Have you ever had an idea you wanted to sell to your boss but just could not do it?

Have Your Boss Buy into Your Idea

1. Great ideas are asking to be green-lighted.
2. Six questions to ask yourself before making the pitch.
3. More factors to consider before pitching.
4. Selling an idea to your boss can be challenging.
5. Two big hurdles to jump before the pitch.
6. Vital tips to get your boss on board with your new idea.

With all the big ideas floating around, what is the fastest way to convince your boss? How does one launch a bright idea?

Selling an idea to your boss and getting approval is not as easy as it sounds. This whole process can be a pain in the neck if you hesitate for too long.

Recognizing the moment you’ve struck gold with a pitch-worthy idea isn’t always easy.

Sometimes your boss can give a simple “Yes” or “No”. Each scenario unfolds with its own unique context and conditions. Some are smooth sailing, while others throw you straight into the deep end.

Want to know if you have a bright plan for your manager?

Well, first of all, is it going to make or save them money? If that is the case, you are definitely onto a good idea.

Next, ask yourself: Is this a feasible idea? If your boss has to hire five new people just to implement your new system for organising office supplies, that is probably not realistic.

If it is not currently doable, is there a way to make it possible? In other words, could you do the work yourself? That way, you would not have to convince your boss why they need more people.

And last but not least: would you want to work with this idea? If it’s a no, then save your breath and don’t pitch it. Your boss can tell when you are not into something.

1. Is there a logical reason for my boss to agree?

If your answer is no, then it is probably worth doing some more research or brainstorming before you approach your boss with the idea.

2. How will this help our customers?
3. What problem does this solve?
4. Does this make us more money or save us more money?
5. Does this directly affect my coworkers and me in some way, and how?

6.  Is there a chance for my boss to say no? It is probably worth exploring this idea further and maybe even writing a formal proposal of how you would make this plan work.

• It solves a problem:  Any company has problems to solve. Does your pitch figure out how to solve one of them? 
• It is original:  You do not want to replicate something that someone else did (even if you think it is better). Think of something completely new – it will be more impressive to your boss.
• It takes into account the skills and talents of your coworkers:  If you need something done, but there is no one in your company with the knowledge or ability to do it, then it might not work.
• It helps the company grow:  Your boss wants the company to grow – that is why they are hiring people like you. So, make sure that your idea will help the company expand.

Oftentimes, if you are not careful, you can end up talking yourself out of ever getting the idea approved.

One of the most frustrating things when pitching ideas to the boss is getting shot down.

You are setting yourself up for failure if you go to the boss with your idea and hope for the best. If that is what you are planning to do, rather stay home and spend the day on Facebook.

When you are trying to convince your boss about a new idea, it is important to use a few key tactics and methods. You have to build a business case and use persuasion. Meerkat Motivational Speaker #MeerkatMotivationalSpeaker

Whether you are an introvert, extrovert, know-it-all, or a total novice in the workplace, remember that your boss has their own motivations and concerns.

Most people do not take the time to understand their boss’s mindset before pitching. Understanding their perspective can help you get a “yes”. 

There are arguably two main hurdles to jump.

• Firstly, presenting the idea without sounding like you are trying to take over their role, or getting them to see that your method is much better than what they have been doing. This first hurdle is mostly about tone – being respectful but not afraid to speak up. 
• The second hurdle is all about data and proof – your boss needs to see that whatever you are proposing has real-world applications that will improve the business.

If you are a manager, you probably spend a significant part of your day listening to the ideas of your employees. If you are an employee, you probably spend much time getting your managers’ attention.

The trouble is, there is so much back-and-forth that no one ends up getting what they want: management is not getting the best ideas pitched to them, and employees are not getting their ideas heard.

1. Think about how to get the manager to hear you out. This might be tough because they are busy people. 
2. To get the manager on board with your new idea, approach them when they are in a good mood.
3. One of the most important things is to highlight the benefits of the idea for your company, so they will see why it will be a great addition for everyone.
4. Often, the answer is a proposal. Writing a proposal helps your manager see and understand what it is you want to do. It is also a way for you to show them the potential positive impact of your idea as well as how it will be beneficial to the company.
5. A lot of people begin pitching with an idea and never think any further about how it is going to be received by the person they are pitching to.

   It is a conversation, so it is very important that you figure out when to listen and when to talk.

   The boss will be sizing you up throughout your pitch, so make sure that you are giving the right signals.

6. Be prepared with data and statistics to back up your idea. If you are going to convince someone that an idea is worth investing resources into, solid data is key. You can also use compelling anecdotes from other companies if you do not have cold, hard facts about this particular idea yet.
7. Even when you have got a great idea and a good pitch, your boss might not be interested because s/he does not think it will make money for the company.

   In this case, you may need some hard numbers on how much money could potentially be made from implementing this new idea into the business model – or even better if there is an example of another business that is doing something similar and making huge profits!

8. Do not expect them to say yes immediately and be open to compromises and adjustments.
9. Is this really the right time? Has your boss just finished a stressful project? Are they in the middle of something stressful? If so, it is probably best to wait until they are more relaxed – or else they might not hear what you are saying.
10. Get the facts straight. You would not be able to sway anyone if you are missing key information.

    Make sure that any data or statistics you present are accurate and up-to-date; otherwise, your boss might be able to use that as ammunition against your idea.

11. When you are presenting your pitch, speak in a way that is going to resonate with your boss. If they tend to respond well to humour, try spicing up your pitch with some jokes – but if they tend to respond better to a more serious proposal, make sure to keep things pretty straightforward and professional.
12. Keep in mind that s/he is a busy person with much on the mind. So, do not dump all of your brilliant ideas in one go.

    Propose a few different options and ask which direction you should focus on next.

    That way, you can dig deeper into the most promising option without wasting time on things that are not going to pan out.

13. Foolproof your proposal by reinforcing it with relevant research, if you can. Your idea can become irresistible. The Meerkat Motivator #MeerkatMotivator
14. Have a plan. The best way to bring your boss on board is to create a fully realised, actionable plan.

    Think through the steps you will need to take to implement your idea, do the research that will prove its viability, and present that research in a manner that shows off your work ethic and problem-solving skills as well as the merits of your plan.

15. It is vital to show how this new idea dovetails with the company’s mission overall. Be professional, but do not be afraid to let them see your passion for what you are proposing.
16. If you want to propose a project idea to management, it is important that it is something you can build on – something that will expand upon or improve an existing project or idea.
17. List all the stakeholders and how they would be affected by this idea.
18. Supercharge your pitch to the boss with a two-pronged approach.

    Sell your content, theme-weaved into a compelling story or backed up by credible evidence. Estienne de Beer #Estienne de Beer

    Unpack the other side of the coin. Highlight the negative consequences of ignoring your rationale. Ground it in the advice of the legendary CEO Jack Welch: “Change, before you have to.“

19. You will have to figure out how to be persistent without being pushy. 

Then… it is showtime!