Nationwide the “conversation” in October centered on the three presidential debates and the vice presidential debate. From the perspective of a business person involved with public relations, media relations and social media, the debates were extraordinary spectacles. When taking the time to analyze them from a marketing standpoint, each provided perfect examples of effective marketing, communication and branding techniques. It is worthwhile revisiting the debates and look at the techniques that were validated by each of the candidates.
It was clear the candidates were, for the most part, well prepared for each debate with clear, concise and consistent messages created for the sole purpose of winning over voters. For example, Gov. Romney’s five point plan was repeated in all the debates to reach his base and the pool of undecided voters. This was an effective approach for the candidates and it can be effective for you too. A business marketing plan with a well formulated message about your products and/or services when repeated by you enough will resonate with customers and prospects.
President Obama, as the incumbent, went into the first debate with the advantage of having been in office for nearly four years, but despite this, his performance in the debate allowed viewers to see how vulnerable he could be. In the following debate he was prepared to deliver his message with conviction. By his own admission, he was “awake,” enough to get credited with winning the 2nd debate. In the business world, a CEO who appears to be a leader unwilling to face business challenges and competition could be branded as weak. Many today consider the brand of a CEO a mirror of the business’s brand. So if the CEO doesn’t recognize his/her shortcomings and is lackadaisical about taking action to improve it, his career and/or the business can suffer, perhaps even fail.
It was interesting that FOX News introduced the “Twitter Box” for its social media minded audience watching or listening to the debates and election results. Seeing tweet numbers fluctuate with highs and lows indicating favorable and unfavorable answers to questions or reactions to candidate gestures during the debates was telling. The idea of following tweets was novel but reasonable considering the impact of social media on the presidential campaign and the outcomes as to who won or lost each debate. In our everyday lives and in the business marketplace Twitter, LinkedIn, FaceBook and YouTube have earned their keep by proving they make an impact on our daily lives and businesses. If you are in business and you’re ignoring or unwilling to adopt appropriate social media vehicles, your business growth and vitality can be stymied.
According to dailycaller.com, the first debate, on Oct. 3, 2012, set a Twitter record. 10.2 million Tweets were sent during the event, the most sent during a U.S. political event in Twitter’s short history. 7.2 million tweets were sent during the the second presidential debate on Oct. 16, according to Twitter’s official count. The third and final presidential debate appeared to spark less interest among Twitter users than either of the previous two debates.
People who listened to the debates and did not see the candidates drew different opinions as to debate winners, on style and content. As mentioned, messaging is extremely important. Radio listeners didn’t see Vice President Biden’s smiles that were interpreted as rude and inappropriate or Paul Ryan’s “nervousness” attributed to his “gulping water” from a glass ever so often. Viewers interpreted their gestures and actions. Listeners did not have to deal with the gestures. Their opinions of who won or lost was based on the substance of what they heard – the messages.
Following the vice presidential debate columnist Charles Krauthammer on FOX News gave his perspective on the candidates’ performances. Krauthammer said, “If you heard it on radio, Biden won. If you watched it on television, he lost.”
What does this tell us about marketing? Presentations you make related to your business, professional practice or services and products or areas of expertise, must be well prepared. The way you present yourself at all times must not be off-putting. When conducting a seminar, making a speech or networking at a business event, it is essential to convey a sense of openness to others. You want to be a “likeable” and “approachable” person. Looking stern, hammering the podium, pointing at someone to make your point, interrupting or talking over someone will not come across very well in a business circle. How to overcome these and other pitfalls to public speaking and interaction with business peers? Practice and practice again and again. That’s precisely what the candidates did, but under pressure even they had moments when they fell short of their “likability” goals.
According to www.business2community.com “Your professional image can be greatly impacted by the way you interact with others. Portraying your best self is critical for preserving your reputation and establishing likability. Pay attention to the way you interact with others, no matter who they are—or how much you may disagree with them. Whether you’re a politician or an office worker, your personal brand matters if you want to maintain credibility. The presidential debates show that even the smallest elements, like articulation and body language, matter when it comes to promoting your best image.”
There is no question that business people can learn effective marketing, communications and branding techniques from the success and shortfalls from these debates.
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