Monica L. Stigler, Ph.D.
December 2, 2020

Key Questions:
§ What level of policy do you wish to impact?
§ How are changes made at this level?
§ Who is empowered to make changes at this level?

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Tap Your Network
§ Who do you know and how well do you know them?
§ Who do they know?
§ Ask for an introduction

When You Don’t Know Anyone:
§ Attend a networking event
§ Find a connection
§ Follow the chain of command

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Clear, Concise Communication
In-Network
§ Brief phone call, followed by succinct email
§ Over coffee or lunch
*Use communication as an opportunity to gain information

Out-of-Network
§ Succinct email, followed by phone call
§ Social media

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You

Your Research

§ Credibility

§ Stage

§ Positionality

§ Funders

§ Interest

§ Findings

§ Endgame

§ Limitations
§ Implementation

5

Intentional Interactions
§ What are your goals?

§ What counts as success?

§ Short, intermediate, long term

§ Developing relationships

§ Mutually beneficial

§ Circulation of your research

§ What is your ask?
§ What do you need? How will it be

used?

§ What can you offer?

§ Adoption of your recommendations
§ Policy changes
§ Measurable outcome shifts
§ Partnerships

§ Resources? Data analysis? Solutions?

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Create a spreadsheet to track the following:
§ Name, title, affiliation, & contact info of folks you’ve contacted
§ Date & method of contact
§ Date of first and subsequent follow-up or communication
§ Outcome of communication & impressions
§ Action items & next steps
§ Agreed upon goals & expectations
§ Outcomes
§ Challenges
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Avoid Being Used
§ Assess openness to data and change
§ Identify vast philosophical differences
§ Explain the limits of your research to avoid overreach
§ Focus on what your research shows and its implications
§ Don’t promise more than you can deliver
§ Ask good questions
§ Maintain independence

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