A Democrat woman and a Republican woman are having a conversation:
“When I first got involved in politics, the most popular and financially successful fundraiser was the annual golf outing, attended mostly by men. Inevitably someone would say ‘we need a women’s event’ and that would typically be a luncheon. It usually did OK, but nowhere as financially successful as the golf outing. It couldn’t be more of a cliché – but it is still the case today.”
Who do you think experienced this – the Republican or Democrat?
Try both of us. In fact, the more we learned about each other’s career path, the more similar we found our experiences to be. And one thing became crystal clear – women are not spending as much time working the political circuit as men and it may be limiting us in our ability to move up the corporate ladder and make a greater impact on our communities.
political networking MJ bump: Adrienne Elrod, Susan del Percio from Know Your Value on Vimeo.
We come from different political parties, but we both agree that women need to get more involved in politics and government. This is not about picking sides. It is about understanding the political landscape and how federal regulation and local legislation can affect your industry, impact your career, and contribute to your community and ultimately your family.
The 2020 election is on everyone’s mind, and while you may know who is running for president, how up to date on your local officials? In many cases, it is the decisions being made at the state and local level that will most impact your place of business and the world around you. With that in mind, it is critical to stay current.
Government and politics are more than just going to fundraisers and lobbying. It is first and foremost about relationships. Most of us are familiar with the saying, “all politics are local.” We should add to that, “all political relationships are personal.” Unfortunately, local politics and government still operate in an old boy’s network. So where can you jump in and really showcase your value?
Build and expand your relationships
Adrienne Elrod: No matter if you’re a recent college graduate seeking your first internship or paid job, or a woman mid-career, building and maintaining relationships is a must. Relationships are what ultimately get you the next job, and the more people you have in your network, the more opportunities you will have in the long run.
Case in point: my first experience in Washington was in 1996, when I interned at the White House office. Little did I know at the time that years later, my intern coordinator would become a good friend who has since recommended me for several job opportunities, as I have done for him. Some of my other colleagues in that office – both interns and staff – are people I continue to work with and rely on for advice and counsel to this day.
And I’ve had the same experience in every other job I’ve had working in government and politics. The friends I’ve made through these various places of work have helped me get the next job, and have ultimately resulted in the vast network I rely on to get me where I am today.
Keep your skillset fresh
Susan Del Percio: There is a reason attorneys and doctors are required to do continuing education; they must be current on laws and procedures. Now ask yourself, how up to date are you on your skill set?









