So you want to be a lobbyist...

The following is helpful information for those considering careers as professional lobbyists. 

Dear Friend: 

Every year, dozens of people contact us about career opportunities, or jobs. Their reasons are many. A few really want a career in lobbying, or somewhere in the business world. Some think they want to be a lobbyist and simply want to try it. Others see lobbyists as big party goers and want to spend their life, or part of it, in the fast lane. Still others want part-time work, while they are going to school, or are on summer vacation. Then, there are those who just want a job and/or some extra money. Occasionally, the total deadhead comes along, who just wants to be paid for doing nothing. 

Chances are that you are in one or more of these general categories. 

Our sincere desire is to help you get what you want. We are just as sincere in helping you know exactly what you want. Enclosed are thirty questions and some suggestions called “I Want To Be A Lobbyist.” We need to know your answers to these questions, before we can help you. 

There are no right or wrong answers. If your answer to question number one is “I don’t know,” that’s O.K., not everybody does. A frequent answer to question 19 is “no.” There’s nothing wrong with that. Everyone can learn to be at ease with other people. 

My personal answer to number 29 is “fear of emptiness.” In second place is “fear of failure.” At one time, I was scared to talk about it. Now that I’ve learned to admit it, I feel good and can handle it better. 

Answer the questions honestly and give us a call. Better yet, stop in and visit with us. 

Best regards,
Joe Mapes | President 

I Want To Be A Lobbyist

1. What do I want to do with my life? 

2. Do I want a career opportunity or just a job? A. Why? 

3. What will this career opportunity do for me? A. Why? 

4. What will it do for my prospective employer, personally? A. Why? 

5. What will it do for my prospective employer’s organization? A. Why? 

6. Who will help me get this job? A. Father-mother-brother-sister-grandfather-grandmother-uncle-aunt-cousin-friend-acquaintance-friend or acquaintance of the others, or former employer? 

7. Do I want to be a leader? 

8. Do I have leadership ability? A. On a scale of 10, where do I rate? 

9. Do I honestly believe that I must learn to be a good follower, in order to be a good leader? 

10. Am I willing to totally devote my efforts to my career opportunity for 5 months each year? 

11. Am I willing to sacrifice my social life for 5 months each year? 

12. Am I willing to make family sacrifices for 5 months each year? 

13. Am I willing to work, or be on call for 24 hours every day for 153 consecutive days? 

14. Am I a loyal person? 

15. Understanding that everyone lies to some degree, do I lie always, often, sometimes or rarely? 

16. Am I discreet? 

17. Do I have tact? 

18. Do I sincerely care about other people? 

19. Am I at ease with other people? 

20. Do I like detail work?
A. If no—can I learn to make myself do it? 

21. Am I willing to do mundane chores such as sweeping, tending bar, cooking, emptying garbage and anything it takes to win? 

22. Am I willing to accept sole responsibility, the authority to carry it out and the liability that goes with it? 

23. Do I manage my money well? 

24. Do I like to read? 

25. Do I have a worthwhile hobby? 

26. Am I a willing learner? 

27. Who do I respect? 

28. What is my greatest Love? 

29. What is my greatest Fear? 

30. Am I a real (realistic) person?
A. If no—am I superficial, phony, plastic? 

When you are looking for a job or career opportunity, don’t be ashamed to tell everybody. All of them have been in the same position you are in. They understand and just might help, some probably will. 

Places to look are: Chambers of Commerce – Private Employment Agencies – Temporary Help Services – Churches – Civic Clubs – Volunteer Work – State Employment Agencies – State and Federal Government – Civil Service Agencies 

Prepare a good resume by telling the truth and making it concise, but thorough. 

Keep a record of where you leave your resume. Also make note of the dates of interviews and follow up calls or visits. 

There are a lot of career opportunities and jobs out there. They are fairly easy to get when you organize your approach, work at landing something you want and keep records. 

Good Luck,
Joe Mapes | President