What to Expect

“It isn’t necessary for a lobbying group to be ‘green’ to represent the best interests of the green community. Having that experience is a bonus,” said Canning, “but it isn’t a requirement.” Canning said a good lobbyist will have connections and access to people working on a particular issue. “It’s more about who you know and how to get the job done.”

Working with a lobbyist involves much more than hiring someone and then just walking away. Canning cautions that good lobbyists work alongside their clients every step of the way—and vice versa—which can translate into some legwork for the client.

“The client,” said Canning “is responsible for writing what we call a ‘position paper.’ It may only be three paragraphs from the client’s expert opinion about the coalition’s stance on a particular issue, but it’s not something you want to leave up to a lobbyist. Your lobbyist’s expertise comes in the form of government contacts and how to position your statement with elected officials—not in deciding what position is most advantageous to your industry.”

Each industry has its experts—lobbyists don’t claim to be industry-specific authorities (although some may be) and their role is not to argue with a client about a particular position. Their role is to move that position forward through the halls of a state house or Congress.

Getting the most out of your lobbying dollars will probably come from working with a firm that deals with many issues, not a single, focused one. Lobbyists tend to talk to elected officials on a regular basis about a variety of things. If you choose a firm that also represents other industries, it’s likely that your issue will be talked about more frequently and to a wider audience.