The first way to do this, of course, is by arriving to your appointment on time. The second way is by understanding that legislators often need to be at two or three different places at the same time- on the chamber floor, at a committee hearing or at a meeting with fellow members, for instance. If your meeting is interrupted or starts late, take it in stride. Wait until the legislator is free again, reschedule or meet with staff members. If it is not possible to meet with the legislator directly, it is often just as effective to meet with the staff member who deals with your particular issue.
Most legislators rely heavily on their staff for information and guidance on what position to take.
If you can convince the appropriate staff member t see things your way, it is likely that you will succeed in your mission. Do not get into heated arguments, no matter how much you may disagree with what the legislator or staff member is saying. If your discussion reaches that point, it is unlikely you will be able to convince others of the wisdom of your viewpoint. And you never want to jeopardize your working relationship- in the future you may need each other. Immediately follow up after your meeting by sending any information you promised to provide, as well as a thank you letter recapping the important points of your meeting and the details of any required next steps.