Stir up those political juices to expand your business

Google Images: Raynard Jackson

We've all heard it's all about who you know when it comes to business. Who has more connections in your community than politicians? Getting politically active on a professional level can be daunting for small business owners but the benefits can be worth the initial sense of discomfort. In a recent Black Enterprise article, Raynard Jackson of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC, talks about the strategies small business owners should take to reach new customers.

Jackson's firm located in D.C., provides strategic political and corporate advice, along with PR services to small and large businesses.They also work with professional athletes, entertainers, and several African countries.

"Oftentimes small business owners (especially in the minority community) get angry over the seeming preferential treatment larger firms get when it comes to business opportunities. In most cases, it has less to do with discrimination and more to do with relationships." ... "Even if your member of Congress doesn’t share your 'personal' political beliefs, you should still have some type of personal relationship with him or her. They are your member of Congress whether you voted for him/her or not."

I know what you're thinking, "I'm a designer, what do I need to reach out to politicians for?" Fashion and other creative industries definitely cross paths with politics more than you know. For example, the Inaugural Ball is like the fashion world's Super Bowl. Everyone wants to know what the first lady will be wearing and who designed her dress, which then leads to record sales of that dress and or pieces from that designer's latest collection.

Now let me bring it home for you. The relationships between local politicians and you (the creative genius you are) is crucial. It simply expands your network. Find your in and go to their charity events. Mingle. Find ways to make your creativity relevant to them and appeal to their interests as well. You don't have anything to lose, go get em!