Tag Archives: mentoring

Tuesday Truths 2016 Edition v39

I don’t know about you, but I am stressed out! My life is constantly about sorting out the details. Where is my client; where are they going; what’s the purpose of this call; breaking it down to tangible and easily consumed pieces of information. Even when I feel overwhelmed, I think that my clients have it worse. They have millions of pieces of information flowing towards them and all that they can do is absorb it and hope to filter out extraneous information to make clear decisions. We are closing in on weeks before the Election and all I can do is do the best that I can to make it to the end (in one piece). Hold on, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!

Here’s Tuesday Truths!

  • I work in short term gratification with my donors. This kind of psychology can only lead to disappointment if you’re looking for immediate results or success so learning to be more patient and to roll with something that doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome is something I need to work on. It’s also considered one of the most important qualities of someone who has achieved great success. Learn more about what else are common practices who are deemed “superachievers”.
  • If you’re looking for inspiration to recharge your career, learn how you can reinvent yourself without quitting your job. It sounds hard to do because let’s face it, there are times when the environment is toxic and it’s working against you. That doesn’t mean that you can’t change the rules. If you’ve been in an industry long enough, you know the players and people’s expectations but you can turn it on its head. I’ve been looking for ways how I can reinvent my own career and these ideas have given seed to a few creative outlets.
  • Along that mindset, I know that I have a few readers out there who are in the same boat with thinking about how to thrive as we approach midlife. You crazy youngins’ aren’t the only ones trying to navigate your way through personal and professional crises 🙂 Once you think that you have something mastered, something else becomes an obstacle. For the longest time, I was the youngest person in the room and now, I’m one of the more “seasoned” operatives :/ Along with mastering a skill, comes the potential of boredom and what I’m learning is that there are always new ways to do the same thing. I continue to carve time out for things for me to learn that have nothing to do with my professional life. So if you see me with my headphones on, I’m likely to be listening to a French lesson and I’m fortunate to be associated with WIN, where the young women who comprise this organization keep me in awe of their audaciousness and espirit de corp of their sisterhood. So to all of my millennial sisters, I welcome you to the next generation who will inspire you as much as you have encouraged me. You’ll probably have a similar situation when you reach your “seasoned” years so keep striving for your goals even after you achieve them.
  • When I’m this stressed out, I tend to go inward. I was on the phone earlier today with a colleague of mine who mentioned that we have inadequately kept in touch (we equally share responsibility). It can be challenging when there aren’t enough days/hours in the week to do all that needs to be done. I recognize that when we get into this crazy mode, we’re channeling as much energy to stay focused. Adrenaline kicks in and we’re wafting through the motions just to get through. I honestly have serious brain drain. As in I can barely think straight. I am so overextended that it takes every ounce of strength to manage my day, get enough rest and to do it again the next day and the next day, until finally we reach the end. So it’s a good reminder that there are 20 different things that I can do to improve my current situation. Do I do all of them – hell no but getting to a couple are making me a more sane person 🙂
  • Looking for inspiration on how entrepreneurs got their start? There’s a great podcast that addresses that particular topic – How I Built This. Learn about their stories and what they went through to get to where they are today.
  • This is an oldie but goodie article from 2007 and it still resonates today. Becoming the boss isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be because the “control” that you think you have is really an illusion. Managing up and down is exhausting and if anything, it makes me sometimes wonder if I can go back to the days when I didn’t have any responsibility and was a junior staffer. What is extremely fulfilling is knowing that I can engage in teamwork and my team acknowledges that the office is a team. I will stand by them when things don’t go as planned and I will applaud them and give them credit for outstanding work. It’s only together that we can provide the kind of attention to detail and work product that exemplifies the brand that we’ve created.

Alright – that’s it for this week – let me know what you think! Thanks for reading/sharing and see you next Tuesday!

— Madalene

 

Tuesday Truths 2016 Edition v38

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(translation: The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up — Paul Valéry)

We’re in the 40s and I’m not talking age! We’ve reached the 40+ days mark in the election so I’m all about people showing me the money and being the BEST collection agent possible. #WERK

Let’s get to Tuesday Truths!

