A Lesson In Politics

Yesterday a dedicated and wonderful group of NYRAC members and myself traveled up to our State Capital in Albany, New York - an almost 3-hour drive from Manhattan - to meet with a host of politicians to address numerous important issues that impact the consumer and our profession. Reflecting back on this busy, long day, these are some lessons I learned about politics:

1. You have to show up. Whining and complaining about politics is useless. Sometimes you must roll up your sleeves and get involved and make an effort. Take the time needed to get involved and have an impact. 

2. The squeaky wheel gets the grease: without fail, every politician said they listen and hear the loudest, most consistent voices most.

3. You have to be looking out for the greater good. Yes, some special-interest lobbyists succeed to cater to their own hyper-localized issues, but politicians care most about pleasing the majority of voters.

4.  Rehearse your message and be CLEAR about what you want, and ASK how the politicians plan to address your concerns.

5. Make your concerns public. A letter is easily filed or thrown away. As is an e-mail. A TWEET or social media post tagging specific politicians is PUBLIC. You cannot ignore that as easily.

6. Numbers count. A handful of people's voices matter. Several hundred or thousand voices will get REAL attention. And action.

7. Politicians are BRILLIANT at making you feel like you've been heard, that they REALLY CARE. Don't rely on just words and promises.

8. Don't rely on 'others' to speak on your behalf. Most times they have other interests at heart.

9. Politicians listen closest to their constituents. They want to succeed and be re-elected.

10. We hired a lobbyist. I abhorred lobbyists until yesterday: without this lobbyist, we would never have been able to as effectively identify whom to meet with and how. This lobbyist acted like a great agent and we all know how important a good agent is!

Yesterday's trip was successful on many levels. It feels great to establish your voice and have it heard. The real success of a political effort is consistent outreach and follow up, so the work has really just begun.