Here’s a reminder that people are your most powerful weapon. I recently read an interesting article in USA Today about the Pao trial (the former partner of Silicon Valley VC firm Kleiner Perkins that is suing the firm for discrimination) headlined, “Money Doesn’t Matter.” The reporter covering the trial noted that the jury was not awed or impressed by the billionaire witnesses Kleiner put forward, and the jury asked probing, uncomfortable questions.
Almost immediately after reading the article, I met with Jacki Pick, a real dynamo and the new COO and EVP of the National Center for Policy Analysis, a Dallas-based, nationally known think tank. (Watch for great things from her!) She does a regular podcast on energy issues, and in one of her latest she discusses how energy companies out-spent anti-fracking citizen groups by more than ten to one and have been losing campaigns to regulate or restrict fracking by double digits. The reason? The pro-fracking industry is running ads and direct mail campaigns using fact-and-statistic-based claims. The anti-fracking citizens groups are personally showing up at neighborhood meetings and leaving leaflets on their neighbors’ doors. So, what’s missing from the industry? Real people working at real jobs, with real safety practices, who are proud of and committed to talking about why fracking is good for the nation. Social media does not replace person-to-person contact, and facts never outweigh anecdotes.
Businesses, particularly in the energy industry, need to enlist and deploy their own employees to talk about – as Simon Sinek puts it – what they do and why they do it. Sinek says the answer isn’t “‘to make a profit,’ that’s a result. Why does your organization exist?” Once you can verbalize the answer and enlist real people to share it, you’ll start winning over those you’re trying to influence.
You May Also Like
Acquisition of Spaeth Communications brings renowned methodology for media training and witness preparation, elevating Sunwest’s client services DALLAS (Oct. 18, 2023) – Sunwest Communications has acquired Spaeth Communications, bringing together two legendary Dallas-based public relations firms. Nationally recognized… more
There’s been much discussion following recent tragic and inexcusable events in Washington about how words influence behavior. President Biden has an opportunity to articulate clearly what he expects from those joining his administration. He should listen to critically… more
Those of you who know me know that I am a glass-half-full person. I believe there is always something positive on which to focus. That’s the purpose of this post, as well as to share an intensely personal… more