  • It’s terrific knowing that there’s a woman whose in the corner of every woman who is an entrepreneur. Learn more about Frédérique “Fred” Irwin and what she’s doing to help women business owners thrive.
  • Being a woman of color raised by a Vietnamese mother and a German American father, I have a lot of memories of being surrounded by all kinds of people. To be perfectly honest, I have to look in the mirror to remind myself that I’m AAPI. My internal compass tells me that I’m AAPI but yet not completely. So the mirror reminds me and sometimes there are people who want to remind me that I don’t belong. My stories are different from those who are a different ethnic background and to read it from Solange Knowles makes me feel that we can only support one another whenever any of us are confronted with “not belonging”.
  • Also as a woman, we should be there for one another when it’s time to take credit for an idea or work that we’ve produced. The women of the White House had proximity to power but still had to work to be in the room, to have a seat at the table, or to be included in senior level meetings.
  • I loved this article so much because it really spoke to me to just do it. You can fail and you will learn so much from just the act of doing. 2009 was a great year for me in that I grew so much by doing – I took up surfing, learned to ride a motorcycle, took jazz singing lessons and sang in public – all things that didn’t necessarily directly help me professionally, but it helped me to stop talking about things and doing things instead. That also translated in me taking more risks in my work and reminded me to be invested in my work.

Thanks for reading/sharing!

— Madalene

 

Tuesday Truths 2016 Edition v37

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September is always an exciting month and as we count down to Election Day, it just keeps getting better! I’m on the road later this week so looking forward to making new friends and visiting longtime supporters. Hope you’re making the most of the week!

Here’s Tuesday Truths!

  • There are days when I absolutely love the work that I do. I’m excited to face the day and I’m fulfilling a goal, but honestly, who doesn’t have moments when you just can’t. even. My go-to on those days is to step back and think about the big picture. Oftentimes, you get into the weeds to get a job done and that means you loose sight of the goals of your work and the higher purpose. It’s my “Why” and it’s the reason I use to keep my team motivated. They need to know their “Why” as well. What do you do to stay motivated in your job?
  • So what happens when you resolve to step out of your current career to make a significant change? How do you know if you’re in a career funk? Before making the leap, there are ways to gauge your level of anxiety. Maybe it means that you need to do some new things to give yourself a different outlet from your professional life. Or maybe it’s a change in mental attitude. Breathing energy into a boring work scene can make a difference in your wellness.
  • I got a chance to catch up with my friend, Andrew Fullerton who heads up GAIN, the Government Affairs Industry Network and it’s a great organization where you can network within the government affairs/lobbing industry for free. There are educational webinars to learn about new tools as well as trends that affect the legislative process. They also have partnership events that allow for broader networking. Have a look see and meet people who work in advocacy!
  • Are you looking for conversation starters when you go to an interview? If you’re looking for starters for networking events, these would work too! For those of us who need to practice to be less rote, it’s good to have some ideas in advance to not get caught with the same dry questions. Now go out there and network!
  • I’m always trying to think of ways to give thanks to contributors and since some clients aren’t necessarily development driven, it can be hard to be creative but we find ways without spending a lot of money to express our appreciation. If you’re a non-profit who does do development, here are some ways that you can thank your donors and make them feel the love!

Alright folks, let me know how you’re doing – I feel a survey coming along so get ready to give me your feedback on what you want to read more of and how I can help you through this crazy life! Thanks for reading/sharing and I’ll catch you next week!!

— Madalene

Tuesday Truths 2016 Edition v36

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Oh lawdy! We are IN IT! Are you wondering what I’m talking about?? It’s the day after Labor Day, which is the official start of GOTV and campaign crazy! Whew! I’m exhausted just thinking about it, but if you’ve been reading along with me then you know that this is what we’re all about in politics! I spent the last few days on a work trip that just reinforces the crazy that we go through in fundraising. I was in an area that was affected by Tropical Storm Hermine and I had donors coming to a retreat. There is definitely a moment when you wonder if you’re insane or even slightly out of your mind to recommend to your client that they move forward with flying through a tropical storm to make the event. It all worked out and that’s all that really matters!

post Hermine Kiawah

Here’s Tuesday Truths!

