Definition: Who is an Accidental Lobbyist?

Now that I have introduced myself, Kimberly, the Accidental Lobbyist, I wanted to write a post explaining my definition of an “accidental lobbyist.”

I once had a conversation with a close friend and I explained why I call myself an “accidental lobbyist,” which has a lot to do with how I entered the profession — I was not a Poitical Science major, I never worked on the Hill and I do not have campaign experience. My second job following graduation was in government relations and in the beginning I knew nothing about policy-making and even less about politics; however, I fell in love with the profession and ever since I have been in the field of government relations in one form or another. Fortunately, along the way I have had great bosses, mentors and friends who have taught me everything I know. Now 20+ years later I am still here but I still consider myself an “accidental lobbyist,” which is why the About Me section says I am “trying to run with the Big Boys, but doing it my way and doing it well enough to keep food on the table and a roof over my head!”

Okay, so back to the conversation with my friend. While she understood exactly where I was coming from, she suggested that all lobbyists are “accidental lobbyists.” Her logic is that lobbying is not necessarily a profession that one aspires to pursue, and she makes a good point. Think about it this way: when a six year old is asked what he wants to be when he grows up, the most likely response is doctor, lawyer, nurse, policeman, fire fighter, teacher, football player, or sometimes even President; but what six year old who you know ever says he wants to be a lobbyist when he grows up? So, regardless of the path — PoliSci major or not, Hill staff or not, and campaign experience or not — we lobbyists sort of landed into our roles and, therefore, we are all “accidental lobbyists.”

So there you have it — the definition of an “accidental lobbyist!”

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