The Art of Politics

Don't Get Angry. Get Educated and ENGAGE!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 16:06:00 +0000

Don't like it? WORK TO CHANGE IT.

Every year, the same 50 lobbyists and organizations meet with the same well-meaning ( but still have to raise money to run for office!) elected officials and provide them with information. And - as a result and no surprise here - the same 50 point of view are what’s represented in funding and policy decisions.

If you care about something? If you really care a lot about something? You NEED to talk to your elected officials, provide them with information about what’s really happening. And trust me, politicians would much rather spend an hour learning about their constituents lives than an hour with a professional lobbyist.

But how can you make sure you're 'doing it right'? We're planning to offer three dynamic, interactive government affairs trainings this fall! Plan to join us, and e-mail me if you want us to e-mail you the schedule when its announced.

Changes at The Art of Politics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:59:00 +0000

City councilors, state representatives, and US senators all make decisions - just like you - largely based on two things: information and their core beliefs. And - just like you - their core beliefs run deep, but they’re always looking for new information.

Whether or not you agree with them politically, politicians run for office because they really to want to do good things for their constituents. Having worked for both an elected official AND constituent businesses and organizations - I want you to know something: elected officials aren’t getting the whole story. Our so-called representative democracy doesn’t ‘represent’.

The problem is, every year, the same 50 lobbyists and organizations meet with elected officials and provide them with information. And - as a result and no surprise here - the same 50 point of view are what’s represented in funding and policy decisions.

If your organization is doing good, valuable work in our community, you NEED to talk to your elected officials, provide them with information about what’s really happening on the ground with their constituents. And trust me, politicians would much rather spend an hour learning about their constituents lives than an hour with a lobbyist.

To address this issue, I've recently transformed The Art of Politics from a lobbying firm into a Government Affairs Training company. In other words, instead of fishing for people, we're now teaching people how to fish. Our trainings are dynamic, interactive and you'll walk away knowing how to have interactions with elected officials that yield tangible results.

Call us with any questions!

New Presentation Up On Slideshare

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:33:00 +0000

I recently created a Slideshare account and am sharing information that's been really valuable to my clients. Feel free to pass the site along to anyone you think might benefit from knowing some basics around interacting effectively with elected officials!

http://www.slideshare.net/TheArtOfPolitics

Social Media in Political Interactions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Most US Representatives and Senators have a Facebook page. Less are on Twitter. However, the Democratic and Republican Parties are gently but firmly suggesting their members get on the social media bandwagon, so look for more to join the party. So what's an engaged organization to do?

I've said it before and it's still true: there is NO replacement for the impact of an effective face to face meeting with elected officials or their staff. Second to a face to face meeting? A personal phone call to a specific person with a specific request. Third? A direct e-mail with a specific request to a specific person.

Is there anything to do after that? Maybe.

If your organization is on Twitter or Facebook, I suggest gentle interactions with elected officials via Facebook and Twitter, but NOT about your substantive issue. Save communications about substantive issues for substantial communications like those described above.

Critical One Hour Seminar for Non-profit Organizations (for $10!)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:29:00 +0000

I am participating in an upcoming, hour long, REALLY inexpensive teleseminar ($10!) on September 1 at Noon (EST) sponsored by the National Non-profit Resource Directory. Please forward information about this event to any non-profit organization you want to succeed. Here's a description of the seminar:

Navigating the Political Waters: Interactions with Elected Officials That Yield Tangible Results

Whether it is your local City Councilor or your United States Senator, more than ever, a non-profit organization’s success depends on its capacity to leverage political capital to support its mission and strategic plans. Participants in this teleseminar will learn when, with whom, and how to craft interactions with elected/agency officials that yield tangible results. Participants will also learn how to avoid some common 'rookie' government affairs missteps! Don’t miss out on this critical, specific, and timely information!

Here's the link: http://www.nonprofitnationalresourcedirectory.com/teleseminars

Why Hire a Lobbyist?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:06:00 +0000

The Art of Politics offers some thoughts on the usefulness and mission of lobbyists. Thank you to Midweek Politics for having me on the show.

Two Years in the Making - The Massachusetts Legislative Cycle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:44:00 +0000

The Massachusetts state legislature used to have a really ridiculous name. Prior to 1780, it was known as the Great and General Court of Massachusetts. Thanks to John Adams, however, it is now less ridiculously called: the General Court.

Like the United States Legislative Branch, the General Court is bicameral: a 160-member House of Representatives and a 40-member Senate. Even though Massachusetts has an annual budget process, Massachusetts lawmaking runs on a two-year cycle. Every two years, the legislative slate is wiped clean and old bills are re-filed or go gently into that good night.

