Tonight, I learned of someone I don't really know who wants to smear me. The attack is something along the lines of "What campaigns has he worked on and how successful has he been?"

When I get calls from candidates, my first question is some form of "What can I do for you?" If it seems they are looking for someone to be their consultant or campaign manager, I'm the first to tell them that I don't do that. That hasn't stopped a few from giving me one of those titles on their reports, but I'm not either one. Not my forté.

"Well, then what are you?" they ask. I tell them that I'm an advisor, if they like what I have to say. I do strategic marketing. I train candidates. I can help them with messaging. But the day-to-day of the campaign is not what I do.

If a candidate picks up a consultant or campaign manager, then wonderful. If the person they hire doesn't like me or want my services, no biggie. Holler if you need me or think I can help.

Some people really like what I do. I have no end of testimonials from those who have engaged my services. This person who wants to smear me never did engage my services, so I'm a bit stymied as to why this is their ambition.

If they're going to be working a campaign and I happen to be working for their opponent and you believe that I'm horrible and ineffective at what I do, then rejoice!

But since I'm not a consultant or campaign manager, I'm an odd target. I'm the video guy or the graphics guy or the messaging guy. It's like attacking the printer who made your signs.

I wrote a book. It's full of ideas. People like it. Some have purchased multiple copies. But I understand if it's not for everyone.

In the book, I explain that when pitching your campaign, calling your opponent names isn't helpful toward winning. No one left Egypt because Moses declared that Pharaoh was terrible. They followed Moses to the promised land. He told them of a land of milk and honey. I tell all of my clients that their job is to paint that land of milk and honey. That approach is far more likely to garner followers than scorching the competition.

Those who work with me and know me have experience with me. It's why they continue to work with me. While I am an imperfect vessel, I keep my focus on helping people, and as anyone who has ever called me will tell you (including this person) that I don't charge for the time on the phone. If you like my approach, you can hire me to help you in some way.

If you don't like my approach, then no worries. I wish you well. Life is too short for hate.