The numbers are staggering. Since 2007, mail volume in the United States has dropped by 43.1 billion pieces, post office visits are down by 200 million, and retail transactions have decreased at least $2 billion. The figures, worry some in the direct mail industry, could eventually lead the United States Postal Service to reduce delivery to three days a week.
This issue's Shoptalkers: Fred Davis, CEO of Strategic Perception; Eric Hogensen, president of HSG Campaigns; Douglas Herman, partner at The Strategy Group; and Vince Monaco, owner of the Monaco Group.
If you’re a first-time candidate, you’ll soon discover that a lot of people are going to give you their two cents about your campaign. The thing is, many of them have no idea what they’re talking about.
Here are five terrible pieces of advice that you are likely to hear, and the facts that you need to remember.
With less than a week to go, all eyes are on the mid-terms and the potential the Democrats will take back the House. We wanted to share what we are reading and listening to in order to stay informed about this election.
1) FiveThirtyEight
I don’t think I should have to say this, but if you aren’t reading FiveThirtyEightand Nate Silver, you really should. Their blend of data journalism, models, and a mathematical view of the situation cuts through the noise and punditry that dominates the vast majority of the news. With a model for the House, Senate, and governors races you can see both how the races are shaping up, as well as what factors are creating the environment.
2) Upshot's Live Polling?
Interested in how polling actually works? The Upshot has been polling races and producing results in real time, letting readers watch and see exactly what is going on. If you are the type that reads a lot about polls but doesn’t fully understand what they mean, take a dive here.
3) The Press Box Podcast
There is no doubt the news media is having a major impact on the election. Every week Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker breakdown the press’s reactions to major stories and what that reaction means. You cannot understand the election without taking a long look at how stories are being covered.
This week Eric is recommending Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward.
"This is required reading for everyone. Woodward's track record speaks for itself and is reflected in his readable, well-researched account of the first part of the Trump presidency. Relying on firsthand accounts and steering clear of the pure gossip, it's an important reminder of just how extraordinary this moment is."
- Eric
We're here for you! Reach out to us today to see how HSG Campaigns can make a difference to your campaign in the homestretch!
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