You may know enough about lobbying to understand how it works and why it is an important part of the legislative process. But what makes a top government relations firm successful? Most would answer… Results.
We could just leave it at that, but we’d like to take it a step further for you. While we agree that delivering specific results for clients is the ultimate demonstration of success, we want to share some common traits and abilities necessary to bring those results to fruition, time and time again, for clients.
Here, we will share five (5) things that we believe make a real difference in a top lobbying firms’ ability to consistently deliver impactful results.
1. Developing and Nurturing Long-Term Relationships
Relationships are a vital component to any Pennsylvania lobbying firm’s success. However, not every relationship is equal, nor as significant, as another. Real relationships and connections to the true movers and “shapers” are what really matter. To be oen of the best lobbying firms in Harrisburg, the lobbyists must collectively have the ability to work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. They must be trusted and capable. Longstanding lobbying firms have worked for years to build strong reputations by showing their reliability, accountability and even availability to not only the clients they serve, but also the legislators that they are in conversation with on a regular basis.
Pugliese Associates has been involved in Pennsylvania government for more than 35 years, and we have built many long-standing relationships based on integrity and trust. We know who and when to call for opinion and assistance, working always to be thoughtful and mindful of the good people that we work with on a regular basis. Having that kind of experience, knowledge and awareness on a client’s side is certainly advantageous.
2. Understanding the Issues
A trusted lobbyist needs to have a thorough understanding of specific policy areas. Many topics reach across disciplines, so it is important that any top lobbying firm have a diverse range of personnel with varying skill sets and specialties. Drawing on the experience of an entire team ensures thorough coverage and a deeper comprehension of issues at hand.
At Pugliese Associates, our lobbyists work together and in team fashion for our clients. This means:
- They consult and share research and background information
- Leverage different industry and/or geographical relationships
- Share, discuss and listen to legislators through a team approach
While every client at Pugliese Associates has a dedicated team of lobbyists, when tangential issues come up, all lobbyists at the firm are tapped for assistance.
3. Setting Realistic Expectations
We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for top lobbying firms to set accurate expectations with clients. A successful lobbyist doesn’t sugarcoat things or promise what can’t be delivered just to secure a client. On the flip side, a strong lobbying firm would not set the bar too low just so they can easily fly over it to claim success.
A candid, direct and mindful approach is how we help clients at Pugliese Associates.
With decades of experience and a solid understanding of the changing landscape within the Harrisburg legislature, we know the importance of being straightforward with clients. We set realistic, attainable expectations regarding goals, and we outline clear and concise strategies to achieve results, outlining the challenges and obstacles ahead.
Having clear goals and good communication with clients is integral to the process. These steps are critical not only to meeting client expectations, but to the overall success of the firm.
4. Working with Passion
Top government relations firms work tirelessly on their clients’ behalf.
At Pugliese Associates we truly aim to partner with our clients so that we can closely work together to reach goals. We don’t mind getting into the weeds or moving through any unexpected challenges that arise. Our clients count on us put in the extra work to protect interests and hit targets. From our perspective, there’s no reason to go into lobbying if you don’t have the passion to propel you to the finish line.
At Pugliese Associates, passion means working towards success for our clients while also knowing that the things we do make a positive difference for the citizens served by the Legislature in Pennsylvania.
5. Offering a Full Range of Services
Clients have different needs at different times. Full-service lobbying firms can be more advantageous for those clients whose needs evolve over time. As new opportunities emerge or as clients’ goals change, having a full range of services from Legislative to Procurement to Appropriations, etc., can be quite helpful. For instance, a client may start out needing help with a legislative-related project, but down the road, they then may find themselves in need of different assistance when a procurement opportunity arises within the Commonwealth.
If there are a broad range of service areas offered within a firm it allows for fluid assistance and an ease of adapting to new client requests. After all, once you have worked with someone on one project, it’s a lot easier to explain your aims and concerns for the next.
It’s also important to note that with any of the top lobbying firms, clients may stay for many years.
At Pugliese Associates, our clients appreciate that we can transition seamlessly into new projects with them as necessary. It reduces lag time when we already know how to work together. Knowing the clients’ preferences, strategies, and communication style, we can get right down to business on anything new. At Pugliese Associates, most of our clients do stay for many years, some beyond a decade, because they value our clear advice, our focus on accuracy and results, as well as an ease of communication and trust.
If you are considering using a top lobbying firm in Pennsylvania and believe that the key aspects discussed here are important to you, consider Pugliese Associates.
We love what we do… working for and with our clients to successful outcomes. Contact us today to learn how you can become a client/partner with Pugliese Associates.