Good Practice

It seems common sense to act rationally, and to accept political reality. Acting rationally means not terming anyone who disagrees with you as ‘irrational’. What is clear is that many lobbyists let emotions infect their thinking. This leads us to see things in ways that only plays to our ego or worldview. It helps to … Read more

Don’t argue. It comes across badly. I’ve seen that it is the easiest way to throw a good case. I’ve seen too many people thinking that arguing with a key decision-maker or influencer is going to persuade them to back the case. It seems to have the opposite effect. It creates unnecessary enemies. A lot … Read more

Most organisations, both NGOs and corporate, think that issue expertise is key to success in campaigning and lobbying. They hire for it. It seems if you have a PhD in the matter, you’ll be a persuasive advocate It helps explain why most campaign and lobby efforts fail. Few experts are good at teaching. Anyone who … Read more

Lesson 1 – First, think about what your audience wants If you want to be an effective lobbyist you need to start thinking about what your audience wants. Your audiences are the officials and politicians who will influence or decide on your issue. Your audiences are not the interests or the clients that you represent. … Read more