Episode 724 – Framing Your Negative Messages In A Positive Way with Jeff Ward

Jeff Ward has covered Illinois politics as a journalist for 11 years. He knows how to frame a message and he knows how to win a campaign. As a prize-winning former eight-year Sun-Times suburban opinion columnist and the former six-year co-host of the well-regarded Ward & Jones Radio Show, Jeff has seen it all! He’s parlayed that experience into a successful campaign managing practice, writing a popular, insightful political blog and authoring ‘So You Wanna Win a Local Election’ Through a broad base of business, political and personal experience, Forward Communication helps public and private sector entities and individuals effectively communicate through an appropriately framed and targeted message. Our campaign clients include Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, Elgin City Councilman Corey Dixon, Kane County Coroner candidate Tao Martinez, Geneva Alderman Richard Marks, Batavia Mayoral candidate Jason Stoops and Kane County Chairman Chris Lauzen. Jeff’s private sector experience includes 20 years of business/database consulting for major clients like Wrigley Gum, Philips Electronics, Motorola, SBC, Morton Salt, USG and AT&T. This extensive Fortune 500 background provided Jeff with the statistical and database foundation to determine exactly who your audience or constituency really is. After all, the best message falls completely flat if it isn’t properly targeted. Jeff also designed, invented, manufactured and marketed the Lapinator Portable Insulated Laptop Desk which received great reviews from trusted sources like The Wall Street Journal, CNET, Gizmodo, The Gadgeteer and PC Magazine. And a campaign is nothing more that “inventing” or “re-inventing” the candidate. Jeff lives in Geneva, Illinois, with his wife, two sons and two dogs.