The Importance of a Solid Government Relations Plan

In every organization, goals are important. Whether they be for sales, performance, efficiency or productivity, setting goals helps everyone know what results they are working toward.
The same goes for any government relations plan. It’s important to know what you want to achieve, but equally as important is the strategy used to get there.

An effective government relations plan should be about more than attending a few political events each year, or touching base now and then with an elected official you are friendly with. It should include:

• A well defined agenda of public policy issues important to your organization;
• A strategic approach of well-planned, timely events, meetings and outreach to elected government members and ministry officials;
• A definite “ask” backed up with well-researched, current and succinctly articulated documentation supporting the public policy change you advocate;
• A willingness to work with the government and offer solutions or flexibility to help them help you;
• Public relations activities to build public awareness and support for your position;
• Consistent messaging and follow-up on all activities or contacts made.

If you want your organization and your issues to stand out and be compelling enough to catch the government’s attention amid the plethora of items before elected members and their officials on any given day, it is worth your while to give careful consideration and spend some time on the items above.

Without it, your goal may remain just that.