Members of the largest franchise industry advocacy group, the International Franchise Association recently converged on D.C. for their annual Public Affairs Conference (formerly known as Franchise Appreciation Day). The purpose of the conference was to lobby members of Congress on behalf of small business and issues facing the franchise industry as a whole, which these days are numerous.
Topping the list was the hot topic of healthcare reform, followed by the loosening of credit by big banks to meet payroll and the availability of small business loans for start-ups to spur growth and employment.
This was my third IFA lobbying effort and I noticed a somewhat smaller crowd. We divided up into our respective State delegations and the association did their usual bang up job of educating us on the issues that we needed to focus on when we met with our legislators. Still we had more questions than answers.
The humorous and allows thought provoking columnist George Will laid out the absurd state of Washington these days and the change in the D.C. climate since he last spoke to the group two years ago. Will’s speech would have drawn more chuckles if it weren’t so sad. Select members from both sides of the aisle also gave their differing views, including a moderate Democrat that offered a glimmer of hope.
Well armed with facts, figures and a sense of strength in numbers we loaded onto busses for the short trip to Capitol Hill.
The Texas delegation waits outside Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's office
Then it hit me. I should have worn a more comfortable pair of shoes. In the practice of media relations I realize the importance of doing my homework. The IFA helped me with that but the legwork was up to me. In the vast walking environment that is the District of Columbia I knew my dogs would be barking. I am not built for burning arches and cramping toes. When the 5pm rush hit, I witnessed many female Washington veterans changing from heels to flip flops as I found myself crossing the east side of the Capitol complex in my stocking feet.
Matthew "the ? man" Lesko, somewhere between the Washington Post & K Street
While I enjoy Washington and listening to the buzz of issues all around me, I was beginning to regret my decision to stay an extra day to lobby for a specific client who would like an energy efficient home product included in the weatherization program. The next day was filled with more cab rides than I had budgeted for and still involved hoofing it between the Canon building, a legislative reception, a brief stop at the Washington Post and then on to K Street. I think my gimp might have given me away as a newbie.
All in all, the trip was a success on every front. I achieved what I had gone there to do and in the process learned a valuable lesson.
It could happen to you!
When in Washington homework is important but don’t discount the legwork involved. Be prepared, wear comfortable walking shoes and don’t let this happen to you.
Forget Cole Hahns, I recommend Eccos.
