A well-executed government relations strategy is essential for any organization looking to grow and succeed. There are different ways to execute a successful strategy, but investing in the right people to carry out the strategy is the most important part.
Why Is a Government Relations Strategy Important?
A government relations strategy helps you build relationships with government officials. Good relationships are essential for getting your foot in the door and being able to have a seat at the table when decisions are being made.
It is important that organizations invest in people to carry out a good government relations strategy so that they can:
● Build and maintain relationships with government officials
● Understand the political process and how to navigate it
● Monitor legislation and regulations that could impact the organization
● Educate elected officials about the organization and its issues
● Develop coalitions to support the organization's causes
Having a government relations strategy in place without investing in the people to carry it out is nearly equivalent to not having a plan at all! Therefore, you need to make sure that you are investing in the right people to execute it.
Now, let's look at some of the different ways you can invest in people to execute your strategy.
Hiring an In-House Lobbyist
An in-house lobbyist is someone your organization employs to work on government relations matters full-time. One of the main benefits of hiring an in-house lobbyist is that they will get to know your business inside and out. They will also be able to develop strong relationships with government officials on your behalf.
Another benefit of having an in-house lobbyist is that they can provide you with timely updates on any changes in government regulations that might impact your organization. They can also keep you updated on any new opportunities that might be a good fit for your organization.
Hiring a Contract Lobbyist
A contract lobbyist is someone who is hired on a per-project basis or hired to act in place or on behalf of an organization's in-house lobbyist. This means that they are not employed by the organization full-time.
They are "boots on the ground" people who can provide you with timely updates on what is happening in the political arena. They can also help you develop relationships with key government officials.
Most contract lobbyists have the relationships and access needed to guarantee that an organization has a seat at the table since they lobby full-time for different clients. This is a huge benefit because it gives you the ability to instantly tap into those relationships.
Joining an Association
Another option for investing in people for your government relations strategy is to join an association. This is a great option for organizations of all sizes.
One of the main benefits of joining an association is that they already have a government relations strategy in place. They also have a team of people who are dedicated to carrying out that strategy. This means you can get started immediately without having to invest in developing your own strategy or hiring your own team.
Another benefit of joining an association is that it can provide you with a lot of resources. For example, they might have letters to government officials or sample legislation templates. They can also provide you with access to their network of contacts.
Cons of not having Government Relations Strategy
Not having a government relations strategy is like shooting in the dark. You might get lucky and hit your target, but it's more likely that you'll miss. This means that you could miss out on opportunities or be blindsided by changes in government regulations that could impact your organization. As Elizabeth Warren said, “If you don’t have a seat at the table, you are probably on the menu.”
Why You Should Invest in People
As you can see, there are several reasons why you should invest in people for your government relations strategy. Doing so can help you build relationships, navigate the ever-changing landscape of government regulations, and grow your business. So, what are you waiting for? If you would like to discuss your government relations strategy, feel free to contact me. I’d love to help!
