Know Them Before You Need Them

When I was 22 years old, I taught high school in the Caribbean.?

The backstory was a whirlwind. Taking a break after my first year of law school, I sent my cover letter and resume to English-speaking schools around the world.?I got one interview, and two weeks later I was teaching in St. Thomas, America’s Paradise.

I fell in love with the place.?The air was fresh, the beaches pristine and the vistas spectacular. I must say: I adjusted quickly.?That’s also when I discovered how popular I was back home in Chicagoland.?And as the temperature dropped that winter, the more my popularity rose. The visitors came calling.

Here’s the thing:?I was happy to host my real friends and looked forward to their visits.?The casual acquaintance who just saw me as a free place to vacation??No thanks.

I learned my lesson quickly: know someone before you need them.?I saw this repeatedly during my tenure in Congress.

Many times, my Congressional staff approached me with an urgent matter, which required my immediate, personal attention on behalf of a constituent, company or organization.?I was asked to weigh in on their behalf with cabinet members, ambassadors, and governors.?I advocated to senators, members of the House and White House staff.?I was asked to give floor speeches or inquire of committee witnesses to bring attention to an urgent constituent issue. ?

I discovered that there was a direct correlation between my personal relationship with the company and my effectiveness.?If I knew their leadership and operation, my advocacy was more impactful.

So when is the best time to get to know members of Congress? Before an urgency pounces on you. ?

There’s a great temptation today to glance at Washington, turn your head and walk away.

That’s a mistake. ?

Reaching out to members of Congress before you ask for their assistance makes a world of difference.

Know them before you need them.

If you want some fresh ideas on how to do it, send me a message or email to [email protected].