Join the 800-pound-gorilla of small business politics

In the power corridors of Washington, DC, there's no mistaking who speaks loudest for small business – the National Federation of Independent Business.

I recommend: NFIB offers free access via its Web site to detailed information on small business issues. The Issues button can brief you on health care, labor issues, legal and regulatory reform, tax relief and technology matters. A unique feature of NFIB – all members can vote on positions through the Member Ballot.

Go toe-to-toe with small biz lawmakers in Washington, DC

Want face time with the people who make decisions affecting your business? Then get to D.C. for NFIB's every-other-year National Small Business Summit.

I recommend: The National Small Business Summit is a great place to really feel like you are part of the political process.

See how your elected reps in Washington DC voted on small business issues

The NFIB's "How Congress Voted" tally tracks all votes of key interest to small business.

I recommend: How Congress Voted is available at the NFIB Web site.

Plug into issues with the National Small Business Association

NSBA is another Washington, DC-based advocacy group that can plug you into the issues facing small business on the legislative and regulatory fronts.

I recommend: The NSBA Web site features a "Get Informed" section — available to anyone — with a long list of Priority Issue Briefs on topics such as Internet taxes, estate taxes and health insurance. Sign up for the free NSBA Advocate e-newsletter to keep abreast of the issues on a regular basis.

Take sides with the self-employed

Stay tuned in to political issues of special interest to the self-employed.

I recommend: The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) represents self-employed individuals and tracks the political issues that affect them.

Check with the voice of small business in the federal government

The Office of Advocacy is a special unit within the U.S. Small Business Administration. Its mission is to "protect, strengthen and effectively represent the nation's small businesses within the federal government's legislative and rule-making processes."

I recommend: See what Advocacy is up to, track changes in regulatory policy and sign up for the Advocacy newsletter.

Help get out the business vote with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a major voice representing small business in the political process.

I recommend: VoteForBusiness.com is part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Network. At this site you can get involved in small business issues, contact members of Congress and get employee or co-workers involved in electing pro-business candidates to Congress.

Check legislative issues in your state

You can track small business issues in your state from the NFIB home page.

I recommend: See "News from Your State" at the NFIB home page. Select your state from the pull-down menu.