Lawyer's Journey - Level 5 - Relationships

Through a series of articles we call the State, the American Farm Bureau Federation's Advocacy and Political Affairs team provides analysis related to the "status" of various representation-related and political conditions affecting American farmers and ranchers and rural Americans.

Every lawyer takes a journey when he decides to “do something,” from deciding to take the first step to becoming the attorney general for an organization or issue. Over the past few years, legal representation has come about by refining the current marketing strategies used by the business community, using a customer-focused approach called customer travel. This approach builds customer confidence by rewarding them for their continued engagement, moving them from contentment to loyal clients, or to us, attorneys. The high level of our representation journey goes from planning to relationships. How does one remove a lawyer from handling a farm visit and become a reliable source and member of the ANC and the media? Level 5 - Relationships Relationships are important. They always have it. According to the Congress Management Foundation, 74% of congressional staff members say personal relationships are the most effective way to reach out to influential lawmakers. Migration in rural areas means that farmers and ranchers need to talk more than ever. Thomas Jefferson once said, "We in America do not have a majority government. We have a participatory government." How true it is today in the agricultural community. But how does one encourage you to build relationships with lawmakers? It's in our DNA at the American Farm Bureau Federation. The Farm Bureau is working hard to develop talented lawyers. We have a long history of training law and building on our leadership development programs. Agriculture and rural communities need strong leaders to represent the people. Whether you are a young farmer or a farmer, aspiring to be a district commissioner or one of the more than 1.2 million female agricultural producers, we provide tools and training to help you make an impact and feel more involved. A study by the Congress Management Foundation found that “groups with broader networks have the ability to represent and build relationships with members of Congress will be at the forefront.” Research has two key components, both necessary for the Farm Bureau to be successful in speaking: competent lawyers and relationships. Establishing this relationship takes time and commitment from a Farm Bureau representative. We have created a deep training experience to stimulate storytelling. Deep self-awareness uses the simple phrase “think if…” policy is accepted or “imagine esim” in context. Stories should be personal and short, enthusiastic and designed for the audience. Those members of the Farm Bureau who participate in leadership development programs or attend intensive representation training are eligible to be part of the Grassroots Outreach Team (GO Team). The members of the GO Group are senior representatives and ideological leaders of the Farm Bureau, whose views on the topic are considered authoritative and influential. Enlarge Image The legal tour of the American Farm Bureau has five stages, ranging from early registration to loyal attorneys who have relations with the legislature. Starting an attorney trip takes planning and time. However, by using a variety of advocacy, email and marketing forums to automate the process, you can use a lawyer-focused program to build trust with your attorneys and take them on a lawyer's “journey”.