Aaron

A useful mental model for lobbyists – The Overton Window

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Attitudes and opinions are not statics. The policy arena is never static. Too many lobbyists hope that what was acceptable 5, 10 or 20 years ago will be okay today.  What was considered unthinkable ten years ago, and sometimes even one,  may be considered normal and become policy and law today.   How the Unthinkable … Read more

10 Ways You Can Become An Effective Lobbyist

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There are some simple things anyone/organisation can do in Brussels to become an effective lobbyist.  Most of them are contained in today’s Politico Influence’s interview with former Director-General Xavier Prats Monné. I’ve chunked it down into a useful checklist, and I include some more others: Understand and speak the language of the Commission rather than … Read more

7 Steps to Become a Persuasive Lobbyist

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If there were one book I would advise any lobbyist to read to improve their craft, it is Robert B.Cialdini’s ‘Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion.’ I spent my summer vacation reading the new and expanded classic. Every time I read it, some new nugget of practical advice jumps off the page. 7 Principles to Follow … Read more

A Mechanistic Approach for Preparing Position Papers

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A lot of time and resources are spent preparing position papers in Brussels. The process of preparing a position paper can be time-consuming and difficult. Too many internal meetings, producing angst and headaches. Often the final document does not deliver on its goal: persuading decision makers to take on board your position. It does not … Read more