this. Be very careful not to convince yourself that you hear things that are not said. Ask someone you trust if they are hearing the same things you are. The people in the room like you. If they have come to the meeting, it?s because they care enough about you to give a little of their time. They don?t want to hurt your feelings. So when they voice concerns, assume that their reservations are even bigger than they say. Listen for hesitation and doubt in people?s voices. What they might want to say is that they don?t think you should run. People will feel flattered to have been invited to this kind of ?inner circle? meeting. People like to feel important. Some people will advise you to run because it will make them feel important to be part of your campaign. The kind of support you want is the kind that comes from a shared commitment to the goals of the campaign, not someone?s glory ? not yours, and not anyone else on your campaign. If someone you invited does not come to the meeting, it?s probably safe to say they don?t think your candidacy is worth their while. However, don?t assume that if people come they do support you. Good attendance at an exploratory committee meeting is not the same as support. Before they leave, ask people if they think you should run. Ask for a ?yes? or ?no? answer. Also, ask if they are willing to make a