How To Engage With Key Decision Makers

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You've created a petition that’s now backed by a crowd of supporters. Now it's time to connect directly with the key decision makers who can implement that change

To get the change you want to see, it's time to connect directly with the decision maker who can implement that change. There are various ways to reach the decision maker, including sending an email, message, or phone call and requesting a phone or in-person meeting. If you’re not sure which person can give you what you want, check out these tips on choosing the right decision maker. 

Here are the steps to connect and engage with your decision maker:

• Step 1: Identify the key decision maker

• Step 2: Request a meeting

• Step 3: Prepare for the conversation

• Step 4: Explain what you want to accomplish

• Step 5: Follow up

Once you have support behind your cause, it's time to move forward and connect with the people in power who can help. In other words, you need to connect with the key decision maker, whether it's a public service member, school superintendent, or other relevant leader. Follow these steps to figure out the path forward and get your foot in the door with the people who have the power to implement change.

1. Map Out the Ideal Persona — Who is the ideal person that can implement your petition? Figure out whether that's a government leader, a non-profit partner, or perhaps a few different people who can help.

2. Research the organization structure - Once you know the type of organization or person you want to connect with, find out how their organization is structured. For instance, if you want to present your petition to a member of Congress, research the staff members who support her or him. This could be a chief of staff or legislative affairs director.

3. Connect with an associated gatekeeper — A gatekeeper is typically an executive assistant or associate who has direct contact with the decision maker. In many instances, it is challenging to connect with the decision maker without connecting with the gatekeeper first. This can actually be a good thing, as gatekeepers are often a valued partner to the decision maker. By building trust with the gatekeeper, you can gain a trusted ally who can help you identify the right decision maker, and who can vouch for you when it comes time to pitch them.

Always ask for a meeting -- in person or on the phone -- with your decision maker. If they won’t meet with you, get their attention by doing a petition delivery.

Request a meeting with the key decision makers on your issue
Governments, companies, and other institutions are often complex, and the person in charge may not be the person who actually decides to give you what you’re asking for. Do research and ask questions until you get the name of the person who can help you. That’s who you should meet with.

Make use of assistants and staff
If you’re petitioning a government official or company executive, it may be hard to find their direct contact information. Search the website for contact information for staff or executive assistants who might be able to help you to get into a meeting with the decision maker.

Tell your supporters about your meeting
Once you have a meeting (or a petition delivery) scheduled, let your supporters know. They’ll be excited to support you, and making a meeting public helps keep your decision maker accountable for attending.

A conversation with your decision maker could be your big chance to make the change you want. Here are a few things that you should prepare:

Find the key points that you want to deliver to the decision maker
Put together some key points before diving into dialogue to ensure you have a compelling argument and can convince them that there's no better alternative than following through on your idea.

Practice with a friend
Practice the conversation ahead of time with a friend so you’re comfortable talking about your petition. Note relevant facts and details and anticipate questions.

Identify what you’re willing to negotiate
Most of the time, change-making includes some negotiation. Decide ahead of time what you’re willing to negotiate and what you’re not. Be honest with your decision maker about what is negotiable and be willing to listen to their proposals.

Bring your petition with you
Print your petition or download a digital copy onto a flash drive or CD and bring it with you. Being able to show the decision-maker the signatures and comments of your supporters is a powerful argument.

Set the stage with the issue
Before laying out your request, make sure the decision maker understands the problem you want to address. Explain why it's relevant to the decision maker and the people they serve, whether it's constituents or a population being helped by a nonprofit. Once you've established a reason for why the decision maker should care, you're ready to move on with your request.

Ask for something clear and specific
Ask for something concrete. For example “Give animals at least 6 square feet of space” rather than “Treat animals better.” You should be know clearly whether or not your decision maker has taken the action you’ve requested.

Examples:

Tell your story behind the petition
Explain why this issue is important to you and how it affects you. If there are inspiring comments from your signers, share those as well. Tell your decision maker how proud and happy you and your supporters will be if they give you what you’re asking for. 

Listen
Stay true to your petition but be open to hearing their side of the story. Sometimes decision makers will have solutions you didn’t know were possible.

Tell them what happens next
Explain what you’ll do to keep trying to win your petition if you don’t get a response, like emailing more supporters, talking with the media, and holding events.

Agree on next steps
Write down actions you or the decision maker agrees to take and repeat them back at the end of the conversation. Agree on a timeline for all actions.

Send a thank you message
After the conversation, send a thank-you message to the decision maker and recap the conversation, including the next steps you decided on. This is a good opportunity to show that you and your supporters are committed to your cause.

Update your signers about the meeting
Send a message to your supporters to tell them how the meeting went and what you need them to do next. In some cases, you might want to reach back out to the media and tell them what happened in the meeting. 

Example:

Plan a follow-up
Even with the best reassurances that your cause will be addressed, it's smart to follow-up with the decision maker. Not doing so can make your request fall to the bottom of a long list. Remember the saying, "The squeaky wheel gets the oil"? Create a schedule to send your decision maker (or their gatekeeper) follow-ups.

Hold your decision maker accountable
Set reminders on your calendar to follow up with your decision maker and make sure they’re doing what they said they would.

Plan your next steps!
Based on the outcome of the meeting, decide what to do next. If your decision maker agreed to do what you asked for, declare victory and tell your supporters the good news. If they refused, ask your supporters for ideas to change their mind. If they’re working on a solution, stay in touch with them and the people who are cheering for you.

Engaging with decision makers can be intimidating. We hope these tips help you feel empowered to take the next step to create change. Ensure your voice is heard, start a petition today!