Advancing Your Organization’s Goals Through Public Policy Engagement
Many businesses and organizations routinely treat public policy as an afterthought when crafting their overall strategy — many times focusing on issues that pose an immediate risk to their core business and neglecting opportunities to proactively showcase the value of their product or services to key stakeholders.
There are many opportunities to proactively engage with key audiences; telling your story, promoting your organization and gaining valuable insights to inform important decisions.
An effective public policy strategy will advance your overall goals. In Washington D.C., carefully planned interactions with influential stakeholders allows your organization to establish effective relationships, advocate for your policy priorities, and ultimately impact regulation.
- Capitol Hill: Legislation presents opportunities as well as risks. Regular contact with key lawmakers and their staff ensures your voice is heard, and yields insights to inform your decision-making.
- Government Agencies: Administration and government agency officials regularly meet with businesses and private sector groups for input into their policy-making process, and to assess the impact of regulations.
- Trade Groups: Industry associations represent a one-stop shop through which members engage with key Washington D.C. audiences, promote their priorities, and grow their network.
- Think Tanks: Think tanks and other third party groups frequently impact the direction of public policy. The administration and lawmakers often draw on the expertise of influential academics in drafting legislation and writing rules. Their support or opposition can be a major factor in determining if a proposed regulation survives or not.
- Media: Washington D.C. is home to many media outlets and trade publications covering politics and various aspects of government policy. Building a relationship with relevant reporters provides opportunities to educate them on your priority issues and insert your message into their coverage.
Whether you provide innovative financial services, want to get into business with the U.S. government, invest in U.S., or are impacted by trade barriers, organizations need to directly engage with key individuals and groups in Washington D.C. that impact their mission.
This is especially true in terms of gathering political intelligence to anticipate risks, inform your planning, navigate bureaucracy, and connect with the right partners.
