Soar to Success February 2019

SOAR TO SUCCESS )HEUXDU\ %XVLQHVV $FFHOHUDWLRQ 6WUDWHJLHV By Karen Cupp Developing relationships with our legislators is a responsibility of being in business as a real estate investor. Oftentimes we want to just keep our heads down and hope that the paid lobbyist of our trade association will handle everything that might bite us in our proverbial pocketbook. I know I was like that. I thought “I have way too much on my plate to delve into politics.” That is until recently when a bill came up in my state that sought to develop legislation on rent control which ultimately limits the free economy of investors to self-govern and provide safe, affordable housing. I thought it might be helpful to give a few guidelines about how to develop a relationship with your representative, before you really need them. I realized through my experience that legislators cannot be “in the know on every issue or industry.” We as experts and professionals in the industry can provide valuable insights that will help them. Make an appointment to meet with them at their RIĆFHRUJRRXWIRUFRIIHH 7DNHWLPHWRXQGHUVWDQG about their passions and background. Set this ĆUVW PHHWLQJ LQWHQWLRQDOO\ WR EH D EULHI WLPH ZLWK a simple agenda…. you want to know them and allow them to know you.