Studying the Opposition

1
Studying the Opposition
2
Who needs to study opponents?

• Any group that takes a stand on an issue has
  opponents
• Advocacy groups who are taking on a large agency
  or company

3
Why should you study them?

• To avoid surprises
• To see if there might be ways to negotiate
• To help develop successful strategies and tactics

4
What should you find out?

• Current activities
• Why they are taking the positions they take
• Past tactics

5
When should we do it?

• Continuously

6
Study opponents informally

• Keep your ears to the ground
• Find out their past
• Read their publications and annual reports
• Talk to people who have dealt with them

7
What can you find out about individuals?

• Where they live and work
• How and where they manage financial transactions
• Who advises them

8
What can you find out informally?

• Past record and past tactics
• Resources, strengths and weaknesses
• Principal decision makers
• The amount of power they have
• Why they are opposing you

9
When might you need a more formal investigation?

• When the opponent is especially powerful
• If the opponent is willing to act nastily

10
How do you go about a formal, tactical
investigation?

• By finding informants
• Through "freedom of information" laws
• Through published sources

11
How can we use your research?

• Predict their next move
• Plan effective actions
• Discredit your opponents
• Prosecute your opponents