  • When I think about what’s ahead of me for the next 60 some days, I think about treading water and making sure that I’m doing what I need to do so that I can maintain a certain level of intensity. I know that I can’t sustain it beyond that because I’ve mentally prepared myself for this kind of insanity. Once the deadline is reached, I’m all about giving myself a reboot. Read Tanya Tarr‘s day in the life when she needs a hard restart (which I will be ready for post election!).
  • I’ve always believed that community makes you grow as an individual. You can find your place in it and you can also help to build the community into a stronger place for others. It allows you to diversify your thoughts and as much effort you put into it, people will welcome you into a support system. I think of it as building an ecosystem where everyone plays a part. Be unafraid to embrace the parts of you that people may not always necessarily understand. You are being authentic to yourself and to others for that matter. There will be times when you’ll need to conform to get along and in small doses it doesn’t have to contradict who you really are as a person. These are just a couple of tips that can provide you with the ability to empower yourself to do more.
  • I’m such a big proponent to knowing your why. In a big sense of the question, “Why am I here?”, it flows to why each task is moving towards progress of an even bigger accomplishment. I often explain to my team why I’m asking them to do something because it helps to show them that even though going through a call list is a big pain in the arse, it means we’re calling through to make sure people have received an invite and have an event on their radar screen. Small tasks = bigger results. Since the premise for all of us is to achieve bigger results, it helps to focus everyone with the task at hand. If you need ways to focus yourself, here are ideas that you can use to reach your goals and vanquish “monkey mind”.
  • Hey introverts! Looking for a guide to help you grow into your leadership roles? Extroverts aren’t better than introverts and vice versa. We need a mix to make a dynamic organization successful. Being the loudest doesn’t necessarily mean that you have the best idea, just like not allowing yourself the time to gather your energy as an introvert is not the wisest technique when you prepare to network. A little bit of one another’s best traits can build solid leaders.
  • Do you ever have to write fundraising solicitation letters? I do it quite often and writing in the voice of the principal, whether it’s the candidate or elected official or senior leadership of an organization, requires that you know their voice and tone when writing these “stories”. One of the more technical things you need to know is that an active voice does much better in getting donors/prospects to move towards action. Here’s a great test you can take if you’re checking to see if you’re writing in an active voice. It’s also quite clever!
  • Along the same lines of communicating what your organization does, it’s important to also understand your audience. You’re creating a narrative of accomplishments and goals as well as outlining how donors can contribute towards a shared objective. For non-profits, there are words that really resonate with donors and have been helped to move them to contribute. What are the 2 words after “please” that mean a great deal? If you said, “thank you” then you’re on the right track to understanding a typical donor’s psychology. Thank you is great, but it’s even more important to make sure you spell that donor’s name correctly. You don’t want to ruin all of the good work you put into securing the contribution to leave a bad taste with a misspelled name!

THANK YOU for reading/sharing and let me know what tips have helped you!

— Madalene

Tuesday Truths 2016 Edition v32

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We’re in the midst of August slumber, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not working! I have a ton of events on the books and we’re excited that we’re 90 days from E-Day! Have you signed up for a volunteer shift? I’m happy to direct you to any of the Democratic organizations that are actively recruiting volunteers 😉

Here’s Tuesday Truths!

  • Political life can bring discourse. I found this article quite interesting because it made me take a breath and LISTEN. I like to think that I can be patient, although it’s not an adjective that I would immediately use to describe myself and the ability to actively listen and to better understand someone who comes with a differing opinion requires a healthy dose of it. We move in such a fast society with social media only lending us maybe 6 seconds of attention span so the ability to listen and be aware of someone else’s perspective makes for a test of patience. Would you want to change the person’s opinion? Would you want to voice the merits of your perspective? Of course, but sometimes what really matters is that we give each other the space to be heard.
  • I give big PROPS to the Washington Post for creating a compilation of articles about women in power in DC. They highlight women in both parties and how they have grown or decreased within these establishments, how women are coming into their power through political contributions, as well as how women of color still battle everyday to be recognized. It’s a great digest of how women in DC are fighting to be at the table.
  • Being that my spouse is also a campaign hack, who I met when we both worked at the DNC during the ’96 re-election, I thought this article about finding love on the campaign trail hit close to home. I’ve always likened campaign life like being in a class. You work with people your age as well as those who have more/less experience and those relationships/friendships forged during those particularly intense moments can build a bond that would have never existed.
  • I had an opportunity to speak to a couple of interns last week about what it means to be a political consultant and the work that I do as a fundraiser. It was great to tell them about how I work to elect candidates who look more like America, but what I failed to tell them that I also do things like, order 50lbs of pork butt (and pick it up) for an annual fundraiser so that my out of town chefs can prepare their menu. I also purchase golf balls for gift bags and order catering from a specialty food truck for 100 so that I have food for my events. I’ll just let The Campaign Workshop talk about what campaign fundraisers REALLY do for their candidates 😉
  • If you’re having Democratic Convention withdrawal or even FOMO (I’ll admit it, all of the frenzy was quite worth it!) then here’s a recap from my dear friend Edil De Los Reyes (follow her on twitter!!). She worked with the Democratic Convention digital team to share stories and poignant moments during Convention and she wrote a recap of the 1st day. Thanks Edil for capturing other parts of the day so that I can see what else was happening!

