Ask for Support

• Know your objective - The purpose of the meeting is to gain the legislator’s support and commitment to vote for your position on the issue.

• Personalize the request - Face-to-face meetings are one of the best ways to communicate. Make certain the legislator understands you are there to demonstrate that this issue affects his or her constituency.

Be Brief . . . and Prepared

• Respect the legislator’s constraints - You will probably only have a 15 to 20 minute meeting, so be on time and be prepared to make your points quickly and get your message across in 5 to 7 minutes.

• Make your points concisely and coherently - When possible, provide bill number and titles.

• Be knowledgeable about the issue - Know the facts and what the opposition is saying.

• Emphasize how the issue affects you - Explain the impact on your business, your employees, and your community.

• Do not guess - If you are unsure about the answer to a question, offer to follow up with more information.

• Leave a fact sheet with the legislator that summarizes the issue.

Close the Deal

• Be persuasive - Present your viewpoint politely but convincingly. Speak concisely and with commitment. Stress the positive impact of the legislation you support and relate the negative impact of opposing the legislation.

• Be firm - Find out where your legislator stands on the issue. Ask what position and what action he or she will take. If the legislator does not yet have a position, ask when you can expect an answer.

• Listen carefully - Hear what the legislator says regarding his or her concerns and position. Unless you hear, “I am with you” do not count on the legislator’s vote.

• Follow up - Always send a thank you letter for the meeting. Include a brief summary of your position and any new information you may have.