Building Relationships One Citizen at a Time

I never aspired to be a “career” politician. I spent 25 plus years in the home improvement industry and am now retired. Yet, what I’ve come to learn is that selling home improvements and representing constituents at the capitol are not all that different. They each involve earning trust, delivering a quality product on time, at or under budget, and efficiently and effectively managing others needed to accomplish the task at hand. Each requires someone who is adept at building relationships. I always considered myself a relationship builder first, and a salesman second. For sure, one did not occur without the other. What I am learning going door-to-door during this campaign is that few voters believe they have a “relationship” with their elected officials. To the contrary, many believe those representing them haven’t a clue as to what is important to them because they do not “listen.” I may not be a “career” politician, but I am one heck of a good listener. And after 25 years plus as a salesman I am an even better relationship builder. My relationship building skills were recently put to the test. Two weekends ago I knocked on the door of a gentleman who told me he had never voted before. He figured why bother, those elected to represent him cared little about what was important to his family and him. How could they? They never asked. However, I asked what was important to him and, more importantly, I listened to what he had to say. I explained how I might be able to affect his interest as his legislator. Frankly, he was surprised I took the time to have the conversation and that I genuinely heard him. We parted ways with him saying, "I'm going to register and vote for you because I believe you will do the right thing for Minnesota." Effective representation cannot occur in a vacuum. It requires an open heart, open mind and open ears. I intend to listen to your interests and concerns, gain your trust and confidence and advance your interests in the legislature. I will know we have built a relationship when you can say “I know that guy, he’s my Representative and he’s looking out for my family and me.”