In this series of articles, we will demonstrate why smaller, entrepreneurial  lobbying firms are better for most clients than larger, mega-firms. This is in response to the multiple mergers, acquisitions and increased involvement of multi-national firms that is occurring in Washington, D.C.  as reported by The Hill in June of this year.  Keep in mind, this is not true for every situation, huge corporations with enormous lobbying budgets may need (and be able to afford) the additional staffing and resources that a mega-sized lobbying firm can bring to the table.

But for the majority of organizations out there that don’t have large lobbying budgets, a smaller more specialized and entrepreneurial firm can be more effective due to the enhanced focus they offer and it comes at an affordable price. We have categorized the benefits of hiring a smaller, entrepreneurial lobbying firm into the following…

• Cost Effective
• More Focus
• More Experience
• More Agile
• More Connected
• More Results

1.) Lower Costs due to Lower Overhead

Entrepreneurial lobbyists have no need for an elaborate phone systems to maintain — they have a smart phone to connect to you directly.  Entrepreneurial lobbyists can solve their IT problems in minutes with a phone call to independent technical support technicians — they have no need for an IT Department.  Entrepreneurial lobbyist’s office is anywhere the laptop, smartphone or I-Pad can go. If an entrepreneurial lobbyist’s client needs a Board Room they can rent it out hourly.  Solution: pick a smaller, entrepreneurial lobbying firm that knows how to maximize results with minimum dollars. Lower overhead costs mean lower prices for you.

2.) Lower Costs due to More Efficient Man Power

With a smaller, entrepreneurial lobbying firm, there is no top-side heavy management.  In fact, you as a client may have more influence in the management of lobbying activities. Key players in a smaller, entrepreneurial lobbying firm will always be up to speed on your issues and account without having to be briefed in meetings that eat up more of your budget. Mega-firms tend to throw multiple resources (man-hours) at problems which drive up their billing hours, whereas entrepreneurial lobbying firms focus on getting results as affordable as possible. Simply put, money spent on support departments and staffing is money not spent on advancing your cause. Solution: pick a smaller, entrepreneurial lobbying firm that maximizes results-oriented advocacy for your hard-earned dollars.

3.) Lower Costs due to Adaptability

Smaller, entrepreneurial lobbying firms are willing and eager to embrace and quickly adapt to changes occurring in most professions and industries.  Monitoring and then welcoming shifts help smaller, entrepreneurial firms position your issues to stay on top of the latest trends. Not unlike other professions throughout the U.S., Capitol Hill has changed dramatically in the last five years with Generation Y now the predominant staff offering counsel to Members of Congress. Generation Y relies on technology to perform their jobs.  With smartphones, I-pads, laptops and other gadgets, Generation Y is plugged-in 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Generation Y prefers to communicate through e-mail and text messaging, webinars and other online technology.

Mega-firms tend to have personnel specialize whereas smaller firms have each team member wear multiple hats and be proficient in a variety of areas. Personnel specialization means bringing a variety of additional people in your account, which means more man-power billing costs. Solution: pick a smaller, entrepreneurial lobbying firm where team members focused on your account will have a wide spectrum of experience to avoid multiple consultants eating up your budget.

To be continued…

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Cansler Consulting is a certified lobbying practice that is experienced in the multi-faceted and inter-related industries of Agriculture, Food and Drug Safety, Immigration, Transportation & Infrastructure, International Trade and Energy. Through our congressional and regulatory relationships established for over two decades we can help you influence the policy makers on Capitol Hill and navigate the federal budgeting process. You can contact us at [email protected] or at (202) 220-3150.