Let’s learn together these 10 essentials skills for political campaigners

In 2023, I start a learning challenge. And the best part is that you can join me in this adventure, thanks to a new feature of The Beubble.

Earlier this month, lobbyist Aaron McLoughlin published on his blog (a highly-recommended source of knowledge) this list of 28 skills he wishes he had known when he started his career in Brussels.

This list is a great roadmap for aspiring lobbyists, and yours faithfully might learn a trick or two by developing these know-how. And with it, why not help you achieve them as well?

This is the new program I propose to you.

This image was generated by the DALL-E AI.

The skill list

I went through Aaron’s list and underlined the points that were the most important and relevant to me (i.e., the ones I need to develop the most). And with a few additions of my own (marked *), here is the final list:

1. Understand (and manage) the policy cycle

2. How and when to influence the policy cycle*

3. How to work with the media

4. How to pitch

5. Speak in public

6. How to do research

7. How to be persuasive

8. Work with people

9. How to find clients*

10. Manage an account/a business

The work plan

We have a list of skills. We now need a plan to learn and apply them.

I decided to try and master a point per month, starting in January. At the end of each month, I will write a report on The Beubble, so that you know what I learned, how I applied this new knowledge, and what the next steps are. You are welcome to follow along by subscribing to The Beubble.

In January, I’ll start improving my research skills and apply them to EU policy in particular.

Coaching: let’s learn together

This being said, it would be much more motivating and fun to do it with as a community.

If there is a skill (from this list or outside it) you want to develop, I encourage you to send me a message to help you achieve this objective. If you want to learn a skill but don’t know what yet, that’s also something we could explore together.

You can reach me on The Beubble substack chat or by replying to this email. If you have my personal details already, don’t hesitate to drop me a message on your preferred app.

I’m curious to hear from you and learn with you. And who knows, this endeavor might be the start of an amazing community experience for The Beubble.

Let’s learn together. Talk to you on the other side.