A good policy advocacy plan is designed around the two-year cycle. That doesn't necessarily mean passge in two years! There are thousands of pieces of legislation that - after many legislative cycles - are still building the political capital for passage. The current General Court, the 186th, will end on June 30, which means that a lot of political jockeying for position will take place over the next 80 days.

I thought you might want to know.

Government Affairs Is A Repeat Business

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:13:00 +0000

Government affairs is a 'repeat business.' No, political consulting is not like watching the same episode of 'Friends' you've seen fifteen times. Rather, in government affairs, you interact over and over again with the same folks, be they elected officials or staff. First impressions are important, but so are relationships over time.

Remember to take the long-view when it comes to these interactions. If you say you're going to do something, do it. If you promise to follow-up, follow-up. If you feel tempted to exaggerate a problem or a success, don't. If an elected/agency official and their staff can come - over time - to trust you and the information you provide, they will come to trust your organization.

Effective Meetings with Elected/Agency Officials

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:43:00 +0000

You might not be surprised to learn that we believe there really is an 'art' to political affairs. For government relations consultants like us, the ability to craft an effective meeting between our clients and an elected official is a non-negotiable skill. We offer a really effective (and short) training course for you, your staff, and/or Board of Directors, on how to have meetings with elected/agency officials that yield tangible results, but here's a 'top ten' list for you in the mean time:

1. Elected and agency officials work for you only if you put them to work. So, put them to work by asking for something specific, compelling, and actionable.

2. A handshake still rules. Despite the rise of social media and e-mail, no electronic form of communication comes close to the power of a face-to-face meeting with an elected or agency official. You should be meeting with your Member of Congress and Senators (or their staff) AT LEAST once a year, and probably more.

3. Take the long view. Government affairs is a repeat business based on existing relationships. New programs, funding, and business opportunities are created all the time. Your goal is to be ‘top of mind’ when this happens.

4. Introduce yourself. Begin your meeting at the 30,000 foot level. Review your organization’s history and provide an overview of your current projects or proposals, your programmatic focus, size, and your existing relationships. Be prepared to tell them your annual budget and where your funding comes from.

5. It’s not the more the merrier! Craft your meetings with elected officials around one or two specific, attainable, and compelling goals. Don’t make a shopping list.

6.Your credit-worthiness is being judged. Elected officials, like your loan officer, judge your credit (also known as political capital). The key to building political capital is to show off your company’s specific accomplishments; provide proof that what you’re saying is true, and highlight your community connections.

7. Be honest. Be prepared to answer any and all questions about your topic, or bring someone with you who can. If you don’t know the answer to a question asked by an elected or agency official, say you don’t know, and offer to follow up with staff.

8. Be considerate. Answer questions simply and clearly; do not go on ad nauseum. Treat staff with respect and courtesy. Show up five minutes early, but expect the elected official to be late.

9. Don’t be shy. Did the elected or agency official use an acronym you don’t know? Ask. Do you have questions about how a particular program works? Ask. He or she will be more than happy to answer.

10. It’s just like Mom said: a timely, genuine, and specific thank-you letter should follow any meeting with an elected or agency official. Address the letter to the official, but send it, electronically and in hard copy, to the staff who attended the meeting.

Slow and Steady Wins the Political Capital Race

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:42:00 +0000

You can have over 100 followers on Twitter in a few days. You can find almost anything (except maybe your City Council Subcommittee Meeting Minutes) online. And you can start a movement from your dining room table.

We're used to making things happen quickly. But politics doesn't move quickly. At all. Ever. And this can be very very frustrating for everyone involved. The latest example? Health Care Reform.

But I disagree with those who say that real politics is like sausage making. Sausage making is not what's happening 'behind closed doors.' Any government affairs consultant can tell you exactly what's happening behind closed doors: Elected and agency officials are negotiating. Mediating. Resolving conflicts with key constituent organizations and their representatives who have brought political capital to the table.

Please understand: I'm not defending the current system, I'm just describing its realities in the hopes of helping you or your organization/client prepare to do effective battle. If you are not at the table, you could be on the menu.

A Word About Alignment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Political capital is precious stuff. Before you spend some of yours, please remember that it is not enough to just talk the talk. One must also walk the walk. As I've mentioned before, elected and agency officials have extremely sensitive BS detectors. If what you're asking for is not thought through, not verifiable, or doesn't include some of your own political (or real) capital, you're not making the most of your time or the elected's time.

The Art of Politics on YouTube!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:13:00 +0000

Talkin' about pork with David Pakman from Midweek Politics Radio.

