Get Involved in Political Process
Legislation of any kind is too important to be left to chance.
Lisa Cross -- graphic arts online, 2/1/2001
Printing companies are subject to thousands of federal, state, and local laws that influence nearly every facet of their day-to-day operations. Given the enormous power that government wields, printing company managers need to take an active role in shaping laws and regulations.
The cornerstone of the process is building relationships with federal, state, and local politicians. For the most part, a politician is more likely to respond favorably to a request from someone he or she knows. Working on campaigns, making campaign donations, and attending political functions are all ways to forge strong bonds with legislative leaders.
Money buys access
"Money talks" is a cliché that holds true in politics. Politicians need money to get their messages out to voters. While financial contributions don't buy votes, they do help in gaining access to a lawmaker and getting phone calls returned. Think of the donation as insurance for getting the printing industry's side of an issue heard.
Many printing companies have scored legislative coups by taking the time to invest in, meet, and educate their legislators and their staff members about the printing process and the industry at large. Don't forget about a legislator's staff, who helps the legislator make decisions. Also, staff members represent the liaison between the politician and the people.
Educating lawmakers about the printing industry and the printing process is critical. Printing may be one of the nation's largest industries, but it is also one of the most invisible; think about how many times you've had to explain what you do. Invite legislators and their staff on plant tours and show them how print is produced and explain the vital role that print plays in the local and broader economy.
In other words, give lawmakers a frame of reference so that when legislation comes up, they might just wonder, "How will this affect printers?"
Understand their job
At the same time, printers must understand the job of a politician. Legislators review hundreds of issues and meet thousands of people, so respect a politician's time. Keep phone calls, letters, and meetings short and to the point.
In discussions, always be prepared on the issues at hand. What is being proposed? When will it be voted on? Who are the key players? Why are printers for or against the measure? How does the measure affect the entire printing industry and other industries?
Also, be ready to present all relevant arguments for and against a respective matter. Provide as much useful information as a legislator needs who's taking up a printer's cause, including as much as possible about the opposition.
Moreover, politicians build trust in constituents who don't withhold information for fear that their case will not be embraced. Presenting any and all opposition to a measure up front gives lawmakers the necessary information to make a balanced decision.
Building relationships takes time and is a never-ending process, given that each election cycle can bring a new lawmaker.
Persistence pays off
Participating in the political process requires patience. It may take a long time for results, but in the political arena persistence pays.
For example, the printing industry has been lobbying at the federal level for years to eliminate estate taxes. Last year, both the House and Senate approved the measure, which former President Clinton vetoed. This year, if Congress again votes to eliminate the "death tax," then the measure will likely be approved given that President Bush said during his campaign that he would sign such legislation.
If the death tax is abolished, the printing industry can claim part of the credit. Many printers helped propel the legislation by writing, telephoning, and visiting their elected officials. These printing companies took action, built relationships, endured, and possibly succeeded. Win or lose, they participated in the process and got results.
