Three Steps to Selling Your Idea to Your Boss
11 years, 3 months ago - January 11, 2013
It would be nice if great ideas truly sold themselves, but even great ideas require artful pitching. Here are three steps for influencing upward and convincing your boss that it makes good sense for the organization to pursue your idea:
- Adopt your boss' point of view. It's impossible to sell an idea without understanding your audience's perspective. Before pitching your idea, understand what matters to your boss. If your boss is focused on customer service, frame your idea as a means to improve customer benefits.
- Create the presentation he/she wants. Think about how your boss likes to receive information. Does she want to hear a narrative of the idea or does she prefer to see the numbers first?
- Develop a presentation that plays to her needs. Make it come alive. There is nothing more powerful than real-world examples. If you want to improve customer service, invite her to a customer focus group so she can hear the need first hand.
