b'issues or to assist as they seek to address con- impact people across the country, Fischer says.cerns. As a result, committee staff get the opportu- While it is necessary to get to know and build nity to know members and their staff quite well. relationships with new representatives, this oftenHe says serving on staff also gives one amust be accomplished in condensed time frame, chance to see what doesand doesnt workwhich is no easy task.well in terms of building relationships with mem- The key is to do your homework, says Fischer. bers.If you are visiting Capitol Hill with a trade organi-From what Ive observed over time, one ofzation, chances are you will be accompanied by a the most effective strategies is getting to know astaffer from the association. Someone like Janae member (and their staff) back home in the district.Brady, vice president of government affairs at the It is also important not just to rattle off talkingAmerican Seed Trade Association. Use them asLaura Wood, executive points when you meet with representatives. Tella resource. They know where a member standsdirector of the National your personal story. on various issues and can help advise on the bestAssociation Coalition for Fischer stresses that when visiting a particularmessage to convey to that particular office.Food and Agricultural office, know exactly what message you are tryingIf that is not an option, he suggests that oneResearch (NCFAR)to convey.can never go wrong by just quickly and succinctly Rely on resources like trade association lobby- telling their story and why a particular policy is ists to help craft your message. Explain how youespecially important to them. are personally impacted, he says. As for buildingIve seen that resonate time and again with a relationship, that takes time and effort. For members and their staff. example, you may have a time scheduled to meetWood agrees and says if there is limited time with them, but the House floor schedule changesprovide important background context to build and they now have to go vote. Dont take it person- trust and credibility. ally. View this as an opportunity to really get toBe succinct and emphasize impact, she says. know their staff instead. Long after you have flownDetermine key areas for the member so that the back home, its ultimately the staff who are advis- conversation remains focused and relatable to ing the members on all of these issues of impor- any legislation the member may be sponsoring or tance to you. co-sponsoring. These factors will help you to tailorChristy Seyfert, executive your messages. director of the American Relationship Challenges Also, discussing your proposal in terms of jobsSoybean Association.While it may seem to some that building strongcreated, ROI and the number of constituents that relationships is a given, Fischer says it never ceaseswill be impacted can be extremely valuable. to amaze him how few people take the time to getSeyfert adds that in Washington, the American to know a representative and their staff.Soybean Association is making sure its board For example, have you ever made the effort tomembers and state representatives are well-show up at a town hall meeting with your repre- equipped to share the message of who the ASA sentative? I know we all lead busy lives, but half theis, its presence in the district or state, and our top challenge in building a relationship with your repre- issues that we are advocating on with respect to sentative is just making the effort to meet them. the farm bill and even beyond this bill.SW Having worked with hundreds of members and staff over the years, he cannot recall a single time where an office wasnt eager to hear from some-oneespecially from their home district. Even if you are from a different state, mostBart Fischer, co-director representatives will be willing to meet with you,of the Agricultural & because they ultimately want to know how theFood Policy Centerdecisions they are making in Washington, D.C., JUNE 2023 SEEDWORLD.COM /7'