Do you have what it takes to thrive as a government relations professional? It takes more than just a for the job and a passion for politics.
You need to be able to navigate the political landscape, understand how the government works, have the ability to deal with various government affairs matters, and build relationships with key decision-makers. In this article, we will discuss in detail the skills that you need to succeed in government relations and fly through the employment process.
So, What Skills Do I Need To Become a Successful Lobbyist?
First, a lobbyist must have excellent people skills. You need to be able to build relationships quickly, and you must be able to read people and interpret non-verbal communication. It is also important that you are a good listener and that you have the ability to follow up with people. Let’s explore these and other important skills that a lobbyist must possess to succeed in this profession.
Social Awareness
One of the most important skills that a lobbyist can have is social awareness. This means that you are aware of the current political landscape and know what is happening in the world around you. You need to be up-to-date on current events and understand how they will affect your work as a lobbyist, and the impact on your client/employer so that you can be prepared for anything that comes your way.
A Love for Public Policy and Politics
A lobbyist must also have a love for public policy and politics. This means you need to be truly interested in the government and its workings. To some, politics may seem boring, but it should feel somewhat invigorating to you. After all, your work impacts the lives of hundreds, thousands, or maybe even millions of people. Passion is just as important as knowledge to succeed. This way, you will be better equipped and motivated to advocate for your clients.
A True Understanding of How the Public Policy/Legislative Process Works
In addition to having a love for public policy and politics, it is also important that you have a true understanding of how the public policy/legislative process works. This means that you know more than just what was taught to you in high school or college about how a bill become a law. Understanding the process means know how to navigate, pivot, shift gears, etc. when you hit a brick wall. Also, you should be able to explain the process to others in a way that they can understand it as well.
Keen on Reading People/Interpreting Non-Verbal Communication
I cannot stress this enough. As mentioned before, being a lobbyist requires excellent people skills. This means that you need to be able to read people and interpret non-verbal communication. You should be able to tell when someone is interested in what you are saying and when they are not. This way, you can adjust your approach accordingly.
The Ability To Follow Up
Finally, it’s important to have the ability to follow up with people. This means that you must be able to keep track of the people you meet and make sure that you follow up with them promptly. This way, you can build strong relationships that will last, and most importantly, you build trust.
These are just some of the skills that you need to thrive as a government relations professional. If you have these skills, then you may be well on your way to a successful career in this field.
Working as a government relations professional will open up a world of opportunities for you. With the right skills, you can make a difference in your community and positively impact the government. If you are interested in this field, then be sure to brush up on your skills so that you can be the best lobbyist possible!
