Be the Congressman

Some years ago, there was a story going around — a true story, as it turns out — about me and a lunch I had with a candidate for Congress. He had run two years before but lost really badly and he was seeking my advice as he prepared to run again.

First, let me describe him. He was handsome, charismatic, well-educated, wealthy, and fairly well-known. He was the kind of candidate you’d love if you agreed with his politics, and I did.

After we were seated and made a little small talk, I asked him to tell me about the incumbent — the one who had trounced him two years ago and was awaiting him again. The candidate described the incumbent as a good guy, but remarked that he was terrible at constituent service. He said the incumbent’s staff was unresponsive and people in the district felt ignored.

I thought about it for a minute and then said, “Stop campaigning and just start doing the job. Open an office in the district, hold town halls, help people cut through red tape. Use your campaign funds to serve the community. Become a known commodity, someone voters appreciate before you ask for their votes.”

Did he take my advice? Nope. And, maybe coincidentally, he lost even worse this second time.

Here’s the point: If you can do it, stop selling your vision and just start living it. Instead of waiting for millions of dollars or thousands of believers to materialize, just start doing what you imagined. Build a fan base. Let donors and the community experience the magic.

Just start being the Congressman.