Andy Slaughter

SPOILER ALERT 🚨🚨🚨 I don't think TikTok is going anywhere. But, the debate happening among policymakers makes for pretty good conversation. In my latest thought piece for H/Advisors Abernathy, I examined the newscycle to see how a potential #TikToK ban could play a big role in the 2024 election cycle, rankle #BigTech data collection and lay the groundwork for more #dataprivacy advocacy. https://bit.ly/T1kT0kban

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#truth Communications is most valuable when treated as strategic and collaborative, not prescriptive and an after-thought. It's about informing the path to outCOMES, not churning outPUT.

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I just got back from moderating an all-star panel on public affairs communications at the 2024 PRWeek Healthcare Conference in NYC. Huge thanks to panelists Ray Carson of The ALS Association, Ryan Anderson of HCA Healthcare, and Jake Farmer of Walgreens. After working with these experts on impactful state legislative and amendment campaigns, I can confidently say they’re among the nation’s most savvy government relations leaders. It was great having such a wealth of knowledge and expertise on one stage! Here are 6 public affairs tips and takeaways from our discussion — all relevant whether you’re advocating in healthcare or another industry: 1️⃣ Know Your Lawmakers Tailor messaging strategies based on knowledge your lobby team gains from their deep connections in the state capital, combined with insights from your PR team. Research key lawmakers to understand how personal experiences may influence their decision-making, such as work history or unique perspectives like military service. 2️⃣ Offer Clear Solutions Lawmakers don’t want to act as problem solvers for every issue. Ensure messaging offers clear solutions and positions your organization as a partner, not just another special interest group. Demonstrate how you’ve implemented private sector solutions and highlight the need for statutory or regulatory changes to overcome remaining obstacles. 3️⃣ Go Local Share local insights, relationships, and constituent stories when communicating with lawmakers. Identify advocates in each member’s district who understand your top issues and can speak on your behalf. Local perspectives can tip the scales in your favor, often outweighing the influence of capital insiders. 4️⃣ Build Coalitions National advocacy groups on the fringes of the political spectrum are increasingly using state legislatures as a farm system. Counter these vocal fringe voices by investing more time and effort in recruiting trusted coalition partners. 5️⃣ Be the Early Bird Public affairs is a team sport. Assemble your team – including lobbyists, PR professionals, and lawyers – early in the planning process. Invite them to strategy meetings to foster collaboration. Don’t wait until legislative session to activate your PR outreach and grassroots advocacy efforts. 6️⃣ Trust Your PR Team! Engage a PR firm that specializes in public affairs and gets how the game is played. Lean on them to help define a clear narrative, develop messaging, and provide ‘air cover’ with consistent positive messaging to combat misinformation.

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