Every day should be viewed as an opportunity to look for new public affairs opportunities but the only way this can happen is if you have strategies in place.
Here are some that I use which I help to both to identify new opportunities but that also provide new information which I can feed into existing client and campaign work.
- The Today programme – there is still no better way than to start the day than by listening to the Today programme. You can always catch-up with any interviews you miss and check out the running order that they often tweet out as well.
- Sign up to email alerts – there are a number of really useful political updates available from Huffington Post (The Waugh Zone), Times Red Box, Telegraph Morning Briefing. This especially helps if you do not have time to read individual papers but don’t ignore the more business focused alerts from the Financial Times and City AM as well.
- Podcast catch-up – during those morning commutes you could a play a game on your phone or choose to listen to more in-depth discussions on some carefully selected podcasts. Again, the Huffington Post (Commons People) run a useful podcast, as does the New Statesman and many other media outlets such as the Guardian and the Times.
- Get your fix of today’s Parliament – on arrival in the office, it is essential to check out what is expected to happen in Parliament that day. Of course, you will be aware of the business for the week having considered that when it was announced the previous week but new issues, statements etc. can arise on the day.
- Check out yesterday’s Parliament – just as important to read up on what happened the day before. Obviously you can pick out the most relevant proceedings (or someone in the team will direct you there!) but actually reading and considering what was said in debates, in response to questions etc. remains useful.
- Schedule your day – take 10 minutes to map out what your day should look like, for instance including those Select Committee or APPG meetings that you want to attend. There also needs to be time for follow-up to these as well. It should never be a case of ‘just’ attending them. What useful actions and follow-up is possible and having allotted some time to make these happen.
- Check out political sessions – a number of bodies, think tanks and consultancies run political events – breakfast briefings, lunchtime seminars, drinks receptions. You do not have to attend them all but it is worth considering what is on and whether you should register to attend. Many fill up quite quickly so your morning should include checking out what new sessions are coming up.
- Open up your Twitter feed – having lists set-up of the journalists, politicians or opinion formers most relevant for you is a useful way of spotting potential opportunities. Having these lists open and running means you can take a look during the course of the day.
- TV viewing – somewhere in the office should be a TV that is switched on permanently to BBC News and / or Sky. Sometimes it is easier to follow Twitter from your desk but the traditional media stills dominates the national conversation. Make sure you put the TV on in the morning!
- LinkedIn – the power of networks in public affairs is just as important as in other circles of business. So take the time early in the working day to use the platform to catch-up with people, follow-up on recent contact or just keep in contact with people.
I am sure everyone has their own ideas about any actions public affairs professionals should undertake as they get to work, and even before they get there. Let me know. I am always happy to learn from others and improve my effectiveness!