In the wake of the recent election, Americans learned just how polarized the country was in terms of its ability to deem a person worthy of their vote. Now that this phase is over, it’s time to get the new set of politicians on the hill whipped into shape. Here is my advice to elected officials in 2017:

• When voters are getting to know you, it’s always best to meet them face-to-face. Make tour stops, go door-to-door – get actual human connection as much as you can because having your staff send out letters, make calls, Facebook posts, or ads is most likely not going to cut it. This connection has the highest amount of information richness, meaning that they’ll take more from it than any other form of connection.

• If you’re in a tight spot, always respond to your constituents as soon as you can – but with care. Address them directly. Have a task force go over everything in the situation before you do (or even better, with you), so they can make your message as efficient and effective as possible. They are the people that voted you into office, so treat them with respect and have a high accountability. Hold a press conference, tweet a well-thought-out message, and continue to update social media outlets.

• Finally, do the paperwork like you’re supposed to, but understand what it really means. Your job isn’t an easy one and when you’re the one receiving an immense amount of information and communicating it to others, you need to have an opinion because you’re going to be voicing it elsewhere. Know your audience, like Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Bernie Sanders did earlier this year:

 

It’s time for the Senate to stand up for the Constitution & exert moral leadership. I urge my colleagues: Vote NO on Jeff Sessions for AG.

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) January 31, 2017

 

Here’s the simple truth. No one can make it on $8, $9 or $10 an hour. We need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage — $15 an hour.

— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) February 6, 2017