There are a number of reasons that a lobbyist or government affairs professional may be a necessary component of your business development, community outreach or public affairs strategy. In order to facilitate the largest return on investment, there are 3 critical aspects to managing the process between the client, the government and the hired advocate.
Frequently, the flash point for a project is the intersection between your goals as an organization and the very real need to leverage relationships within a government body. A cumbersome bureaucracy can create delays to what can feel like a streamlined economic goal. In those specific instances, hiring a lobbyist or public affairs professional is critical to ensuring long term project success and community engagement.
1. Communication
Fundamental to all other aspects of the relationship, organizations seeking outside help must clearly communicate on a regular interval with the consultant. There is no substitute for regular engagement and accountability between all parties.
There should be no communication gaps in (1) understanding the project; (2) setting goals; (3) creating accountability; (4) engaging the target government entity and (5) maintaining course until the goals are achieved. As the project moves through various intervals, ensure regular communication via phone, email and video communications.
Dragonfly regularly engages clients on a set interval and will always check-in as the project moves through the lifecycle. There is no way to ensure everyone is on the same page without regular, continuous conversation. Do not rely on e-mail as a substitute for picking up the phone.
2. Set clear goals:
Create a master task list and project goals to ensure timelines are met and accountability exists between all parties. There is every reason to keep a tight line of direction with specific goals along the way. Creating a timeline with set dates, expected intervals, long term goals will continuously hold each other accountable. The goals and objectives can vary depending on the day or project intervals.
Local governments must deal with the business or running a City or County and have countless other critical issues they deal with on a regular basis. Your specific project will not move forward unless the client and advocate are on a clear path to leverage relationships and motivate action. This process start with establishing clear goals and strategies at the outset.
3. Create Trust:
Government affairs professionals exist in an ecosystem that may be entirely different from what your business is accustom. Trust that the recommended approach and process provided by your team will create the specific result you are looking to achieve. Top tier lobbyists must, at all costs, maintain their relationships with the government bodies they engage. They should not approach a project with a scorched earth approach that devastates the long-term viability of your project OR the relationships that your lobbyist has manifested on your behalf. Trust that the people you hired are doing everything they can to get a win for everyone.
There is no substitute for having the right approach to fostering kindness towards the people working to get a win. Trust that process.
Application
These three tasks are incredibly obvious, yet frequently overlooked or tossed aside during the course of an engagement. At Dragonfly, we hold our relationships in the highest regard and strive to provide the highest level of personal service to ensure compliance and accountability. Dragonfly’s skillful approach to manifesting your win is our win as well. We are invested in your outcome.
Los Angeles lobbying Los Angeles City Council Los Angeles government Public affairs government relations rfp LA County City Hall Local Government Political Action Committee Mayor and City Council Los Angeles Departments ballot measure lobbyist public affairs
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