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Election Time Isn't Just for the Candidates

By: Beth Minnigerode | 10/27/2008

In this election season, numerous organizations are raising their profile by promoting their thought leadership and positions on key issues. Here's an example of a statement from the Missouri Hospital Association (MHA) regarding Proposition B. They did a great job at:

• Taking a strong stance (which the media loves!)
• Boiling down their overarching concern with the proposition at the start of their statement

However, I wish they had supported their point of view with additional statistics or an example of other states that have passed similar legislation and the results they encountered.

It also looks like they made themselves readily accessible to reporters across the state. The results - great media coverage, including articles in the Joplin Globe, Nevada Daily Star, Southeast Missourian, and Springfield News-Leader.

These articles also invite comments from readers, which serves as an informal focus group that enables MHA to test the relevance and impact of their messages. By reviewing the feedback, they can modify their messages to make them even stronger.

On a side note, I like the Tell Your Story section of MHA's advocacy Web site, which invites visitors to share their personal stories on how health care coverage impacts their family. Although, I think adding a blog would provide even more valuable two-way feedback that could benefit their communications outreach.

Posted in Brand Positioning, Digital Communications, Reputation Management