Successful Communication Techniques For KPCs...

• Find out who is responsible for keeping the legislator's schedule and making appointments. When you obtain the person's name, record it for future reference.
• If for whatever reason, you are unable to meet with the legislator, meet with the legislator's staff person. The staff person will have valuable insights, and you can expect that the staff person will mention the issue to the legislator.
• Make sure to present yourself not only as a constituent, but also as a member of the FICPA.
• Make sure to do your homework on the issue, including the major points of the issue (pros and cons), the position of the legislator (if available), the position of the FICPA and any possible or pending legislation (with bill numbers, if possible). Remember: A cooperative approach with possible solutions is the most effective method.
• One of the most important keys to a successful meeting is to listen. Subtle suggestions from the legislator's comments could bring large clues on how to present arguments sufficient to sway the legislator from his/her position.
• Remember to send a letter of appreciation for the opportunity to meet with a legislator. This letter is, in most situations, a perfect time to either put in writing the commitments made or to resubmit and reinforce arguments for your position, if no commitment was made.
• Make sure to contact the FICPA Governmental Affairs Department at (850) 224-2727, ext. 203, or via e-mail to govaffairs@ficpa.org with any questions prior to your meeting and to relay any information you obtained.