When it comes to marketing, there are many things our political leaders do well that can be applied to business. One of the best examples is how some of our political leaders establish a personal connection with their constituents.

My son and I were recently invited to have coffee with one of the U.S. Senators from our state.  Up until the moment we met, our impressions of him and the institution he was a part of were formed largely on the basis of what we heard, saw or read in print, online or on television/radio. Our perception, although favorable, was largely based on others’ opinions and potentially subject to future influence.

It was only after we had met and heard him speak were we able to develop a true sense of who he was and what he stood for. He told us about his background, why he had entered politics and what he hoped to accomplish. He asked us about our backgrounds and the things that brought us together. He introduced us to his staff and invited us to tour the place where he worked – the U.S. Capitol. It was an unscripted moment, a conversation between a politician and his constituents.

We left our meeting with a connection that was deeper and more personal than any we could have gained from reading a press release, watching an ad or listening to a debate or interview.  It’s a connection strong enough to ensure our continued loyalty, even in the next election.

Now think about your business and the way in which your CEO, CMO and other executives interact with their customers. Are they making an effort to build personal connections with their constituents or are they relying on customers to form their own perceptions of your brand by what they hear, see or read in print, online or on television/radio?