NFIB

Today, congressional offices on Capitol Hill are overwhelmed trying to manage the volume of communications they receive every day. Thousands of phone, e-mail and fax communications from advocates across the country bombard offices with one purpose--to influence lawmakers. More often than not, these messages are quickly sorted by staff members into "issue" piles with little attention paid to the substance of the content, and very few of these messages actually reach the eyes of members of Congress.

As an NFIB member and an advocate for small business interests, how can you truly make a difference and wield the most influence with your members of Congress? The answer is by forming a collegial relationship with them. In other words, you don't have to be best friends with your members of Congress or agree with them on every issue, but establishing a professional, ongoing relationship will give you and your voice the upper hand in any policy debate.

How do you go about forming a relationship with your members of Congress? While it's only natural that you might feel a sense of disconnect between yourself and Washington, D.C., you should be aware that lawmakers frequently go back home to their districts during congressional recesses and breaks to meet with constituents. Town hall meetings, Small Business Day events and one-on-one scheduled meetings with your lawmakers are opportunities for you to introduce yourself and articulate the issues and concerns of the small business community. Time and time again we hear feedback from Hill staffers that it's the personal contact from their constituents that prove to have the most leverage in persuading members of Congress.

The political climate is changing, and 2009 will be a pivotal year for NFIB in terms of federal issue battles. Card check, paid sick leave and death tax legislation will be first and foremost on the next Congress' agenda, and NFIB members must have a voice in policy debates. The most effective way our members can make a difference is by consistently following up with their lawmakers and providing them with personal stories, talking points and information on the issues that matter most to small business.

Recently, more than 40 NFIB/Pennsylvania members attended the Small Business Day at the Capital in Harrisburg. During this event, they met with their lawmakers about issues such as healthcare, taxes and labor mandates. Please take a moment and view the video above featuring longtime NFIB member David Cranston, owner of Cranston Material Handling Equipment in Pittsburgh, Pa. In this video, Cranston discusses the importance of taking advantage of opportunities to meet with your local lawmakers and being active within NFIB.