Chapter 4 - Organizing for Policy Wins
Lawmakers are supposed to represent the people — but they won’t know what matters to small business owners unless we tell them. A direct meeting is one of the most powerful ways to:
Share real-life impact
Influence how they vote
Build long-term relationships
Hold them accountable
You don’t need to be a policy expert. You just need to speak from experience and make a clear, specific ask.
Why It Matters
Start with introductions and thank them for their time.
Share your story and tie it to the policy.
Make your ask clearly.
Listen to their response — take notes.
Ask when you can follow up or who on their staff to contact.
Strategy vs. Tactics
Educate the official about how an issue affects small businesses
Share a compelling story
Make a clear request (vote yes, sponsor a bill, speak out)
Get a commitment or next steps
Goals of a Lawmaker Meeting
1. Know your goal. What’s the ONE thing you want from the meeting?
2. Know your story. Who’s affected? Why does this matter? What’s at stake?
3. Share the mic. If you’re going with others, decide who says what.
4. Follow up. Meetings are just the start — always follow up with a thank-you and next ask.