Nobody ever wins an election absent the help of others. And for those running for office and in their first campaign, often the greatest obstacle they face is a thin contact list, too few friends, not enough friends with the means to make a sizable donation.

Today, I’ll talk about the art of making friends. Loyal friends who believe in you. Friends who are influential. Friends who will happily contribute to your campaign.

There are some simple rules worth repeating when it comes to establishing a meaningful friendship:

• To make a friend, you must first be a friend.
• When you meet someone, listen more than you talk.
• When you talk to someone, look them in the eye.
• Make selfless acts of kindness a daily habit.
• Remember birthdays.
• Look for excuses to stay in touch with the people you meet, especially those who can someday be helpful to you.

Where do you find influential people who can someday help you win an election when running for office?

1. Get involved with a civic and community organization that serves an important cause, one that gives you the opportunity to interact and rub shoulders with influential people in your community.

If you don’t know what they are, google civic and community organizations in your city or community. Find two or three that fit your passion, go to a meeting and volunteer.

2. Go find a candidate you like, and volunteer to help in the campaign. Preferably, one running for office in a competitive election. In that circumstance there are always more unmet needs than help to get it done. You’ll meet other talented and like-minded people.

It is also an excellent way to learn how campaigns are waged, the art of messaging, mobilizing a ground operation and executing a fundraising plan.

3. Find a way to get involved with the political party of your choice. Party organizations play a role in getting out the vote, selecting candidates to run for various offices, and helping candidates who are on the ballot.

The people you meet may someday be helpful to you. You’ll find your path to elective office much easier if you are on a first name basis with the political party leadership.

These are just three of the places you’ll find and have the opportunity to meet influential people, those who can someday help you jump start a campaign for public office.

If you plan on running for office in the next year or two, now would be an excellent time to start making some new friends.