Often we look to our elected officials as being indebted to those that they represent. After all, if it weren't for the votes, they wouldn't be in the position. While that is true, it is hard to get someone you are yelling at and demanding work from to be interested in providing you service.

If you take a step back and find a way to add value to the person you want to work with, you will be someone who wants to find common ground. You want to work with the elected official or their team, not demand they work for you. My guest this week, Luke Crumley, explains that if you do this before you start with an ask, you'll see more success.

As a military veteran, then field director for a congressman and now as a lobbyist, Luke's experience has allowed him to see firsthand different approaches you can take to solve the problem. Outside of his day job, he's dedicated to empowering advocacy organizations to focus on relationships, find common ground and tell their story to get them across the finish line when working with elected officials. Without sharing how the change or idea you are lobbying for will affect you as an individual or those in the elected officials' district, the ask seems much steeper.

While we focus on advocacy with Luke's experience, the same approach fits in sales. How do you be the person that someone does want to help based on how you make them feel?

Find more information from Luke at https://partofthepossible.com/ and on social media. He will also be joining me in the future on Clubhouse to talk about finding common ground and how it benefits both parties.

To join the conversation on Clubhouse, follow me at @StacyMayonez. If your company or organization is poised for growth but unsure where to start, check out my free brand position evaluation to see where you are today before you launch into planning for the future. Find it at https://connectchangechallenge.com/evaluation.