Candidates need challengers

2014 primaries in Illinois are now under way with signatures being collected. In many cases, the incumbent is not getting a challenger.

And even then, it is a Chicago sport to get challengers off the ballot in order to ensure a win. Even President Obama did it to win his state Senator office.

To us at Do-Gooder Consulting, that's a sad situation, and in the long run, isn't helpful to incumbents who sincerely want to serve the public (and not simply their own careers).

The elections are essentially a free opinion poll  that gives you a true view of what your active voters think (and not those who like to answer the phone and talk to a pollster). You hear what are issues that parts of your community are passionate about, and to be honest about where you might be failing.

In Chicago, in particular, having multiple opponents are extremely helpful. With Chicago results, you can see precinct by precinct who is with you and who is not. You can then address issues of importance in the right area (for example, if the south part votes for one candidate, then you know those issues, and solutions need to be focused on in that part, even if different than other locations.)

As we mentioned, the removal of an opponent could be done. But if you are a candidate of integrity (especially an incumbent, who proved yourself once to voters), you need to ask if this is necessary. And you may find out that it is truly time for you to step down, again, in a way with integrity (as opposed to simply resigning for no significant reason other than selfish ones).

To sum up our advice: don't be afraid of challengers, and consider them legitimate critiques of your political situation.


Let us know how we can help. Contact us at 872-222-8008 or politics@do-gooder.us

Even a Bootleg Business Card can work

Business cards are vital, people! They help you communicate with strangers and help them find a connection.

People can get uptight because they don't have the funds for a fancy business card. While presentation is helpful, the bottom line is the information.

Note: the card doesn't have to be a special shape, or super shiny and glossy.  Even if the information is handwritten, or a simple Microsoft Word print out that you cut with scissors, it helps.  The "card" may look "bootleg", but as long as the information is accurate and legible, it can help.

But if you DO want something a little more professional, VistaPrint is one that Do-Gooder Consulting uses. On a recent order, we were able to get 500 business cards, plus a metal card holder, for under $12!  That's less than $0.03 a business card!

It's definitely worth it!

And no, we did not get paid for that shout out! Check RetailMeNot.com for any special deals. There may be other ads and deals found elsewhere.

Whenever you go to a conference, such as the Reload Urban Youth Workers conferences, there are old friends, but often new people who you could have great professional or even personal relationships later on after the event. They may also be a connection to a much needed resource.  The possibilities are endless.

So some quick notes to remember about business cards and making them an effective tool:

• The night before you leave your home, make sure you have a bunch of business cards with you (I suggest putting a few in your wallet, a few in a shirt or coat pocket, several in your notebook or calendar, and even more in your computer/tablet case.
• While an impressive looking card is nice, having the basic info on a piece of paper the size of a card will work just fine
• Handwrite the event you are at before giving your card. It will help the recipient remember how you met
• Once you get your business cards, take a bunch and stash them in various places where you can access them: your wallet, purse, computer bag, messenger bag/briefcase, car glove compartment, jacket, conference name tag (if it allows for storage). Doing the entire list sounds excessive, but you never know when you can use them!
• Schedule a time after your conference to review the cards YOU have collected.  The point isn't collecting them like baseball cards -- it is to use them as tools for future relationships.

Now, I did want to note that sending business card information electronically (such as via smartphone) is helpful. But there are some dangers of that as well:

• Your information can be deleted, sometimes to easily. Anyone who currently has a 2 year old can testify to that.
• Your information can get buried. Unless you are a major speaker, you will only be one of 200-400 other contacts.

A business card has a chance to be found during laundry, housecleaning, or any number of instances that will not happen with a smartphone.

Business cards are a small thing, but they can provide big benefits later on.

Contact us if your organization or small business needs help in coordinating your communication. Either call/text 872-222-8008 or e-mail us at communication@do-gooder.us

Search our categories

We encourage you to use "labels' to help find blog entries that are useful. Some of our most popular are "college access", "college financial aid", "Conference", "Youth Ministry" "web site", "churches", "Illinois College Access Network" and "networking".

You can see our expertise, knowledge and care for these subjects, and we would love your opinion on them as well.


These aren't the only areas we focus on. Check our website at www.do-gooder.us and see some of our other specialties. We would be happy to post a blog entry on those areas as well, in addition to starting a simple discussion on the topic of your choice.

Contact us at 872-222-8008 or blog@do-gooder.us

Celebrate Dreamhost's sweet 16 with us!

We use Dreamhost to host webpages (such as our website at www.do-gooder.us They have a special offer for new hosting, for just $1.60 a month for a full year!

WARNING: This is only for new customers, and really for those who know their way around a website.

We love using Dreamhost because it's simple (well, for advanced users) to use, and are down-to-earth people, as opposed to some big corporations.

If you're unable to establish a website on your own (such as due to time, lack of ability, etc.), Do-Gooder Consulting can help you. Just contact us at 872-222-8008 or web@do-gooder.us for details.


P.S. Dreamhost is celebrating 16 years of existence, so they will have more ways to celebrate their Sweet 16!  Happy Birthday, Dreamhost!