When was the last time you talked to an elected official? Do you know the names -- let alone the faces -- of the men and women who represent you in city, county and state government?
If not, now is the time to find out. It's campaign season: and whether or not he or she is running, any pol with a brain is getting the message that his success is dependent on yours. Economic resurgence simply won't happen unless entrepreneurs and small businesspeople get heard by those in power.
But there's nothing for them to hear unless you speak up. Unfortunately, most independent businesspeople never even try to connect with officials -- though in study after study, they cite problems with government as among their top ten headaches. A lot of them tell me they're convinced all politicians are stupid, corrupt or unresponsive. Others say it's too time-consuming to reach out.
There's no doubt that some politicians are a disgrace to the offices they hold. But plenty of others are decent, hardworking people who will bend over backwards to help you -- if you ask.
No one, however fancy her title, is omniscient. If you want her assistance, you need to educate her about your issue. You must also be specific,and realistic, about what she can do. For example, your mayor can't singlehandedly reverse a longterm, general falloff in downtown shoppers. But she can fix sidewalks, improve streetlights, expand parking, and otherwise direct public resources in ways that will benefit the community -- not just your store.
And yes, it does take time to connect with officials, especially if you've never tried before. But if you make that investment before you have a crisis, it will pay off handsomely when you do. It could also lead to a heightened community profile, good buzz, and new opportunities for your business.
If not, now is the time to find out. It's campaign season: and whether or not he or she is running, any pol with a brain is getting the message that his success is dependent on yours. Economic resurgence simply won't happen unless entrepreneurs and small businesspeople get heard by those in power.
But there's nothing for them to hear unless you speak up. Unfortunately, most independent businesspeople never even try to connect with officials -- though in study after study, they cite problems with government as among their top ten headaches. A lot of them tell me they're convinced all politicians are stupid, corrupt or unresponsive. Others say it's too time-consuming to reach out.
There's no doubt that some politicians are a disgrace to the offices they hold. But plenty of others are decent, hardworking people who will bend over backwards to help you -- if you ask.
No one, however fancy her title, is omniscient. If you want her assistance, you need to educate her about your issue. You must also be specific,and realistic, about what she can do. For example, your mayor can't singlehandedly reverse a longterm, general falloff in downtown shoppers. But she can fix sidewalks, improve streetlights, expand parking, and otherwise direct public resources in ways that will benefit the community -- not just your store.
And yes, it does take time to connect with officials, especially if you've never tried before. But if you make that investment before you have a crisis, it will pay off handsomely when you do. It could also lead to a heightened community profile, good buzz, and new opportunities for your business.
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