Every Interaction Matters

Communications

Aug 1

I have heard this same philosophy said in different ways:

“Be Kind.”
“Don’t burn bridges…you never know who you might have to work with again.”
“Karma.”
“If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Having worked as a senate and house staffer, I have met thousands of people and interacted with many more. As staff, we must be on our toes; a desperate constituent may call, a reporter might come into the office, our boss will text us asking for the talking points we already gave them three times. In general, all of our good interactions will glean benefits. All of the bad can and should be learning experiences.

Interest groups and lobbyists have been prevalent in your career from the moment you started working with the legislature. As lobbyists, we want to get to know you and build a relationship. We work to assure you that you can call us with a question or a request. It will be better for you and for us if a positive relationship is built.

I learned so much over the years working in the legislature.

When you are feeling overwhelmed or pressured on an issue, I have a few tips to help you keep the interaction positive:

1. Always ask for the end goal.

Is it an amendment, a bill introduction, a meeting, a committee hearing, a workgroup, a yes vote or a no vote from your boss?

2. Know the timeline.

Now, today, tomorrow, next month or by end of session?

3. Get it in writing.

Most issues are better fleshed out on paper, in an email, or in a text.

4. Who is opposed and why?

A lobbyist should be telling you that, if known.

5. Who is supportive and why?

These tips will build your rapport with the lobbyist and interest group community, show your preparedness to your boss, and preserve your place in the process. Every interaction matters!

Joelle Demand

Joelle began her legislative career in 1996 and has worked in the House of Representatives and Senate as a scheduler, legislative director, policy advisor and floor operations manager. She has worked in member offices, an appropriations chair, central staff and 4 sets of Speakers and Majority Floor Leaders. Joelle is only one of a few in the Capitol community who has left legislative staff for the lobbying community twice. Joelle is currently the VP and lobbyist for the Telecommunications Association of Michigan and lobbied for the Michigan Bankers Association for 4 years. Joelle lives in Saginaw with husband of 33 years, Todd, and is mother to 3 sons and two daughters in love, and grandma to 5 wonderful granddaughters. All free time is spent with her family or at their cabin in Alcona County on Michigan’s Sunrise Side.