A few weeks ago, I advised you to treat the "worker bees" with respect when working with government staffers. Here's another key step you can take when you're engaging with elected officials and their staff:

Do your homework, and make sure you've got credible evidence to back up your claims.

"Credible" is the operative word. Bringing evidence that doesn't pass the smell test will undermine your case, so whatever you bring, make sure it's legit. What kind of evidence? Here are a few ideas:

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• Polling data. If you want to argue that your proposal is popular with voters, show them a poll. Make sure it's from a pollster they respect, and that it uses sound methodology.
• Media mentions. If you can't afford a poll, bring news clips. Again, make sure they're from a publication worth reading. Op-Eds from the New York Post probably aren't going to hold water with a progressive lawmaker, and a Des Moines city council member is probably more interested in articles from the Register than those from the LA Times.
• Historical context. If there's one question you should be ready to answer, it's "What is the precedent?" It's easier to get something done if you can show that something similar has been pursued in the past without the world falling apart. If the world did, in fact, fall apart, explain why this time would be different.

When you come prepared to present your case, and bring evidence to support your claims, you're much more likely to get a favorable hearing. A little homework goes a long way!

Have you brought evidence that worked (or didn't) to a meeting with gov't officials? Share your experiences with us in the comments!

Carlos Odio is Director of Special Projects at NOI, and formerly served in the White House Office of Political Affairs

P.S. Want to see Carlos' full thoughts on improving your inside game to engage with government officials? Check it out here.

Photo from Flickr user markhillary, shared under Creative Commons license