Election story: Never underestimate the power of 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 05/24

In 2004, my performance as COEP Technological University's Mess Club secretary earned me recognition within students' of my year. Next year, buoyed by this experience and a desire for wider impact, I decided to run for college elections as an independent candidate. The college elections typically followed a two-party system. Feeling I could offer a different perspective, I opted to run as an independent candidate (and other reason being none of the parties approached me 😀)

I launched a vigorous campaign, leaving no stone unturned to secure votes. However, election day brought a surprising result: I lost 😪. While gracious in defeat, it was a humbling experience. 

The winner from the first party garnered 600 votes, compared to my 350 and the 300 secured by the third candidate from second party.

While my 350 votes were significant, I ultimately lacked the crucial element – a strong institutional network. The winning candidate benefited from a pre-existing support base within their party. Had I run under that banner, my reach could have extended to first-year students (unknown to me) and potentially some in second and fourth years, based on my existing third-year recognition. The estimated impact? A potential 950 votes 🤑! 

𝐓𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠. Whether it's within your college, company, or a government organization, affiliation provides access to networks that can significantly amplify your reach and impact.

Follow me on LinkedIn