Being in Congress, a State Legislature or City Council is rather heady stuff. People grovel at your feet, shower you with perks, reporters are desperate to know your opinion and you’re called on to make very important decisions that will impact the lives of thousands, if not millions.
Most lawmakers have worked hard to get elected so they’re keenly interested in keeping their jobs. And despite the importance attached to campaign contributions, good politicians understand the real currency in American politics is the vote, and if they don’t get enough of their constituents to check the box next to their name on Election Day, they lose that job.
So as a matter of job security, lawmakers care a great deal about a company headquartered in their district or state, one that employs their constituents and buys from or sells to those voters who cast their ballots every November. So when you get that meeting, be prepared to talk in detail how your company or organization is operating in the Senator’s state or the Representative’s district. How many people do you employ? How many customers do you serve? How will their constituents benefit from the change in law that you’re proposing? How will those same constituents be harmed if that change is not forthcoming?
Don’t hesitate to bring a live employee or customer along to provide an endorsement for your views. The more personal and local you can make your proposed change, the more likely you’ll be successful in getting it approved.
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