We have all heard the saying, “Keep it simple,” this is especially true when preparing for a meeting with a legislator or department director.  Companies and organizations want to tell their story.  The problem is the audience probably has five similar meetings during the day, dealing with everything from energy, education, to agriculture and more.  So, how should you prepare for these meetings?

When you are having your first meeting with a state official, whether in the legislature or department, you usually don’t have much time, typically an average of 30-minutes.  In this first encounter you want to get across the key messages, or elevator pitch:

• • Who are we?
  • What do we do?
  • What can we do for you?
  • What do we want?

Along with the elevator pitch, many groups want to go through a slide deck. Warning! If you decide to go through a slide deck, and it is more than five-pages, rethink your strategy.  In most cases if this is a first-time meeting, I recommend a one-page document with information on the front and back.  This information should match your key messages with more detail, such as case studies or relevant projects you have done.  You may want to highlight some key staff as well, if it is beneficial.  Try to avoid what I call the “Wall of Words,” which is having paragraph after paragraph about your company.  Most people do not have the time to read that information.  If they request more detailed information, anticipate what they might request and prepare it in advance to hand out separate from the presentation or use as an opportunity to reach back to them in the days following and send additional information.

Remember, practice and be prepared to deliver your elevator pitch and avoid the “Wall of Words”.  If you use these simple tactics, you will make a better impression and your message will not get lost.  This also demonstrates that you respect the individuals time and you are prepared.  Good luck and keep it simple.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.