Grant Season

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:21:00 +0000

With the completion of the federal FY 2010 budget, federal agencies are now releasing a flurry of funding opportunities. If you work in education, green energy production/technology, health care, economic development, workforce development, human services, or housing, you should be checking www.grants.gov every other day through February for grant opportunities.

Bodies at Rest and Bodies in Motion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:07:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Bodies at rest tend to stay at rest. Bodies in motion tend to stay in motion. The heavier the body, the harder it is to get it rolling from a dead stop; that is one reason why democrats are so eager finish a Health Care bill. Let's talk about bodies, rest and motion from a political perspective.

Momentum is a concept that applies to government affairs too. A policy or project management plan should plot out the entire legislative strategy, from start to finish. But it should also prepare to seize any momentum that comes, and duck any swiftly moving planets, because hauling a political issue/project to the front burner when it has been simmering on the back burner is time consuming and expensive.

Political momentum is fueled or slowed by some of the following

Political capital on the table
Key project leaders' commitment to the issue
Key advocate's relationships

Where is your project in terms of momentum?

FY10 Appropriation Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:45:00 +0000

The Transportation, Treasury, Housing Appropriations bill will most likely pass in mid-December, although exact timing is unclear. The timing depends in large part on how leadership decides to coordinate/package all the various pieces of legislation that need to get done before the end of the year.

You might be surprised to learn that even though we're only 1/3 of a way through FY10, FY11 requests have been filed. For more information about how the appropriation system works, read our 'Appropriations 101' post.

The Art of Blog Entries

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:57:00 +0000

I'm embarrassed at the time that's passed since my last blog post. But such is the fall season for political consultants. We are RUNNING this time of year, with nary a moment to spare.

Also? I may have committed myself to a few non-profit board memberships who are ALSO having busy fall seasons.

I'll post more when I can. In the mean time, I suggest you follow me on twitter.

Sweet Success.....almost

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:44:00 +0000

The federal appropriations process takes approximately two years, start to finish. Prior to August recess, the House and Senate are about 3/4 of the way through the first step toward passing federal fiscal year 2010 (FY2010.) It doesn't look as though they'll complete the budget by the start of the fiscal year (October 1), but, unlike last year, we won't see continuing resolutions ad nauseam.

Most of the appropriations work is done, and consultants like The Art of Politics now wait to see which projects did or didn't make the cut. One of our clients made the cut! The Senate still has to pass their version of the bill, then conference, then the president has to sign the bill, and then we'll really celebrate

July 4th Recess - Federal Approps Update

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

The Art of Politics helps clients access and participate in the Federal Appropriations process, so we follow the progress of appropriation bills very closely. And on the House side, bills are moving. The House passed its first bill — Commerce-Science-Justice — on June 18 and another three — Legislative Branch, Homeland Security and Interior-Environment — before leaving town for this week's July 4th recess. Remember, theoretically, the new federal fiscal year begins in three months, on October 1.

Let me tell you: the passage of ANY appropriation bills (other than Military Construction-VA or Defense) prior to a July 4 recess is a MARKED change from years past, ESPECIALLY last year, when appropriations was utterly broken down by the 2008 presidential and congressional campaigns. In fact, final appropriations for FY2009 weren't settled until February and March of this year.

If you're considering whether or not to apply for an FY11 appropriation, you really need to decide soon, because the active and interactive (i.e. meetings with elected officials) part of the appropriations process starts just after labor day. That leaves you July and August to get your ducks in a row. E-mail me if you have any questions!

Holyoke High Tech Computing Center

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:35:00 +0000

Governor Patrick was in town today, once again facing a standing room only crowd. He announced a collaborative economic development project that will be sited in Holyoke.

My office is at Open Square in Holyoke; I live in downtown Holyoke; I am a Board Member of two Holyoke-based organizations; and I have clients based in Holyoke. Do I need to tell you that I'm thrilled? Probably not.

Participating organizations still need to hammer out a lot of details. But here's what they were prepared to disclose today: the Commonwealth, MIT, UMass, Boston University, Cicso, and EMC are going to collaborate on a high-tech computing center to serve their current and future computing and research needs. The center will be located somewhere - actual location to be determined - in Holyoke.

Project participants chose Holyoke after analyzing lots and lots of communities in Massachusetts. Holyoke won out for it's relatively low energy costs (computing centers need lots and lots of juice) and its central location as relates to broadband backbones running east/west on the MassPike, North/South on Route 91 (under construction now), and within the Pioneer Valley. They don't know it yet, but they also chose Holyoke because it's the coolest place around.

