Reaching out
Establishing an early dialogue with politicians can facilitate effective communication down the road when controversial regulatory proposals arise. The good news is that local officials are much easier to deal with than their federal counterparts.
“People who run for local office are very approachable because most of them really do care about their communities,” Ennico says. “For most of them, politics is not a stepping stone to higher office. Many times, they are business owners themselves, so already you share some common interests. Other times, they are attorneys looking to expand their network.”
One way to get known among local representatives is to speak up at town meetings, where every effort should be made to shake hands and make a personal introduction.
“Maybe it seems old-fashioned in this digital age, but in-person communication with local public officials can be a very powerful way to get things done,” says attorney Sean Hadley, a lecturer of public policy at Rutgers University.
Effective business ambassadors are knowledgeable about local affairs.
“Business owners should be as knowledgeable and informed as possible about what’s going on in city government,” Pelissero says. “Members of the city council and county boards want to make sure the people they’re interacting with are able to demonstrate awareness of current issues in local government and how they impact both the business and broader communities.”
Once a dialogue is established, experts advise setting up regular meetings with legislators or local city council members.
“You want to get to the point where the public officials view you as a trusted source of information,” Hadley says. “They may call you for your perspective on proposed resolutions. Keep in mind that these local politicians are not experts on everything. To make good laws, they need people in the community to offer unique perspectives.”
Driving home
You may be convinced of the wisdom of your position for or against a certain ordinance. But how can you convince the public official?
Effective business ambassadors understand and address their town’s larger concerns. Maybe a certain proposal will promote trade. But how will it affect homeowners, schools and the public in general?
“Public officials need to determine what regulations are in the long-term public interest versus what may only satisfy the business community,” Pelissero says. “When speaking up against a proposed zoning change, for example, it’s important to show how it might negatively affect the local community, as well as business profits.”
An effective presentation requires the support of facts, figures and stories. Do the math. Show the official how a proposed regulation will affect employment, commercial enterprise or an industry. Then, drive home your point with a powerful anecdote that illustrates the problem.
Finally, drive your point home by offering a solution to a perceived problem.
“A businessperson shouldn’t be just a complainer,” Hadley says. “Public officials want to hear from people who are community problem solvers.”