Budget submission in? Time for socialising
With so many budget submissions lodged with federal and state governments each year, the difference between being considered or overlooked is socialisation. Meeting with Ministers, MPs and their advisers one on one to outline how your organisation can help the government to fulfil their policy objectives.
Here’s our five top tips on how to socialise with impact:
Identify targets, but ensure the full Parliament are aware
Whilst it will be important to secure meetings with key targets, which oversee the portfolio which your organisation can support, with the current landscape of Parliament federally at least, it will be important to make backbenchers aware of how you would like to partner with the government.
Develop a strong pitch ready for your meetings
Key considerations ahead of attending a meeting with Parliamentarians or their advisers is how you will showcase your organisation’s work in a tangible way, methods in which you will highlight return on investment, and some scenarios around what will happen if government investment does not proceed.
Consider how your organisation can help promote the investment
When approaching election years, such as the case with the state of Victoria, the government will be looking for opportunities to promote their involvement, potentially at an event, and via media outreach. Your organisation should be ready with some ideas on how the government’s involvement can be promoted.
Create leave behind materials
With meetings an average of 15 to 20 minutes long, it is always advisable to provide leave behind materials which can summarise your ask, return on investment and risks should the government not proceed, as well as incorporating testimonials or case studies who can highlight how they have benefited from your organisation.
Remember to follow up post meeting
One of the most important steps is to ensure you follow up following the meeting. This provides an opportunity to reiterate your ask in writing, and include the leave behind materials as an attachment or link.
If you would like Fifty Acres’ help with socialising your budget submission, we have packages available which include approaching key targets, providing insights on the Parliamentarian or adviser you are meeting with, as well as providing strategic counsel to create leave behind materials. Click here for more information.