Thanks for reading/sharing and if you haven’t signed up for the weekly blog, I hope you get on the party train 🙂

— Madalene

 

 

Tuesday Truths 2016 Edition v31

So a bit of context to my photo, I was sitting on the convention floor (like really sitting on the convention floor and not in a seat) watching President Clinton speak on Tuesday night and he was so close because I was in the 3rd row from the front (AMAZEBALLS!).

I’m still processing the past week’s Democratic Convention activities, mainly due to being overwhelmed with emotion and serious lack of sleep. I could have been a responsible adult and went to bed after the proceedings, but I chose to see friends that I hardly see when I’m in DC or elsewhere and stay up way too late and get up way too early. It was all worth the experience of being there and being apart of the revelry. Now that I’m looking at the calendar, the realization of it being less than 100 days to the election has hit me with full force. If you weren’t serious before now, it’s time to get to organizing!

Here’s Tuesday Truths!

  • I’ve been to 6 Democratic conventions as either part of the DNC or as part of an allied group participating in the extracurricular activities to motivate and energize people to volunteer their time and resources to electing a Democratic ticket. I’ve been emotional at each one because as much as I’m a cynic now, I was an idealist (and continue to be somewhere in the depths of my soul). Part of my journey was that I was able to find my way to the Democratic party and make my goals a reality and to stay connected to the progressive movement to make this a career. I’ve seen this Party go through ups and downs and to come out on the other side to elect the 1st African American President and to nominate a woman to a major political party. I think I have been fortunate to live my life in rose colored glasses. I was raised in a multi cultural society, where my friends from all faiths and backgrounds were seen as part of the community. I went to school in the South where the student body elected an all female Executive Committee for the Student Government, where I was privileged to be VP of Administration. To witness firsthand the workings of an institution to nominate a woman was truly astounding. We are not perfect by any means and yet, this emotion was set forth because women deserve the respect and equal treatment of our male counterparts. Geraldine “Jerry” Emmett, a delegate who casted her vote from Arizona was born BEFORE women had the right to vote. Think about it – there was a time when women could NOT vote. We had men tell us what to do and with this moment, we have a role model who can say, “You belong here.”
  • Women are constantly getting critiqued for their appearance and elected officials as well as those who work in politics are not immune to those criticisms. Male candidates have the luxury of knowing that they need to spend very little time thinking about wardrobe when they enter the political arena. All they need to worry about is if their suits fits them, if they’re well groomed. Women, on the other hand, need to worry about hair, wardrobe, makeup. Do you know how many times Secretary Clinton was admonished for her headbands?? Extra time needs to be cushioned into the schedule so that a woman can get her hair and makeup done while men can easily take the extra time to rest or prepare for the day. Wardrobe can also be symbolic of your candidate’s message. I found it interesting that there was much ado about Secretary Clinton’s white pantsuit for her nomination acceptance speech. Did she actually choose all white for the symbolism? The same question can be posed to First Lady Michelle Obama’s choice of attire for her Monday night speech, where she spoke of inclusion and diversity. Just like in the days of when I was a field organizer, you drove American cars to reflect the alliance with Labor, the choices that we make as representatives of the Democratic Party can also be seen in our choice of attire.
  • When I think of my tribe of women friends, I know that they are progressing in their careers and reaching for their goals while also holding the door open for those who come behind us. All of that and more can be said for Donna Brazile and her #girlsquad of “Colored Girls”, the name that they gave themselves ages ago. They each have inspirational stories and together, they have forged a dynamic alliance of power with one another. True example of no drama and women helping one another. They’re writing a book and it should be out by mid terms of 2018. I know that I’ll be pre-ordering a copy!
  • Were you riveted with the introduction video at the Democratic Convention of Secretary Clinton? It was the best 12 minutes to showcase the Democratic nominee at her best. Shondaland outdid themselves. I hope Ms. Rhimes thought it was better to do this than take her vacation!

