Most candidates don’t fail at fundraising because they can’t do it.
They fail because they never get started.

In this episode, we break down why systems beat goals when it comes to raising money—and how a small, repeatable fundraising system compounds fast over a campaign cycle.

Key takeaways:

• Why 50–100 focused fundraising hours is usually enough to win
• The hidden flaw in “goal-first” fundraising plans
• How a systems-first approach removes friction and procrastination
• Two simple fundraising systems that work:
  • Time-based: 1–2 hours per week (or per day for statewide races)
  • Activity-based: 10 calls per week (or 20 calls per day)
• How systems shift your identity—from “someone who needs to fundraise” to a good fundraiser

Related episodes:

• The 10-Call Rule – Winning Edge #46
• 4 Steps to Start Your Fundraising – Winning Edge #18

Download the one-page summary:
[PDF Link Here]

Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion.

For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

Most people know how to start a story. But few know how to keep people listening once they’re in it.

In this episode, we break down what actually makes the middle of a story work, using a Nate Bargatze clip (played in the episode) as the case study.

Key ideas:

• Why great storytellers rely heavily on dialogue
• How two or three details can paint an entire scene
• Why stories move through action and reaction, not timelines
• The difference between a story and a Wikipedia entry
• How cause-and-effect keeps listeners engaged

A simple framework to use immediately:

• Open strong
• Add dialogue
• Add a few details
• Show action then reaction

Good stories are never great the first time. You need to test it, revise it, and tell it again.

Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion.

For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.

• The hardest part of storytelling is knowing where to begin.
• Most people start with way too much setup… or none at all.
• Use one simple formula to fix it:
• “So…” + Specific Time + Person + Action + Place + Goal/Tension
• Why it works: your listener instantly knows what’s happening and why it matters.
• A good opening line buys you attention for the next 90 seconds.
• Keep stories tight: 90–120 seconds is enough to land a point.
• Script your first line, test it, tweak it, and use it everywhere.

Download the one-page summary:
[PDF Link Here]

Winning Edge gives you the tools you need to lead and influence in the political and policy arenas. Every other week, Winning Edge releases short (approximately 5-minute) spots—or “snacks”—focused on one of four areas: fundraising, media, policy, or persuasion.

For more, visit our website: www.thecommonwealthpartners.com.