No matter how big or small a company is, there is a good chance hiring a lobbyist is an essential move to protect your business’ interests from burdensome government regulation. Advocacy groups can help the voice of business be heard, but how does one start looking for a good lobbyist that would be reputable for their business? Here are some things to look for when hiring a lobbyist for your business.
Look at Expertise and Industries
It goes without saying, but sometimes it’s easy to overlook when hiring the right lobbyist. When searching online, be sure to check the industries they serve to ensure your business falls into one of the categories. If not, keep looking. If yes, take a look at their areas of expertise and services. Lobbying firms have different types of services offered, whether it be specializing in political advising or strategic communications. Make sure you find a good match for your needs.
Experience
Of course, experience is crucial. However, it becomes very important when looking for a lobbyist to represent your interests. One of the best types of experiences a lobbyist can have is being an insider. This means a lobbyist who has served as an elected official or staff lawmakers has deeper insight into how to influence lawmakers. They will know through firsthand experience how the legislative process works and will advise based on their specialized knowledge. However, something to look out for is someone who is aligned with a political party and will sway in favor of the party’s beliefs instead of what is right for your business.
Don’t Wait for a Crisis
Whether or not to hire a lobbyist may be a topic of discussion within your office. It may seem more appealing to save the money instead of adding another expense. However, it may be rather difficult to hire a lobbyist in a crisis situation. Having a lobbyist already in place before a policy issue arises will be the key to success.
Here at Dorn Policy Group, we want to help you protect your business’ interests. It is not always easy to find finding a lobbyist that is a good fit for your company, but we want to help make it a little bit easier. Contact us to learn more about partnering with us to protect your interests.