A Big Announcement: Stepping Into a New Era at Parley
After five years of working two jobs, at the end of April, I’ll be hanging up my policy officer hat for the Evangelical Alliance, where I’ve learned so much and been part of a team I love, to throw all my energy into growing Parley Communications. It’s a scary step, but also an exciting step of faith to see what lies on the other side.
It means I can bring all my public affairs experience into our work with clients, including lobbying, advocacy and government engagement. But what do all these lofty words mean?
Well, here’s a taster of what public affairs looks like for me from a LinkedIn post that I wrote a few weeks ago that got a big reaction (big for me!). It really struck a chord with people who know just how tough effective advocacy can be.
Advocacy is a whirlwind. It’s the preparation, the nerves, the meeting, and the follow-up, all in pursuit of influencing meaningful change. Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of meetings with ministers, MLAs, and civil servants, and I’ve learned that success lies in the details.
Here’s how the process unfolds:
1. Securing the Meeting
Requesting a meeting with a key decision-maker, whether a government minister, an MLA, or a civil servant, can take time and persistence. We all know that Northern Ireland politics is a fickle business, so meetings can be cancelled at the drop of a hat. But getting that date in the diary is the first step.
2. The Preparation
Once the meeting is scheduled, preparation is everything. A clear agenda, well-researched briefing notes, and defined asks are essential. Showing up isn’t enough -you need to know your material inside out and back to front.
3. The Nerves
No matter how prepared you are, the nerves always hit. Sitting in the Great Hall or outside an office door, reviewing notes with sweaty palms, running through every possible question, it’s all part of the process and you have to remind yourself that nerves mean you really care.
4. The Meeting
The meeting itself is over in a blink. You present your case, answer questions, and make your asks. Before you know it, you’re shaking hands, taking the obligatory photo, and walking out the door, replaying everything in your head and wondering if you even made sense!
5. The Follow-Up and the Outcome
The real work happens after the meeting. Strong relationships with departments and representatives matter and following up ensures your message doesn’t get lost. You won’t win every battle, but when you see progress on your key issues, it’s worth every effort.
Don’t be overwhelmed!
If the world of public affairs feels overwhelming because you don’t have the time or expertise, we can help. Parley now offers not only public relations support but expert public affairs services too. Between Déirdre and me, we have a wealth of experience to share. If you need strategic guidance on advocacy, government engagement, or building influence, why not book a call.
And if there’s one takeaway? Prepare, prepare, prepare!