A recent article in Politico outlined the results of a survey of DC lobbyists and hill staffers, and the results are fascinating. As it turns out, lobbyists are finding it harder than ever to connect with hill staffers, and hill staffers are increasingly annoyed with lobbyists’ requests. Why? Because they’re not communicating in the way the other wants to be communicated with. The title of the article says it all, “K Street: “Let’s meet’; Hill staffer: ‘Text me.’” What DC is dealing with is a sad case of “Call me maybe.”
If you haven’t heard it, you’ll hear it soon. It’s the pop anthem sweeping the nation. It’s this year’s “Friday” or “I Kissed a Girl” – it’s the Carly Rae Jepsen song “Call Me Maybe.” The question I have about the tune sweeping the nation, though, is the same question Politico has about communication on the Hill. Are phone calls obsolete in today’s society?
In a time when even my mother is text messaging, is “Call me maybe” an antiquated request. Hill staffers tell Politico they’re more likely to respond to a lobbyist’s request if it’s via mobile device and isn’t requesting an in-person meeting. Because hey, after all, who needs to see one another face to face in Washington? Back stabbing works the same via iPhone.
What do you think? Are you still a pick up the phone kind of person – do you respond well to the “call me maybe” request? Or would you prefer people keep it in text or email form? Tell me what you think and perhaps we can begin to learn how to better communicate with one another – whether from K Street or the Hill.
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
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