I believe that every serious business leader in America should be thinking about one thing right now: how to position your company for success in today’s divided political landscape. More specifically, why regardless of political leanings, building relationships with Democratic members of Congress is not just smart politics, but is essential to protecting and enhancing your business model.

Let me be direct with you. The political environment in Washington, D.C., is shifting. The data tells us that Democrats are poised to pick up significant seats in the House of Representatives during the November midterm elections. Smart business leaders are already preparing for these imminent changes.

This is not about partisan loyalty; it is about strategic planning. The objective is to engage with the right people, at the right time, with the right menssage.

Navigating Bipartisanship in a Partisan Era

I want to address something I know is on the minds of many business leaders: how do you navigate a partisan environment without alienating either side?

One of the strengths of a firm like McGuireWoods Consulting is that we know how to navigate the partisan minefield that exists within the legislative branch. We can guide our clients appropriately because we know when to engage both sides simultaneously and when to focus efforts on the majority.

McGuireWoods Consulting is a bipartisan firm. While I am known as a Democrat, we have many Republican consultants at the firm. If we have a client with an issue that is politically opposite from my personal viewpoint, no one knows that but me. In this work, we put our personal politics aside to best serve our clients, garnering results on both sides of the aisle at every level. Our team works to achieve the best political, legislative or regulatory outcome.

What Thoughtful Business Leaders Should Do Right Now

It is of utmost importance that business leaders understand which congressional players are key within your state on both sides of the aisle, but especially on the side that is in the majority. You need to know their names, their committee assignments, their priorities and their staff.

You need a coherent message. Members of Congress are willing to listen to you if you have a coherent story to tell. Whether your issue is healthcare, energy or education, you must be able to articulate your congressional needs and value to the American people clearly. We help our clients develop, refine and deliver that message effectively.

It is essential for you to engage with the right committees. Understanding committee structure and the legislative landscape allows you to connect with the members and staff who have jurisdiction over the issues that affect your bottom line. Honing a targeted approach builds trust and delivers results.

Lastly, consistency is key. Building relationships with members of Congress is a sustained effort over time. You must show up regularly and be a resource to legislators and their staff. Consistency builds credibility, and credibility builds influence.

A Call to Action

You have a choice. You can wait and react, or you can be proactive. The companies that are positioning themselves today are the ones that will be protected tomorrow. Investing in relationships now can establish your company as a trusted voice and valuable asset to the members and staff making the decisions affecting your business goals.

At McGuireWoods Consulting, we have one mission: to shape public policy and public opinion to help clients achieve their business goals. We know the institutions, we know the people, and we are ready to put that knowledge to work for you.