O n
Capitol
Hill
Members
take their voice
to lawmakers

WITH SMALL BUSINESS issues on their minds, NFIB members attending the Summit from across the country made the trek to Capitol Hill in temperatures nearing 100 degrees. At the top of their list: healthcare. But that wasn’t the only concern for small business owners visiting the Hill this summer. Taxes, energy costs and the economy also made their way into the conversation.

When it comes to visiting with lawmakers, NFIB members know the power that their collective voice has. “It’s not just me speaking” to lawmakers, says NFIB member Bob Bonifas of Aurora, Ill. “It’s like the whole business world is speaking to them on the issues that we’re talking about.”

NFIB’S TOP 5 LOBBYING TIPS Make your voice heard, too. When you meet with your lawmakers, keep these tips in mind.

1
TELL YOUR STORY.

Keep the visit personal.
Relay your experiences as a
small business owner
to your lawmakers.

2
BE SPECIFIC.

If you want lawmakers to
vote against or for a special
bill or issue, ask them
specifically to do just that.

3
MEET STAFF MEMBERS.

If you can’t meet with your
lawmakers, take advantage of
the chance to meet their staff.
They are great resources.

JOIN

NOW

WATCH ^NOW

SEE HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

4
SAVE PAPER UNTIL THE
END OF YOUR VISIT.

If you hand lawmakers
and their staffers something
to read or look at up front,
they’ll lose focus on you and
what you have to say.

5
STAY IN TOUCH.

Build a relationship with
your lawmakers. They want
to hear your advice.