Tips for a Successful Meeting

Basic Rules

They want to hear from you. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
You are the expert! Don’t be afraid to talk. However, don’t be condescending.
This is all about relationship development. Remember that trust is hard to gain and easy to destroy.

Familiarize yourself with the Background Information.
Prepare materials to leave in each office you visit (Leave-Behinds). Do not give gifts or anything of value to the office, member, or staff. Congressional rules strictly prohibit this. A folder with information is all you will need.
Know your members of Congress. Read their bios, know their committees & interests, and tailor your pitch accordingly. (Find links to this in the ‘info’ link by each meeting. Or check out Project Vote Smart directly.)
Know your talking points.
Identify your “Ask” or “Desired Take Away.”
Remember that ACS staff can help you with all of this!

While you should always arrive early, the meeting may not start on time.
If you are going to be late (even 2 minutes), call the office and let them know.

The meeting can be held anywhere: hallway, cafeteria, elevator, outer office, member’s inner sanctum

The meeting may be with a staff member instead of a Congressperson and may change on short notice.
This shouldn’t be a problem, because staff members are young and smart, even though they may not have a background in their issue areas.

You will have 15 quality minutes: Organize accordingly.
Limit your message, and stay on point.
Describe the importance of the issue to your work, employer, or state. Use anecdotes or narratives.
Let them ask questions.
Conclude and reiterate top points, making sure to capture follow-ups or commitments.

Thank them for the meeting – verbally and via email.
Reiterate key points and a unique meeting experience.
(Conventional mail is impractical for legislative offices due to security concerns.)
Touch base with office contacts every three months to help build the relationship.
Report the visit in your local section newsletter or website.
Let the Office of Public Affairs know how the visit went using the Repor t Form for l awmaker visi ts.