Show of hands! Who went to the Convention? Was it your 1st time? Share with us your experience! For those of you who watched from home, what did you think?? How did it look on tv? Would enjoy reading your comments so drop them below!

Thanks for reading/sharing!

— Madalene

 

 

 

Tuesday Truths 2016 edition v25

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Hope you’re having a great start to the week! I’m getting ready for WIN’s annual Women Opening Doors for Women (WODW) and gearing up for MAY-JAAAHHH collection agent mode for the end of the quarter. We’ll soon be headed into 30 days before the Philadelphia Democratic convention and less than 130 days before the general election. If you’re a planner, then you know that we’re in overdrive!

Putting all of that aside, I want to express my gratitude for all of your support of the blog! I really enjoy hearing from you and getting your feedback on how articles have been helpful or have impacted your professional/personal lives. Thank you for reading and I hope that I can continue to be a resource! Feel free to let me know what types of articles you’re looking for and how I can be helpful.

Here’s Tuesday Truths!

  • There are a lot of young people who work in politics and oftentimes, you start where there’s the most demand and likely that was in field. As you start to become more involved with the industry, you will become more acquainted with the finer details of each particular specialty. I do fundraising because it was due to my organizational skills that my manager/supervisor saw that I might be good in that specific kind of role. If you’re in field and you want to move into communications, you need to know the scope of work involved for that position. It’s not just being a spokesperson. You need relationships with media outlets and reporters, as well as the skill to write a communications plan. The higher the role, the more responsibility. How does this translate into changing industries/fields? You need to know the trends that are happening and you need to get into the sphere of influence of those who can make hires. Although this article was written with the perspective of an entrepreneur, it gives you the guidelines to which you can make a transition into a different field. I try to live my life by “creating my own luck”. It can be more challenging but there are steps you can take to give yourself credentials into another type of work.
  • I have a lot of friends who are getting ready to transition from working in the Obama administration to the unknown world of life changes. People have started thinking about their futures and preparing for new challenges. Does that mean something in a future administration, returning from where they came, getting out of politics/public policy for greener pastures (yes, I’m also alluding to making more $$), or is it all a mystery? It’s a time for new chapters – whether they be written for you or by you. How do you start thinking about all of these questions? It doesn’t matter what age you’re at (for those who may remember, I had a quarter life crisis and left politics) because you can always start a new chapter at any age you choose. This is your life – you get to do with it how you choose!
  • Last week I shared a great deal about self doubt and I’ve realized that optimism plays a critical role in getting unstuck, releasing self doubt and a number of other positive habits. If there isn’t hope that the work you’re doing, the person that you’re becoming, and the world is going to be better then we’re seriously screwed! Of course you and I will have our down days and that’s why you have built a community that will allow you to bathe in the negative for just that moment and help you rise again. Being able to enjoy the small triumphs is worth every second of victory because that will carry you forward to the next threshold. You’ve got this and YOU are a role model to not only OTHERS but to YOURSELF. HELL YEAH – you wake up in the morning knowing that the day can bring its challenges and you’ve got the skills and the know how to make it through. #winning
  • I’m a mentor to a couple of undergraduates who are enthusiastic and eager to jump start their professional careers (I tell them that they need to savor this moment of their lives because I didn’t think that 20+ years of post graduate professional life would get me to now – that’s for another time!). We’re in the midst of discussing their life goals and the basics such as how to write a cover letter and how to get through interviews. I’ve talked with first time job applicants as well as to more seasoned professionals about how to approach a job interview. Foremost, know your strengths – know them in and out and how to articulate them in examples. Know your weaknesses and how you can improve them. Most importantly, know your VALUE. Your ability to express your value to a company/organization also translates to how having you as a team member helps them to reach their goals.
  • When you take a step back to see where you are in the world, you can sometimes feel small. If you’re an intern, if you’re an assistant, if you’re a director, if you’re a VP, there’s always going to be someone higher up the ladder and you need to have the skills to be able to engage those people into your orbit. Knowing how you can be helpful to them is always the beginning to the conversation. This goes back to your value and assessing your ability to help others with your skills.
  • As a fundraiser, I’m constantly thinking about how much money needs to be raised by the quarter, the month, the week and daily – intervals of time that set up benchmarks. How about if we did that with our time?? The saying goes, “Time is money” and how true is that when we also realize that we can never get more time.
  • It’s a running joke that I like to exercise at the crack of dawn (running joke, get it?!). Anyway, I’m in a time out with exercise. My body has decided that I needed a break and I’m absolutely OK with it and I will be OK with it until I start to feel sluggish and really really cranky. I know all about the positive benefits and I like the adrenaline after my workouts. I’m just not feeling it these days and I’m giving myself the space to be OK because I know that I will get back to it when I’m ready. For those who are looking for the motivation to exercise more, here’s a trick that you can use to get you to your favorite physical activity. I actually use the same thinking when it comes to exercise because I prioritize it over other things, however at this point in time, my quality of sleep is beating out exercise.

