Thread by @JoshuaSteinman

Time for some “American Dynamism” #realtalk:

Lobbying firms.

If you’re operating in this space, you’ve undoubtedly been contacted by them.

Business suits. Fancy titles. Lots of acronyms. War stories.

And a $20k month MINIMUM.

Is it worth it?

1/7

Too many startups paying TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS A MONTH for what ends up being MINIMAL ASSISTANCE.

Sure, Lobbying firms have their place, but for many early-stage CEO’s, that money is better used on engineering talent.

What’s the solution?

2/7

For most startups, national-level “Government Affairs” (GA) means helping with:

- Meetings in Washington (Congress and at the Executive Branch, 1-4 times/yr)
- Help w/policy, incl submitting “comments” to Agencies
- Applying for grants, etc.
- Congressional visits & press

3/7

STATE and LOCAL GA is about:

- Engaging with state revenue agencies re: optimal tax treatment
- Engagement with regulators
- Economic development agencies to maximize benefits, press opportunities, etc.

NONE OF THIS REQUIRES $20k A MONTH.

4/7

"that's nice Josh, but what should I do instead?"

Here's the trick:

If you know where to look (and I know where to look), there are PLENTY of former Hill staffers / Department-or-Agency staffers / GA pros who would GLADLY do this for you part-time.

5/7

Government Affairs doesn't need to be scary.

And it doesn't need to break the bank.

Don't let the swamp creatures tell you that for $20k a month they can waive a magic wand and make you an instant part of the military-industrial complex.

START SLOW.

You'll get there.

6/7

That's all for now.

DON'T LET YOUR FRIENDS GET TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF.

You can help them by:

(1) follow @JoshuaSteinman for more content like this (free is better than $20k a month!)
(3) DM's open if you need to talk to about this
(3) RT to spread the word 👇👇

7/7

https://twitter.com/JoshuaSteinman/status/1636048435978682383