appeal to people who care about the animals. I volunteer with a wild animal rehab organization so I know it’s often a struggle to get sufficient funding. (donations-in-kind are easier).