Topic: Announcement: Dan Kirk Consulting coming in 2008!

[TheJudge]

As many of you know, I've been working full time for a political consulting firm over the last two years doing data operations as well as regular political work.  I've recently gotten an offer and well, it's too good to pass up.  Starting in 2008 I will be forming my own firm focusing on Data operations for campaign and grassroots advocacy.  Over the next month I'm starting the hoops necessary to getting the business up off the ground, but already have a couple of good deals for clients that will keep me going for the two years of operation (with a modest net income increase even if I don't expand beyond that client base). 

Wish me luck.  I'm scared and excited beyond belief.

[Just plain old Punisher]

Data operations for campaign and grassroots advocacy

What does this mean?

[KOTH-KieranXC, Ret.]

Congrats, Judge. Best of luck, hope everything works out for ya.

[TheJudge]

It means that I will be manipulating data for people who don't have someone like me on their campaign staff (most campaigns).  The vendor that provides the data doesn't want to do this stuff, so I will step in the middle.  Also, a little further down the road I plan to offer other data services for grassroots style issue campaigns.  

[Just plain old Punisher]

I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to be difficult or anything...but I really don't have much idea as to what "grassroots style issue campaign" means in a practical sense. Data services I get, what sort of things are grassroots?

[Dash Jones]

Well, seeing the success rates of most start up businesses...you should be scared.

Now that the negativity has been stated...

Good Luck, and hopefully you'll be rolling in money after the next election (though hopefully it won't be US cash that is then worth as much as a Mark in the depression years when Germany was hit hard).

[TheJudge]

I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to be difficult or anything...but I really don't have much idea as to what "grassroots style issue campaign" means in a practical sense. Data services I get, what sort of things are grassroots?

Ah, understanding at last.    Grassroots campaigns are basically campaigns to influence elected official positions on key bills, etc.  For instance, you're a defense contractor and you're trying to win a very important bid.  You need congressional support, so you hire a firm to get people to call their member of congress and get that member to support you for the contract.  Another example might be that the Governor wants to cut money from the budget, including $21 million that is used to fund Veteran Services Officer positions in the Employment Development Department. 

Now, traditional grassroots is where you get normal people to write in and call their elected officials (say veterans calling the Governor).  You can also go for a grass 'tops' approach where you get key influences in a district (say the top 3 major contributors to a Congressmember's last campaign) to call and influence them in your favor.  Different clients require different strategies, and all of those strategies require ways of contacting the target people. 

[Just plain old Punisher]

Ah I see.

Usually when we need a contract approved we just send the government procurement workers a couple mail order hookers -- or we steal their house pets and threaten to kill fluffy unless they approve that order for more 500 dollar toilet seats.

Whichever is cheaper.

[Just plain old Punisher]

So, a lobbyist uses money to get what they want. You organize voter groups and other political groups into supporting your position?

So, what happens if you're hired to support a position you don't personally believe in, or are opposed to?

[AcePylut]

Good luck with your new business TJ!

[Nemesis]

So, a lobbyist uses money to get what they want. You organize voter groups and other political groups into supporting your position?

So, what happens if you're hired to support a position you don't personally believe in, or are opposed to?

I can't wait for the "blow" by "blow" account of Dan Kirk Consulting organizing an anti-gay campaign.  That should be a hoot. 

[TheJudge]

I can always choose to decline a client - especially those on the other side of the aisle.  There have actually been a few issues where I was mildly opposed to the side that had hired the firm I work for, and had to bite my tongue.  Fortunately nothing like working to pass a ballot iniative against gay marriage.  Today I ordered the business phone lines to be installed in the house, and tomorrow we pick up the business license paperwork.  Next week we set up the business bank account.

Things left on my agenda include:

Getting a graphic artist to design a logo
Ordering letterhead and business cards (from a union shop of course so it has the union bug)
Getting contracts signed on first three clients
Buying a really, really good laptop capable of handling the processing I need...
Get a blackberry or equivalent (I hate them)

[Sochin]

Judge,
Nice to see you on your feet, good luck with your endeavours.

[Just plain old Punisher]

Good luck Judge =) I wish you all success.