How to Leverage Your Personal Network in the Political Sphere

We've all heard the saying: “It's not about what you know, but who you know.”

As someone who works at a firm that helps candidates and causes build winning political campaigns, I've seen firsthand how critical it is to know the right people. Regardless of where you work, you probably already know more people than you think who can help boost your political or professional goals.

The truth is, your existing friends, family members, neighbors, former classmates, or coworkers could very well have connections that turn out to be hugely valuable down the road. That laid-back aunt who seems to know everyone around town? Or that chatty guy you went to summer camp with years ago? They might just be the ticket to getting your foot in the door somewhere.

Here are 5 steps for turning your personal network into a professional powerhouse:

1. Make a list of people you know and their careers/interests. You'll be surprised at how many useful contacts you already have!

   The first step is to take inventory of who you know. Make a long centralized list of every person in your life — friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, former classmates, members of clubs or groups you belong to, and so on.
   
   Next to each name, jot down notes about what they do for work, what kinds of companies or organizations they're involved with, important roles they may have, areas of expertise, and any interesting hobbies or causes they care about.
   
   As you build out this list, you'll likely be amazed at the random array of fields and sectors represented in your personal circle. The possibilities are endless for who could open new doors for you.
   
   

2. Reconnect. Shoot them a text, email, DM, etc. Don't ask for anything big at first, just say hi and check in about their life.

   With your roster of personal contacts in hand, start re-engaging with people you may have fallen out of touch with. But don't dive right in asking for big favors. Restart the relationship by sending a friendly message to catch up and share updates from your life and career.
   
   For example, you might text an old friend saying, "Hey! It's been too long. I was just thinking about you and wanted to see how you're doing these days?" Or message a former colleague with something like, "Hi! Saw this interesting article that made me think of you. How have you been?" Make it casual and natural, not phony or transactional.
   
   If it’s a second-degree connection (or beyond), don’t hesitate to ask your mutual connection to introduce you. You can ask your friend something like, “Hey, I just got into politics and I see your brother is a political fundraiser. Do you mind introducing us so I can set up a coffee chat to ask about what working in politics is like?”
   
   The key here is to be genuine. Don’t ask if you don’t care. Come from a place of curiosity and think, what can I learn from this conversation? Even if it fizzles out professionally, you may discover that you’ve revitalized a friendship, or made a new one.
   
   

3. Figure out if they'd be open to lending a hand down the road by introducing you to people, giving advice, or even joining your cause.

   As you rekindle relationships, look for opportunities to cautiously sow the seeds about ways they can offer you professional support down the line.
   
   When appropriate, try asking open-ended questions like, "I've been interested in getting more involved with digital marketing these days — is that something you have any experience or connections in?" Or, "My campaign has me looking at potential political fundraising positions. Do you know anyone I can talk to in that field?"
   
   Leave it vague at first, show a willingness to provide value back, and only request small nudges like advice, referrals to other people, or general guidance. Judge their level of openness and don't push anything too big right away. If it seems like a good mutual fit, you can always scale up how you help each other later.
   
   

4. Offer to help them too! Networking is a two-way street.

   Make it clear that you want this to be mutually beneficial, where you can also be a resource back to your contacts. Somewhere in your conversations, say something like: "Please let me know if there's any way I can return the favor by making an introduction, giving a recommendation, or assisting with any of your own goals too."
   
   The strongest relationships are symbiotic ones, not one-sided scenarios where one person is just leeching off the other. Make it a balanced partnership. If you can find ways to add value to your connections, they'll be far more motivated to stick their neck out for you too.
   
   

5. If it's a good mutual fit, you now have a new professional connection thanks to an existing personal bond.

   If you've successfully traversed the steps above by authentically re-engaging your network, finding ways to provide mutual benefit, and pinpointing areas for collaboration, you'll start to convert some of those personal relationships into new professional connections and allies.
   
   A pre-existing personal bond separates your partnership from cold outreach and makes a huge difference. There's rapport, trust, and goodwill already banked that you can build upon together. Those people will be far more invested in your overall growth and more eager to lend a hand because you mean something to them beyond just business.
   
   Plus, keep building your relationships even if you’ve gotten what you initially wanted. There are two major reasons for this: 1) If you cut them off once you get what you want, it paints a picture of you as manipulative and just using people for your own benefit, and 2) it keeps the door open to more fruitful collaborations later.
   
   

Networking can be scary. The best thing about this method, though, is that people are way more eager to assist friends or relatives than total strangers. By tapping your personal networks, you're warming up cold contacts and giving them extra incentive to want to see you succeed.

So take stock of who you know already. With some casual outreach and friendly relationship-building, you can assemble an amazing lineup of well-connected teammates and supporters. The bigger your personal circle, the bigger opportunities will come your way!

Want a headstart on making a connection? Luckily for you, we're committed to building a network of diverse, progressive political operatives across the country. Sign up for a FREE informational interview with a member of our team today!