What are you doing to bring value to those around you? Share your stories!

Thanks for reading!

— Madalene

Tuesday Truths 2016 edition v24

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As I look to my schedule, I can see that my summer is well planned with lots of work projects. Fall has always been my favorite season because of the change of temperature and we’re in the heady days of campaigning. I’ve always worked in places where we’re bundling up and finishing the night’s work with whatever baseball game is on for the World Series. My colleagues who work in the warmer states, I have no idea what it feels like to campaign in shorts and it always makes me feel a bit out of place in the same way when I’m celebrating Christmas and there are palm trees around me. This is my 11th campaign season as a political operative and although technology has changed tremendously (I remember when it was 1996 and I was using a thermal fax machine to transfer phone banking information!), I know that what really matters is that you understand how your district wants to be communicated and how to message them so that they want to listen to your message. This will always be about connecting with people and talking with them in the mediums that they want to communicate, whether that’s one on one in a face to face (door to door) or by text message. Understand that people want to be heard and will engage when they see that you want to understand them.

Here’s Tuesday Truths!

  • Did you get a chance to catch my FB hangout with Tammy Gordon when we talked about the Joys and Challenges of Being Your Own Boss? If not, you can hop over to the Arum Group FB and take a look see! If you thought it was helpful, please feel free to share it! Much thanks to Tammy and her team member, Christina Giordana for taking the time to hang with me and to Arum Group Team members, Hyunju Bin and Samantha Ng for designing the graphic and for setting up all the tech pieces! #BOSS
  • One of the topics that Tammy and I didn’t cover was the juggle of having a life partner in the equation. Occasionally I will get asked this question about balancing my work and the life that I’m creating with my spouse. One variable I don’t have is children, which in itself is a totally different dynamic. I, along with my spouse made a very conscious decision early in our lives that we would not have children and I strongly believe that this decision is unique to everyone. Only you know what is best for your life and I’ve had conversations with people who have vehemently disagreed with my choice. My response to them is “You don’t live my life, I do and your choices are yours so I will also choose to not judge your decisions because I will never really know the challenges and happiness that you enjoy but I will be supportive of whatever you choose.” End of conversation. There are going to be times when you won’t have the attention span to give to your partner and as in the case of the author of this article, she didn’t have an infrastructure for her business when she fell in love. Each relationship can be intoxicating – you’re in love with your work life and in love with your partner. What kind of infrastructure/support system can you create to make it work?
  • We live in a world of busy (which I personally hate) because everyone likes to think that it’s perfectly normal to be out of control with their schedules. Don’t get sucked into the world of busy! I completely understand that the to do list can be crazy! The ability to focus on a large project can be daunting when your to do list is 10 feet long. Here are ways to be more productive. Don’t multi-task and find when you’re likely to do your best work. I know the type of conditions I need to get big thinking, which leads to big doing done. I can’t have music playing, unless it’s classical; if the tv is on then it can be the news and sometimes I can put on a cooking show on mute; no emails and no other social media apps to distract me. Most importantly, I set a timer. I estimate how long it’s going to take me to get that project done and I take that time to focus. I reward myself by checking my social media apps to see what’s going on in the world while I was working. One of the things that I need to work on is meditation. Every article that I read talks about its effects and I need to get on that train! What tips are helpful to you in being more productive?
