What Is A Lobbyist & Does Your Business Need One?

Julie Starr • February 23, 2022



A lobbyist is a professional that works to help influence political decisions on behalf of individuals or organizations. In essence, they can help your business lobby for different policies, actions, or decisions by the government. You work together to enact change that doesn’t just benefit your business, it benefits industries and the wider picture as well. 

There are plenty of famous lobbyists throughout the years, but current President Joe Biden’s son is perhaps the most well-known right now. It’s estimated that a large part of Hunter Biden’s net worth came from his time as a lobbyist. Naturally, lobbyists need to have an understanding of politics, but does your business need one? Some businesses won’t need a lobbyist at all, but yours could. Here are some things to consider:

Are there any roadblocks in your way? 

Many industries will have numerous roadblocks that can stop businesses from doing important things. The healthcare industry is a fantastic example of this, with all sorts of rules and regulations determining what businesses can or can’t do. If you run a company that develops new healthcare technology or products, you may need a lobbyist to help fight for new regulations – or for existing ones to change – allowing you to carry out your important work to its full potential. 

Effectively, this is one of the key uses of a lobbyist for businesses. They can help you promote different rules, regulations, or actions that the government can take to remove roadblocks. Of course, you have to prove why these roadblocks need to be changed or removed. If you can do this, your lobbyist will do everything they can to help you get the desired outcome. 

Do you want to raise awareness about something?

Similarly, lobbyists are great at shining a light on particular things within businesses or industries. They bring awareness to situations, ensuring that politicians and the government know they’re happening. As a result, they can lobby for changes that help a particular issue or cause. 

One perfect example of this is climate change. Your business may be a massive advocate for climate change , which is fantastic. You’ve carried out your own research, demonstrating that things need to change within your industry. You want sanctions or regulations to be put in place that demand companies follow certain rules. Your company might be the only one that’s doing certain things to reduce its carbon footprint. As such, you know this is nowhere near enough to help battle climate change . So, having a lobbyist on your side can help you raise awareness about this. You present your findings to politicians and campaign for change. If you’re successful, it could mean new regulations are put in place to reduce carbon emissions throughout your industry. 

Of course, climate change isn’t the only issue. What about things like the gender pay gap? If this is a cause your business is keen to shine a light on, a lobbyist can help you fight for change by pushing the government to introduce fair waging policies. 

The point is that, if your business has a cause it’s fighting for, you could benefit from working with a lobbyist or a lobbying firm. 

Are there lots of laws and regulations in your industry?

Finally, a lobbyist can be very useful if your industry is packed full of laws and regulations. We already mentioned the healthcare industry, but other i ndustries with lots of regulations include insurance, oil & gas, utilities, and investments. These laws exist to help regulate the industry and ensure businesses aren’t doing anything wrong. However, they can be extremely hard for you to understand or keep updated with. 

In this sense, a lobbyist can help you understand all of these regulations. They can keep you updated, while also providing a line to governing bodies to explain what you need to do and why you need to do it. This can help your business maintain compliance throughout its existence. 

Of course, if you are going through these regulations with a lobbyist, and don’t like the look of some or feel they should be changed, you can work with them to create a campaign to change them. At this point, you’re back at the first point we made!

Don’t worry, your business doesn’t need a lobbyist. There are only a few instances where you can benefit from working with one, so be aware of what your company does and the industry you’re in. If you feel like you can benefit from working one – and help exact some real change – your best bet is to search for and contact a lobbying firm. 

The Business Case for Sustainability: Communicating Your Strategy in an Evolving Landscape

By Julie Starr • February 17, 2025
A shifting political landscape can create uncertainty for businesses committed to sustainability, but one thing remains clear: the need for transparency and strategic communication has never been greater. As the federal government moves to roll back environmental and social policies, companies must proactively define their sustainability strategies, ensuring stakeholders—employees, customers, investors, and partners—understand their commitments and the business value they create. The Power of Clear Communication Sustainability is not a trend; it’s an imperative driven by economic, environmental, and social realities. Despite policy shifts, the forces of market demand, global regulation, and risk mitigation continue to push companies forward. To maintain momentum, organizations should : Clarify Their Sustainability Position: Companies must articulate their approach in ways that resonate with stakeholders. Whether reducing emissions, improving supply chain resilience, or advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leaders should communicate clearly how these strategies align with long-term business success. Leverage Data-Driven Insights: In an era of skepticism, relying on factual, measurable sustainability outcomes strengthens credibility. Stakeholders need more than broad commitments—they need clear, quantifiable impacts. Maintain Focus on Global Markets: While federal policies may change, international regulations and customer expectations continue to favor sustainable business models. Companies operating across borders must ensure their sustainability strategies align with evolving global standards. Staying the Course in a Changing Environment While some companies may feel pressure to scale back sustainability efforts in response to shifting political winds, leading organizations recognize that progress is a long-term game. Now is not the time to retreat but to double down on: Resilient Supply Chains: With new tariffs and policy changes affecting imports, companies should evaluate how sustainability-driven supply chain diversification can reduce risk and enhance efficiency. Operational Decarbonization: The financial and strategic benefits of decarbonization—from renewable energy investments to energy-efficient operations—remain strong, independent of policy shifts. Workforce and Customer Engagement: Employees and consumers increasingly expect businesses to uphold their values. Companies that maintain commitments to social responsibility and environmental impact will strengthen brand loyalty and attract top talent. Sustainability leadership is about more than responding to regulatory shifts—it’s about defining the future. Companies that stay the course, communicate effectively, and align their sustainability strategies with business objectives will be the ones that thrive in the years ahead.

Connecting the Dots: Air Quality, Climate Messaging, and Stakeholder Engagement

By Julie Starr • February 7, 2025
I n a world increasingly affected by environmental change, it’s critical to recognize the everyday impacts of air pollution beyond the commonly cited respiratory and cardiovascular risks. A recent study, published in Nature Communications , reveals that even short-term exposure to air pollution can impair cognitive function, affecting focus, emotional recognition, and task performance. This groundbreaking research underscores the urgent need for effective climate communication and stakeholder engagement to address air quality issues. At Taiga Company, we specialize in climate-focused stakeholder engagement, helping organizations bridge the gap between scientific findings and actionable change. Our services provide a crucial platform for educating stakeholders—including businesses, policymakers, and communities—on the dangers of air pollution and the strategic steps needed to mitigate its effects.  The Link Between Air Quality and Cognitive Function The study found that exposure to high concentrations of particulate matter, even for just an hour, reduced participants' ability to maintain focus, process emotions accurately, and avoid distractions. Such cognitive impairments can have profound implications in workplace productivity, education, and public safety. For instance, employees working in environments with poor air quality may experience diminished concentration, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. Similarly, students exposed to air pollution may struggle with academic performance due to impaired attention and emotional regulation. These insights reinforce the idea that air pollution is not just an environmental concern but a societal and economic one, requiring a holistic approach to policy, corporate responsibility, and community engagement. The Role of Climate Messaging in Air Quality Awareness Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, public awareness of air pollution’s cognitive and behavioral impacts remains limited. This is where strategic climate messaging becomes essential. Effective communication can: Translate complex scientific research into accessible, actionable insights for diverse audiences. Drive policy advocacy by equipping decision-makers with data-backed arguments for stricter air quality regulations. Encourage behavioral change among businesses and individuals by highlighting solutions, such as cleaner transportation, sustainable energy sources, and indoor air quality improvements. However, simply disseminating information is not enough. Stakeholder engagement ensures that communities, businesses, and policymakers are not just informed but also motivated and equipped to take action. Moving Forward: A Collective Responsibility The study’s findings make one thing clear: air pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a cognitive and social issue with wide-reaching consequences. As we navigate an increasingly complex climate landscape, it’s crucial to integrate air quality concerns into broader discussions on sustainability, health, and productivity. At Taiga Company, we believe that effective stakeholder engagement is the key to transforming awareness into action. By educating businesses, policymakers, and communities, we can drive the changes necessary to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all. To learn more about how Taiga Company can help your organization develop impactful climate communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, contact us today.
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