What's your timing: when will you do it and how long will it take?

Policy and decision makers have to make some decisions at particular times, and may not be able to consider changes at other times. For example, budget reviews take place at specific points in the year and once the budget is set it is difficult for decision makers to divert funds elsewhere. Find out when the key activities you need to influence will take place and work around them. Make sure you get information to your target audiences, your allies and the media with plenty of time for them to act. Wherever possible, try to avoid campaigning at 'downtimes', like the summer holidays, when people will be away or busy