  • I work with non-profits to help them with their fundraising and we often talk about how donors are “investors” to these organizations. What’s frustrating is that even when we speak in “for-profit” terms, we’re still working with unrealistic expectations for non-profits. If you work directly in non-profits, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading Nonprofit with Balls. Every time I read this blog, I find myself nodding my head and laughing while simultaneously wanting a glass of wine because I think it will make it all better. In all seriousness, it provides a serious lens to the environment that many non-profits face. Changing how we view ourselves and what we want others to know about the work that we do will hopefully educate those who think that non-profits are less serious than for-profit entities.
  • I live in the bubble of the Beltway. It’s a very privileged life and I realize that if I want to know what’s going on in the world, I need to listen to those who are not in this enclave. When I started campaigning, I would work elsewhere to see what topics were important to people who don’t live and breathe politics everyday (you know, normal people). Everyone’s financial situation is unique and learning how others live makes me reflect on what money can buy. Here are the stories of 4 women with 4 different incomes and how they afford to live their lives.
  • How much does self doubt rear its nasty head in your life? There are days when it’s screaming in mine, but I take a deep breath and listen to MY voice, the only sound that matters. I think of myself as pragmatic. There are times when I’ve tried a few things that didn’t work out and I chalk that up to finding the right rhythm to get into a groove. Did that work? No, well then let’s try something different. I grew up getting straight A’s – all the time. It’s a horrible feeling! Yes, the joy of having excelled at subjects transitions to Oh shiz, I gotta do it again next quarter, next semester, next year. The 1st time I got a B, I freaked out that my parents would be disappointed in me (they were fine). The kinds of expectations that I put on myself were making me tough and giving me habits to apply to other things outside of school, but it also made me question whether I should do something if I thought it wouldn’t be PERFECT. GAWD – I love perfect – when nothing goes wrong and everything comes out just like you envisioned. Fear of not getting something done perfectly or even done as well as your peers can lead to paralysis. Throw in self doubt and you have created a lethal dose of destruction. Self doubt got nothing on you.
  • Every day that I work in politics, I come to the realization that my job is to be part of the story telling mechanism that promotes my clients. It’s the best productive thing you can do to create a brand and solidify a reputation. When I meet a candidate, one of the 1st things I ask is, “What’s your story?”. Why? It gives me a sense of how they’re pitching themselves to prospects, donors, influencers, the media, you name it! We talk about the elevator pitch and this is essentially it. What makes you unique and what makes you memorable and above else, what makes you relatable to people who you’re convincing to vote for you, give you money, and what other asks you have of them. This also applies to your own individual narrative. You need to learn these skills to be an effective leader. Leading a team involves so much more than commanding directives and project management. It means sharing your vulnerabilities and being authentic. You value people (and brands) when they’re honest and when they’re welcoming. That can lead to admiration and respect – qualities that any brand would want.

That’s it folks – let me know your comments and like/share the post! Thanks for reading!

— Madalene

 

Tuesday Truths 2016 edition v21

Photo credit via

What do I love about the month of May? It’s APIA Heritage Month and celebrating all the wonderful accomplishments and reflecting on the challenges that my community faces along with the solutions that we create. It’s a time to honor those who have blazed the trail for us and to recognize those who continue to do the work. It’s such a great way to see the past and look to the future.

Before we dive into Tuesday Truths, can you do a big favor and fill out the readers survey?? It will help me get you the kind of material that will be helpful to you! Thank you!

Here’s Tuesday Truths!

