Hiring a Government Relations Firm: An Extension of Your Business and Image
Businesses frequently have significant financial stakes on major issues before the Massachusetts Legislature or the executive branch of government. Many of them for example, are confronting regulatory fees; proposed taxes on business earnings; legislation exposing them to liability, or requirements that they account for business income differently. Trade associations frequently advocate on behalf of whole industries in relation to large issues such as these. Individual companies may also benefit from hiring a government relations firm, but may struggle with choices about which firm and what lobbying style.
Whether you want help handling local concerns and public policy questions that come up, need assistance to sharpen your message to defuse opposition to a project or need help carrying out a strategy to deliver that message to build essential community support, hiring a government relations firm just may be the answer. Some observers note that lobbyists have become an important and fundamental part of the legislative process, a de facto fourth branch of state government. Professional lobbying is essentially getting the right information to the right person at the right time. Expert government relations firms excel in this skill set.
You likely have a mission and vision for your company’s future. Significant time has been spent developing implementation plans for any number of specific projects. It is time to operationalize them, but you perceive obstacles. Can you secure the appropriate permit in a timely fashion? How can the company be seen in the community as a good neighbor? How will you get everyone in town or on the city’s board of selectman to “yes”? How does the legislature’s new committee structure and pending legislation affect the project?
Professional lobbyists convey their client’s vision to legislators and regulators. The most important component of lobbying is communicating information. What wins consistently is reliable, accurate information communicated well that illustrates and supports your vision. Elected officials are reliant upon dependable information. Legislators frequently do not have a lot of staff and the issues can be very complex. What they all want and need is good, solid and timely information. When they get it, they appreciate it and are more likely to support or promote your issue.
A dedicated firm works with each client to understand their business, industry environment and legislative or executive goals. Excellent working relationships with elected officials and administrative staffs allow these firms to use their experience and keen political insights to develop individual strategies for success. These professionals must know the rulemaking processes and how to ensure their client’s perspective is understood at the table of public policy decision-making.
It is important to find a firm that is trusted and respected for operating with integrity over the years. Having a legal advisor to provide technical assistance can be an important addition to the team. A recognized expert in the subject area addressed by your issue is important too. Ask for legislative or executive agency references to determine the firm’s credibility. Do clients speak highly of the firm and its ability to access vital, customized information quickly and conveniently? The firm will be viewed as an extension of you and your business, so finding the right firm to match your image and message is essential. Professional firms should provide clients with access to key decision makers, customized legislative tracking systems, the full text of proposed regulation and legislation, detailed summaries of bills with professional analyses of their status and scrutiny of political trends, climate and opportunities. A comprehensive full service firm will also assist with developing effective communications for specific target audiences to provide total client support and satisfaction. Since the rulemaking and legislative processes can be slow and tedious, look for persons at a firm with patience, tenacity and humility, who take their work seriously, but not themselves.
Politics, like business, is a competitive sport. Just as networking can sustain your business, political relationships are equally important. Be prepared to accept advice on how to build your political presence and strength. You will be asked to make contributions to election campaigns. It is a fact of life that fundraising is part of our democratic and election process. When contributing to candidates, make a personal appearance. Lasting change is the result of long term local relationships. A government relations firm that compliments your business can advance your goals and enhance your growth.
Craven & Ober Policy Strategists, LLC is a full service government relations and lobbying firm that is women owned and operated. The firm is the only all women firm recognized among the top 20 Massachusetts government relations firms with political influence.
