The everyWoman Blog: Not Running For President Proves Palin is A Businesswoman Not A Politician

In a move that surprised no one, Sarah Palin has decided not to run for the Republican presidential nomination. Somewhere, I think Michele Bachmann is drinking mimosas. Most political commentators had already written off Palin, due to her continued employment at Fox News and her ever-sinking status in the polls. All that was left to put the nail in that coffin was the official announcement from the Palin camp. So here it is (at least the part that I find interesting):

“My decision is based upon a review of what common-sense conservatives and independents have accomplished, especially over the last year. I believe that at this time I can be more effective in a decisive role to help elect other true public servants to office — from the nation’s governors to congressional seats and the presidency.”

From a political standpoint, I would imagine that this is one of the many excuses public figures use when they know that they can’t actually get elected. In fact, Palin said something very similar to this when she stepped down from her governorship in Alaska. But from a business standpoint, is there any merit to the idea of standing back and helping get others into a position of power? Can you really be more effective if you aren’t tied down to a single position?
The question hinges on where you draw your influence and popularity. Sarah Palin may have started as a politician, but she’s become a businesswoman and a brand. She’s proved more than once that she’s more concerned with fame and monetary gain than the title she holds. And even though some of her endorsements were extremely questionable (Christine O’Donnell, really?), Palin demonstrated that she really could have an impact on elections in the 2010 midterms. Through promotional branding like her reality television show and her partnership with Fox News, Palin has shown time and time again that she’s more interested in selling her own image than working within a political party establishment.
Palin’s power never came from her political position. It came from her marketing ability. And that’s why her brand might grow when she’s outside of the constant criticism of a political candidate and steps into the commentary and endorsement field. This switch really might provide her with more influence.
No matter what our politics are, Sarah Palin’s choice might present businesswomen with some valuable lessons. Instead of vying for the biggest office, the former-mayor of Wasilla found the position that best fit her abilities and excelled as best she could in that arena. She learned that by working on her own terms, instead of trying to fit traditional molds, she could build a career that fit into her lifeplan and her priorities. And while she probably won’t ever hold the power or responsibility of the presidency, she’ll continue to build up the aspects of her life that are important to her, money and marketing. Palin might not be running for office, but I wouldn’t be willing to bet that we’ve seen the last of her. She’ll play a major part in this election, and probably gain more press than she would’ve as a candidate who couldn’t perform well in the polls. Whatever else you can say about her, the lady knows where her talents lie and how to use them. That’s something that every professional woman should be focusing on.
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