  • Speaking of the future, how much do I love that Asian Fortune highlighted 50 Young Asian American Stars in Politics? I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of the Democrats/progressives featured in this article and I consider them my brothers and sisters. They’ve got knowledge to drop and you should get to know them!
  • There are going to be times when you have doubts and wonder if you’re headed in the wrong direction. Here are a few warning signs that you can self-assess on what you’re doing and where you’re going. So if you find yourself in a situation where you need to re-invent or turn yourself around, here are ways you can course correct – no matter what age!
  • We’re headed into intern season, the time to shape a young person’s mind and professional work experience (said *tongue in cheek* but not really.) Even if you don’t spend a lot of time with the interns or the younger members of the staff, it’s imperative to learn the myriad of ways you can be a leader. Learn about these habits and how they can bring out the best in others.
  • I did a training a few weeks ago where I was recently asked about, “If the updates in technology have changed the way we do voter contact” and my opinion is that engagement is really about how others want to engage, especially when you’re thinking about targeting voters who have a high propensity to vote. It’s important to not rely on just technology to get your message out. The more traditional routes can be less sexy, however you still need to talk with people who continue to use the more traditional tools to get their information. Use Twitter and the other social media tools to your advantage but don’t let it ruin your perspective to talk with those who prefer other ways to communicate. I’ve fallen down the Snap Chat rabbit hole, so if you want to get an idea of what it’s really like to be a political consultant, follow me at madalene.mielke!
  • To really live the life you want, there is a sh*t ton of hard work you need to do to get be successful. There are so many obstacles and there are times when you’re just so exhausted that you think that you can’t possibly do anymore. Are you truly moving forward or are you achieving the steps that you need to get you to where you want to be? The doubts abound and when you need to assess your current situation, take a moment to see if you’re headed in the direction towards success.
  • Gotta give BIG props to the Honorable Geraldine Roman, the 1st openly transgender elected official in the federal government for the Philippines. #breakingbarriers
  • Before I sign off, did you do the readers survey? I’d most appreciate it!

Thank you for reading/sharing and letting me know your thoughts and comments!

— Madalene

Tuesday Truths 2016 edition v19

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I’m still reflecting on last week because it was fun filled and also so jam packed with the start of AAPI Heritage Month! By the time I got to Saturday afternoon, I was exhausted but it was the kind of exhaustion that comes with knowing that I got a ton of shiz done! I hope that you’re finding life to be fulfilling! The House is BACK so what does that mean? We’re diving into the deep end for the next 3 weeks before they go back to district work period. Let’s go!

Here’s Tuesday Truths!

  • Last Saturday I had so much fun doing a fundraising training for the Women’s Information Network (WIN). A great crew came out on a Saturday morning (just when the sun started to make an appearance!) and spent the next 90+ minutes with me getting knowledge bombed 🙂 PLUS! I captured it on Facebook LIVE so if you want to get a very basic understanding on political fundraising then stop by my personal Facebook page and catch the video in the news feed. If you have questions, leave me a comment in the comments section of the video and I can respond!
  • One of the things that I talked about in the fundraising 101 is that you have to get very comfortable talking with people who are complete strangers. You do it on the phone and you do it in person. A good way to practice is at networking events! Here are 6 ways that you can talk with absolutely anybody and not have them think that you’re a complete wack-a-doodle 🙂
  • The number one question that I get when I do candidate trainings on fundraising is “How do I start when I don’t know when I’m going to run” and my answer is massage, nurture and grow your list. That list is uniquely yours and the more you stay connected with people by bringing them value, the more you’ll be able to turn key a fundraising operation when you decide to run for elected office. It works in politics in the same way that it works in corporate networking. You don’t want a massive amount of business cards laying around with no value – it doesn’t help you and it certainly doesn’t help the person who is on the card! I keep a database of people who are my rolling network. I meet people ALL. THE. TIME. What’s important is how we connect, keeping that connection, AND most importantly – HOW I CAN HELP THEM! Here’s a great article on networking that makes it so simple!
  • One of the best parts of political fundraising is that the skills you learn doing it are actually transferable to other industries! I have a good number of colleagues who are former politicos who have moved into non-profit fundraising, donor management, development at educational and arts institutions. When you think about the skills necessary for any kind of political organizing, you can see where it can be quite useful in a corporate setting.
  • It’s graduation season so there’s a new crop of recent college graduates on the look out for new jobs and in a few months time, people will be leaving their jobs to start graduate studies and return to the full time student life. It’s the ebb and flow of the hiring process. Here’s wonderful advice on the steps you need to take to find a job, no matter what!
  • Here’s a fascinating article discussing the differences between Men and Women on their charitable giving. The studies shows that single women are more likely to give to charity than single men. Now if that could translate into politics…
  • I need to give a shout out to my very first finance associate, Jian Zapata Kim. She was recently featured by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association in honor of AAPI Heritage Month and from the time she started at my office as an intern, she continues to make the world a better place. She has always carried herself with grace and with such a demanding job, continues to find ways to be an ever ready team player, friend and colleague. I look forward to witnessing her many other accomplishments in the years ahead!

That’s a wrap! Thanks for reading/sharing and let me know your comments! Don’t forget, you can view my video on political fundraising 101 on the Arum Group Facebook page and you can leave me questions!

— Madalene