A hearty and heartfelt congratulations to every single person who contributed to today's announcment.

Appropriations Transparency in Action

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:28:00 +0000

A few posts ago, I made some predictions about the future of federal earmarking. I made three predictions:
1. The who, how much, and what for of earmark requests will become more transparent.
2. The total number of earmarks and/or the total cost of earmarks as a percentage of the budget will be capped.
3. Earmarks are here to stay. In other words, receiving an earmark will still require that you do your homework, lay thoughtful groundwork for your request, and follow-up like nobody's business.

I stand by my predictions, and I see this as evidence supporting my crystal ball gazing.

Aw Shucks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:11:00 +0000

I am delighted to report that I've been named one of Business West's 2009 '40 Under Forty.' This award recognizes business leaders in Western Massachusetts who also contribute to their communities through service on boards and volunteer efforts. Congratulations to my fellow awardees! While I know a few of my fellow 'under 40's', I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the gala on June 18.

I am also honored to sit on the boards of two really great organizations. Though they each have different missions, both are enormously important to the cultural, residential and business success of downtown Holyoke.

Wistariahurst Museum
Friends of Pulaski Park

A Career in Government Affairs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:31:00 +0000

I'm speaking to a group of young women later this week about my company, my work, and my professional background. For those of you interested in a career in government, I'd like to share some ways 'in' to the government relations business:

-Work for an elected official in any capacity. You will start at the bottom of the food chain unless you have a particular area of expertise or are a known entity. I've seen lots of folks start by answering phones and then move up quickly.
-Complete a degree in a field related to a policy issue or public affairs (you would want to specialize in a policy issue, then find a Legislative Aide position charged with handling that - and other - issues.)
-Work for a membership organization (like a chamber of commerce or Hospital Association) in their government affairs department.
-Work on an elected official's campaign (Lawn signs! So many lawn signs!)

I'm excited to speak to these young women and hope they find something helpful in my comments.

Stimulus Money Rules To Be Released

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:58:00 +0000

The administration late last week postponed until this week the issuance of a set of rules to more clearly delineate to state and local officials the types of projects and activities for which Economic Recovery Act funds can and can’t be used for.

At a White House forum last week with state officials regarding the use of stimulus funds — where President Obama, Vice President Biden, and other senior officials emphasized that the money needed to be spent “wisely” — Biden highlighted the coming rules, saying some uses would be prohibited even though they were an otherwise legal use of the funds.

The Impact of Changes to the Appropriations Process

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:00:00 +0000

As I mentioned in my last post, earmarks are going to get even more competitive as appropriation requests become more transparent and as the total funding available for earmarks is squeezed. For those of us (www.theartofpolitic.com) who only bring fully cooked, appropriate and worthy projects to appropriators, this is actually very good news. I think the change to the appropriation process will actually help high-quality requests move to the front of the line. I would be happy to have any of my clients' appropriation requests made public. Each request is well-matched to its funding source, and each request makes their community a better place to live, work or raise kids.

More information might benefit my clients in a second way. I look forward to increased transparency because in the current system, I have no way of knowing who else is applying for funding from a particular account. In a more transparent system, I might get to see my competition. This knowledge would help me advocate on my clients behalf.

No matter what you think about pork, I respect legislators who bring home the bacon, because as long as the current earmark system exists, legislators who don't fight for funding are guaranteeing that more of it will go to places like Washington state or West Virginia (I cannot BELIEVE how much pork Senators Murray and Byrd get. They are jaw dropping numbers.) The only way earmarking will stop is if it stops wholesale, and I cannot imagine a world where federal appropriators will not all die first before letting that happen.

Following The Money

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Stimulus Bill money is making its way to the street a little more slowly than the President and Congress would like. On behalf of clients, I follow the progress of certain pots of Stimulus Bill funding. I use the Federal Register (You are officially a policy wonk, a policy advocate, or a government affairs contractor if the Federal Register is bookmarked on your web browser.)

The Federal Register is the official daily publication for federal rules (proposed and final), federal notices (decisions made or decisions under consideration) and other completely random things. In one issue of the Federal Register, you'll find announcements from every federal agency - known and unknown. If the federal government is a hive of activity, the Federal Register tells you what all the bees have been up to.

Whenever any federal agency makes funding available, they must publish information (How much money is available? When is the deadline? Who is eligible to apply? I have questions, who should I call?) in the Federal Register. Unfortunately for you, the Federal Register uses a very dated listserve database program, which can take some time to understand. My clients pay me to know when funding is available, and the federal register is one of the tools I use.