Key Takeaways
- Small business owners are encouraged to build meaningful relationships with their local legislative leaders.
- Accepting campaign contributions or donations is not a guarantee of voting outcomes.
- Advocating from a place of shared goals rather than differences provides a mutually beneficial outcome.
In a recent panel discussion moderated by the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Vice President of Political Affairs, Brad Williams, leaders from local government and business organizations shared their insights on how small businesses can engage with government and public policy to make an impact.
As small business owners face the unending tasks and responsibilities of owning and operating a business, leveraging and maximizing advocacy efforts is key.
How to Influence Change
Carolyn Cassin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Michigan Women Forward (MWF) and Chamber Board of Directors Member, emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of government before attempting to influence it.
“If you want to change anything, or if you want somebody to pay attention to you, you have to understand all those [political] complexities,” she said. “The more time you spend on an issue, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate the political landscape.”
Cassin advocates for informed constituency, whether that be reaching out to smaller, local organizations or those like the Chamber. By having what she dubbed an “elevator pitch” of your idea or issue and combining it with thoughtful contributions, she said those are the top ways to stand out amongst the noise and reach the ears of legislative leaders. Cassin advised small businesses to start small when it comes to financial contributions and building relationships with other like-minded individuals and elected officials, even when their viewpoints differ.
“Sometimes you need to listen to people who disagree with you because they have a viewpoint that you need to understand,” she added.
Bloomfield Township’s Supervisor and former State Representative, Mike McCready, affirmed the importance of keeping an open mind and setting aside partisan bias on issues that are important to the community, not the individuals.
“You may not always agree with your colleagues, but that’s part of working in a bipartisan environment,” he said.
Wayne County Commissioner and former State Senator David Knezek echoed and illustrated how bipartisan collaboration was crucial in his career, especially when his party was in the minority. By advocating from a place of shared goals rather than differences, it’s easier to come to a decision – or compromise.
“When you’re in the minority, you have to reach across the aisle and build those relationships,” he said.
The Value of Personal Relationships in Politics
Later on in the discussion, Knezek offered insight on the complex relationship between campaign contributions and influencing policy makers. He also explained that donation sizes do not necessarily correlate with influence and having legislators vote a specific way on policy issues.
“It’s really about access, not outcomes,” he said. “The $5 donation from a pensioner in Inkster meant more to me than the $1,000 from a faceless person. It’s about the relationship, keeping the line of communication open.”
Cassin also highlighted the value of personal relationships in government. She said that getting to know your legislator on a personal level makes it easier to have meaningful conversations and, ultimately, share opinions and insights that can be valuable to your legislator.
“Good people run for office, and you can talk to them,” she said. “You can actually get close to them.”
McCready echoed and acknowledged that while fundraising is important for gaining visibility and keeping constituents informed, those bigger donors and their needs may not reflect the constituents that are represented.
“You have to treat everybody the same, whether they contribute $5 or $500,” he said. “You might hear more from the bigger donors, but it doesn’t influence your decision-making.”
Whether at the local level or in broader policy-making, cultivating relationships, staying informed, and engaging with elected officials are essential for small businesses to have a meaningful impact.