Why Small Business Owners Should Write Letters to Politicians

When I worked as a political/business consultant, I regularly consulted small business owners on the best ways to contact political leaders. Most small business owners were usually surprised when I told them that writing a letter is usually the best way to make contact. In this world of email, Twitter, voicemail and website messages, the old-fashioned letter is still king.

Why Letters

I had contacts that worked in many of the offices of both local and national Representatives and Senators that pointed out to me that their offices were sometimes overwhelmed with emails and voicemails about issues that constituents were facing. Many of these contacts explained that letters were so rare that they often made it into the hands of the politician that they worked for. If you have an important issue, aren't you going to want to make sure that the politician reads your thoughts?

Remember, most politicians outdate email, Twitter, voicemail and websites. For them, having a letter in hand can give a nostalgic feeling that will momentarily take them back to their early days of climbing up the political ladder. It reminds them of the simpler times in which they were in direct contact with the businesses of their community. This can drive up their interest in the issue that you have.

Reasons to Write a Letter

There are many reasons for small business owners to write letters to politicians. Maybe your governor is considering a new addition to the tax code that could hurt your bottom line. Maybe your state representatives are considering placing new restrictions on a certain type of trade in your area. A letter to Congress might also help sway your Congressperson to vote against a regulation that could destroy part of your business.

Form and Format

Whatever your reason is for writing a politician, make sure that you follow the correct and proper format. One of the better examples that I have seen online can be found by following this link. Remember that politicians are creatures of form and format. If you are going to take the time to write a letter, make sure that you do it correctly. Even though you are trying to make your letter to a politician as personal as possible, protocols need to be followed.

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