June 16, 2009
Q. What is the single most important thing I can do to advance my cause with legislators?
A: Representative John Walsh from Livonia spoke at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference in late May. He was a member of a panel fielding questions from a crowd of young 20-something professionals and entrepreneurs.
Walsh advised that the best way to make your position known is to meet personally with your representatives and tell your own story. Don’t expect your lobbyist to put the heart and soul into your story. Only you can do that.
Walsh’s advice to the group was to get involved in the political process sooner rather than later, beginning with making sure that your voice and concerns are heard first hand by legislators. He advised attendees — some of whom were suggesting tax-free zones for entrepreneurs and forgiveness of student loans as strategies to retain young talent in Michigan — to invest in face time. He encouraged his audience to take advantage of opportunities to meet and talk with legislators both at the Capitol and in their home districts, where often they have more time.
The takeaway from Walsh’s remarks is a good reminder to us all. When you have an issue or concern, don’t rely on your lobbyists alone to get the job done. Instead, go the extra mile and invest your own time. Put a human face on the issue and tell a story that will resonate with your representatives. This formula works in Lansing and it works in D.C.
Paula Blanchard Stone and Patty McCarthy are partners in McCarthyBlanchard, an executive training firm specializing in key message development, presentation skills training, media interview training and executive presence. Copyright © 2008 McCarthy Blanchard. | Website
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