NAT: Lobbying in a Strata Community. How to Lobby Effectively

Lobbying, a term often associated with government and large corporations, is a powerful tool that can be effectively utilised within strata communities. Understanding how to lobby in a strata community is essential for individuals and groups seeking to influence decision-making and achieve desired outcomes. We explore the topic of lobbying in a strata community with Chris Irons from Strata Solve in a recent webinar.

NAT: Level Up Your Strata Game. How To Get What You Want! Strata Lobbying 101

Understanding the Basics of Strata Lobbying

Lobbying in the context of strata communities involves persuasion and influence to sway decisions in favour of specific individuals, groups, or proposals. It’s about effectively communicating your ideas and garnering support for your initiatives.

Dispelling Common Myths About Strata Lobbying

Before delving into strategies, it’s crucial to dispel common misconceptions about how to lobby in a strata community. Many believe it’s unethical or ineffective, but in reality, lobbying is a legitimate tool for achieving desired outcomes and enhancing property value.

Key Strategies: How to Lobby in a Strata Community

To master the art of lobbying in a strata community, consider the following strategies:

• Define Your Goals: Clearly articulate what you aim to achieve. Are you seeking support for a new amenity, a change in bylaws, or a specific committee member?
• Build Relationships: Networking within the community is essential. Understand the dynamics, identify key influencers, and foster positive relationships.
• Communicate Effectively: Develop a clear and compelling message that resonates with your target audience. Tailor your communication to different groups within the community.
• Listen Actively: Understand the concerns and perspectives of others. This will help you tailor your message and build consensus.
• Be Persistent: Lobbying often requires persistence. Be prepared to address questions, concerns, and potential opposition.

Lobbying for Different Stakeholders

The strategies for how to lobby in a strata community vary depending on the stakeholder involved.

• Committees: Committees can utilise lobbying to pass contentious motions, secure high-threshold resolutions, and enhance communication with owners.
• Caretakers and Management Rights Holders: This group can employ lobbying to extend or enhance contracts, alleviate pressure, and build alliances.
• Owners: Owners can leverage lobbying to gain approval for improvements, influence committee elections, and raise awareness about important issues.

Lobbying for Strata Elections

Strata elections present a unique opportunity to apply your lobbying skills. You can promote yourself or others as candidates, while also countering negative campaigns. Effective communication and relationship-building are crucial for success in strata elections.

Tips for Successful Strata Lobbying

To maximise the impact of your lobbying efforts, consider these additional tips:

• Keep expectations realistic: Understand that change takes time and not everyone will agree with you.
• Seek professional advice: If needed, consult with a strata management expert or legal professional.
• Measure your success: Evaluate the outcomes of your lobbying efforts to identify areas for improvement.

By understanding how to lobby in a strata community and implementing these strategies, you can effectively influence decision-making and create a more desirable living environment for yourself and your neighbours.

Action Items to Get You Started

Interesting in using some of the tips and strategise mentioned in the webinar to help get what you want in your building? These action points can help to get you started:

1. Understand the Power of Persuasion:
   • Recognise that lobbying is essentially about persuasion, and effective communication is key to influencing decisions.
   • Develop clear and compelling messages that resonate with your target audience.
   • Build strong relationships within the strata community to increase your influence.
2. Plan and Prepare for Lobbying Efforts:
   • Define clear objectives for your lobbying campaign.
   • Identify key stakeholders and understand their perspectives.
   • Develop a strategic approach, considering potential challenges and opportunities.
3. Maintain Ethical and Professional Conduct:
   • Avoid personal attacks and maintain a respectful tone throughout the lobbying process.
   • Be transparent and honest in your communications.
   • Adhere to the strata scheme’s bylaws and regulations.

What are your experiences with lobbying in your strata scheme? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Download the slideshow from the session

You can download a copy of the slide presentation from the session here: Get what you want. Strata Lobbying 101.

This post appears in Strata News #707.

Presenter
Chris Irons
Strata Solve
E: chris@stratasolve.com.au
P: 0419 805 898