Small businesses play a vital role in the U.S. economy. According to the United States Small Business Administration, there are approximately 28 million small businesses, which account for 54% of all sales in numerous industries. Even with this large number of small businesses, one of the most challenging features for all business owners is getting involved in politics and lobbying efforts to ensure their voice is heard by lawmakers in the House and Senate.

Unlike major corporations that have deep pockets and can afford to invest several thousands of dollars into lobbying efforts with assistance from the top lobbying firms, small businesses have not had this luxury in the past. However, things are changing on Capitol Hill. Today, small businesses can enlist the help of Washington DC lobbyists from LobbyIt to make sure their concerns on various issues are heard by those that matter the most.

As a result, lobbying is no longer just for big businesses. Smaller businesses are effecting changes and getting the results they desire. In addition, the congressmen and congresswomen in the House of Representatives and senators in the Senate are starting to listen to the “little guys” and what they want because they are starting to understand their decisions have far-reaching effects that could hurt the future of small businesses and the economy.

While the U.S. Constitution gives every individual and small business owner the right to contact their representatives and senators to voice their views on different legal and political matters, doing so on your own does not provide you with the same advantages as you gain when you enlist the help of a qualified lobbyist.

The reason for this is because most lobbyists have previous experience working alongside various government officials, and may have been an elected official in the House or Senate, or been a staff member to elected officials. These previous experiences and relationships aid lobbying efforts because lobbyists know exactly which elected officials share similar views as the small businesses they represent and how their pull could sway the opinions of other elected officials in favor of the small business owner.

It is important to keep in mind that simply hiring a lobbyist does not mean the small business is off the hook and can sit back and relax while it waits for results. Small business owners still need to be active in promoting their viewpoints at the local and state levels, too. It can also be beneficial to find other small businesses, either in the same or different industries, who want the same things and to band together to increase the number of resources available for lobbying efforts.

Washington DC Lobbyists

Whether you decide to go it alone or start a coalition of small business owners, there are a few key points to consider:

  • What is it that you want?
  • How can you make a case that will interest and make sense to lawmakers?
  • Who will benefit from your efforts?
  • What impacts will it have on others?

Having general answers to these questions will aid your lobbyist and his or her efforts. To learn more about affordable lobbying options from Lobbyit, please feel to contact us at 202.587.2736 today!

Source

1. https://www.sba.gov/managing-business/running-business/energy-efficiency/sustainable-business-practices/small-business-trends