Modus Operandi: Part the Second

Before you sit down with an elected official you should think through a few things.

First: What do you want. No, really. What EXACTLY do you want. Be REALLY specific. Be as specific as you were in 3rd grade when answering the question "What do you want for your birthday?" If you want a Dancerella with a purple dress, not a pink dress, you best say as much.

Second: Remember: the list of things you wanted for your birthday may have been longer than what you actually received. I've said it before, but it bears repeating: the most effective meetings with elected officials only include one or two issues/requests (Maybe three. Maybe. But one and two better be related.) Beyond that, and you sound like....well....like a 3rd grader shouting out her birthday wish list.

Third: Think about your leave-behind materials and follow-up. These two can make or break your request. Some elected officials will not read anything you hand them, some will want a one page summary of your request, some will want to see a map, even if what you're asking for has nothing to do with geography, it totally depends. This is one reason to pay a Political Consultant. They will know exactly what to bring to the party.