How to win an election in 10 simple steps

1. Get buy-in Get other students to buy in to your campaign Involve them in a video Get them in group photos Take selfies with them and #yourcampaign Give them a reason to share your content and tell their friends about you

2. Consistent branding Pick a couple of colours and fonts for everything (posters, flyers, tshirts, facebook cover photos) Think of a catchy tag line Put your face, name and position on everything Make sure students know who you are and what you’re running for

3. Be realistic Don’t promise people the world If you get elected, you will be held to account on your claims Aim high, but don’t make promises you can’t keep Be honest – students will have an idea of what is achievable and what isn’t

4. Summarise Most students won’t sit through pages of text Be clear, know your pitch and select some snappy one liners “I want to cut down emails, reduce the cost of food and help each course create a society” Be clear, confident and prepared

5. Rope in your friends Get a good and varied campaign team Think about students you don’t have access to Can you get someone from another course? Year group? Society? Campus? Make sure they know your main points/ideas Word of mouth is key

6. Don’t worry, be happy! The first hour is the hardest – don’t be put off Some students won’t respond well so just accept that, smile, tell them to have a great day and forget about it – they might be going through a tough time Keep calm and don’t let the haters bring you down

7. SMILE No matter what, smile at everybody Get people engaged, don’t just talk at them “What do you think about this? What would you want changed?” Not bothered? Ask to give them a flyer and smile Remember: how you react to people is seen by all

8. Play nice Be nice to the people you’re running against It’s stressful for everyone – look after each other Students will pick up on a bad atmosphere Don’t waste time worrying about what other candidates are doing – focus on you Although you might be running for the same role, you are still one team

9. Be YOU Be personable and approachable You’re a real person with real ideas – show this Don’t use too much jargon Not sure how to answer a question? Be honest Students will see through someone who is trying to be someone they’re not. You’re great- be you.

10. Be creative Think outside the box Make a video and give people a reason to share it Got some confident friends? Do a flash mob! What can you buy loads of for little money? Make and share an “I’m voting for X” twibbon Get into lectures (with permission!) Don’t rely on posters!

Talk to people The Golden Rule Did you know: you could actually ignore every single top tip we’ve suggested and still win an election. How?! Talk to people This is by far the most effective way of campaigning and your best shot at winning – go for it.