Steve Elmendorf tells us how a chance encounter in a bar in a New Jersey strip mall helped launch his successful Washington career.
He tells us how public affairs has changed since then, which is why his firm has gone on several iterations from Elmendorf Strategies to Avoq.
Lessons from the presidential campaign trail – such as understanding the broader feeling among Americans – were critical to his success in lobbying and public affairs, because it taught him to help clients understand the broader landscape.
Effective public affairs depends on understanding the uniqueness of each policymaker: How they consume information, what tactics will actually reach them, and how those messages should be tailored.
At the core of the work, he said, is building relationships and trust over time. That means showing up in person, staying engaged in the office, and continuing to expand your network so your influence grows beyond a single conversation or campaign.
One of Elmendorf’s lessons: “You have to show up and be there in person.”
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdMwfzLrQeM
