Contrary to popular belief, meetings aren't always the easiest things to host or do on Capitol Hill. Schedules consistently change, appointments get shuffled around, and policy issues vary, and, all the while constituent groups get frustrated. In the end, however, the possible pay-off of having your issue heard, discussed, or voted on is well worth it. Therefore, despite their complexity, meetings are an integral part of the policy-making process.

When conducting a meeting with Members of Congress, it's important to know what to do (and what not to do). Based on original research in Face-to-Face with Congress: Before, During, and After Meetings with Legislators, here are five things CMF suggests NOT TO DO when meeting with a Member of Congress.

1. Don't arrive TOO EARLY or TOO LATE

More often than not, arriving early to a congressional meeting can mean two things: 1) you will have to wait and because of this; 2) you may be in the way (in already tight, crowded spaces). Arriving late is just as bad. Your meeting may need to be rescheduled, or possibly cancelled, depending on how crowded the schedule is for that day. CMF recommends that you arrive no more than five minutes before an appointment, and notify the Scheduler immediately if you or other attendees will be late.

2. Don't refuse to meet with congressional staff

Meetings in Washington are unpredictable. On any given day, floor votes, emergency meetings, or crises can occur. You must be flexible, and if the legislator is unavailable, be willing to meet with his/her staff. Conduct the meeting as you would have with the actual Member of Congress, and in the event the Representative or Senator can join, don't start over again. The legislator will ask questions as needed, and it's imperative to optimize your time.

3. Don't discuss everything but your policy issue

It's not every day that you get to meet with a Member of Congress. So when you do, it's imperative to stay on topic. Remember to focus on the issue at hand because time is limited. And, if you create a relationship, there may be other opportunities to tell your Senator or Representative about other issues or ideas.

4. Don't push your personal political agenda

When you meet with Congress, keep politics out of it. Whether you agree with their political views or not, you can still yield influence by discussing your issue with them. Be respectful, and do not bring up elections, campaign contributions, or other political support. Winning over a Representative or Senator heavily depends on effective communication, engaging dialogue, and persuasive arguments (use another time and place to voice your political agenda).

5. Don't give staff a lengthy leave-behind

Long annual reports, policy briefs, and issue statements can be a great way to communicate your policy position, but they aren't the best for Members of Congress. Why? CMF data shows that they aren't likely to be read, and because they are so long, may not be very helpful. Keep leave-behind materials short, provide a brief summary document, and follow-up with staff afterward. Persuasion doesn't have to stop when the meeting ends. Leave a useful, concise document (1-2 pages is recommended), and you will be well on your way to becoming a trusted resource for that Member of Congress.

For more tips on how to have effective, timely, and influential meetings, download CMF's Face-to-Face with Congress: Before, During, and After Meetings with Legislators.