Rules of Effective Lobbying

1)       Always be courteous and respectful. Never threaten (i.e. You will be beat in the next election).

2)       Be sure the legislator knows who you are, the name of your business and that you are his/her constituent (if applicable).

3)       Do not lecture.

4)       Do not speak in terms that only pharmacists understand (i.e. AWP, MAC, PBM, AWC).

5)       Never leave the impression or tell a legislator that you are smarter than he/she.  It’s quite likely that a legislator is not as informed on the issue as you.  Your job is to educate the legislator in a forthright manner.  Do not orate, lecture, or preach.

6)       Be brief and to the point.

7)       If a legislator asks a question and you do not know the answer, tell him/her that you do not know but will have someone follow up with the answer.  Be sure to follow through.

8)       If you know the issue has opposition, be honest and tell the legislator.  If you know the opposing point of view, tell those views and counter them.

9)       Carefully explain how the legislation impacts your business and patients (if applicable). Remember – your patients are also constituents of the legislator.

10)     Thank the legislator for his/her time.  Let the Association’s lobbyist know how your legislator responded.