“TOP TEN TIPS TO EFFECTIVELY WORK WITH POLICY MAKERS”
By J. Glenn Ebersole, Jr., Chief Executive of J. G. Ebersole Associates and The Renaissance Group ™
We are sometimes called on to work with policy makers in a variety of organizations we are associated with in our personal, business and volunteer lives. Working with these policy makers can be very rewarding and can be very frustrating. Since 1970 I have been working with policy makers at all levels of government, non-profits, businesses, institutions and other organizations. And from the experience of those years, I developed a list of the top 10 tips to effectively work with policy makers. I have summarized those tips below:
1. Know who you are doing business with.
Research and learn as much as you can about the policy maker. This could include items about their geographic area of influence, their subject areas of influence, their educational backgrounds, their personal hobbies, interests, etc. what issues they are really passionate about, and what level of authority and influence they have concerning your item. Do they have any biases on subjects or potential conflicts of interest? In simple terms, get to know them!
2. Align your goals with those of the policy maker.
You need to strategically think about a common vision with the policy maker and what your goals are and what the goals of the policymaker are within the vision. This will bring your respective goals into alignment with a shared vision and provide you with a higher probability of success.
3. Determine the impact on the policy maker’s area and realistically how much influence the policy maker has to help you.
Research the topic and program of interest and determine the potential impacts on the policy maker and area(s) represented. It is also important to learn how much influence the policy maker will have to assist you in your request. You may have to modify your request to match the level of influence of the policy maker.
4. Use multiple avenues and strategies to inform the policy makers of what you are seeking.
Effective communications is the lifeblood of having an effective influence on policymakers. There is a need to use multiple communication channels with the policymaker, such as: meetings, emails with key information, phone calls, letters, participation in special events, etc. Always have clear and concise presentations for the policy maker.
5. Be knowledgeable of and sensitive to the policy maker’s time and the schedule of the process your request will go through.
Be very astute when it comes to knowing the decision-making process and the schedule of that decision making process. Professional experience dictates that you can never be too early in initiating your request. And always be respectful of the value of the policy maker’s time and the length of time for the process.
6. Be clear about what you request and have a clear and detailed presentation.
Your presentation and request must be clearly defined with details needed to support your request.
7. Build relationships with policy makers.
We want to and like to do business with people we have a positive relationship with. You should be continuously building relationships with policymakers so that they get to know you, who you are and what you represent. The stronger the positive relationship, the more influence there can be.
8. Always say thank you.
Policy makers many times do not receive appreciation for their work. Be very generous with your appreciation in the form of thank yous. Handwritten thank yous are the best. Be sincere in your thanks. And remember to say thanks, although it will be very difficult to do, for efforts that are sincere, but are not successful.
9. Develop relationships with the policy maker’s staff.
There are always key people behind the scenes and you need to know who they are and work to develop relationships with them also. They could be gatekeepers of information and access to the policy maker. Don’t underestimate the value of the staff as another influencer for you and your issues.
10. Develop strong allies to support your request.
One individual can only be effective to a certain point. A strong group of strategic alliances can be very powerful and most helpful for your request. Develop allies into a strategic network to help your cause.
If you have an opportunity to work with policy makers and are unsure of what to do, how to do it, when to do it, and who to do it with, please contact Glenn Ebersole through his web site at www.renaissanceman4.com or email him at jgecoach@aol.com. Glenn has more than 35 years of experience in government relations that can be put to use for you. Contact Glenn today to learn how he can be your guide, facilitator and coach in capitalizing on your opportunities with policy makers.
“TOP TEN TIPS TO EFFECTIVELY WORK WITH POLICY MAKERS” - To learn more about this author, visit Glenn Ebersole's Website.
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