Meet Rob
- Name: Rob
- Position: Product manager
- Company:Â consumer goods company
His story
Rob, the product manager of a large consumer goods company has a ground-breaking idea for a new product. It requires cutting-edge marketing technology and expertise that the company does not possess.
He is eager to get the project going but faces resistance from upper management who do not think it is feasible within the current budget.
Follow our series of blogs where we are going to unravel how Rob managed to implement cutting-edge marketing technology.
As a marketer, coming up with innovative ideas for strategic decisions can be a daunting task.Â
BUT.....
Our tips will help you
- Break down the problem into manageable pieces
- identify the key stakeholders and their interests
- Develop creative solutions to address those interests
- Evaluate the options for implementation.
The importance of innovation
Cutting-edge marketing technology in particular and Innovation in general is the key to staying ahead in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. But having a great idea is only half the battle.
The other half is getting buy-in from your organization’s decision-makers.
In this blog, we'll explore 5 ways to sell your innovation ideas up the chain of command and get the support you need to bring them to life.
1) Start with a clear value proposition
Before you pitch your innovation idea, it’s important to have a clear value proposition. What problem does your idea solve? What benefit does it offer your organization?
Read more about The key factors for a good value proposition
2) What makes it unique?
Having a strong value proposition will make it easier for decision-makers to see the potential of your idea and how it aligns with the organization’s goal
3) Build a coalition of supporters
It’s easier to sell an idea when you have a group of supporters behind you.
Build a coalition of colleagues who share your enthusiasm for your idea and can help you make the case to decision-makers.
This could include people from different departments, levels of seniority, or areas of expertise.
Having a diverse group of supporters will also show decision-makers that your idea has broad appeal and potential impact.
Read more about Project sponsor characteristics for marketing projects
4) Use data to make your case
Decision-makers are often swayed by data and evidence.
Use data to support your case for your innovation idea.
This could include market research, customer feedback, or data on similar initiatives in other organizations.
Show decision-makers how your idea fits into larger trends and how it could lead to a competitive advantage.
Read more about Finding the right data for technological marketing projects.
5) Make it tangible
It’s easier for decision-makers to understand and support an innovative idea when they can see it in action.
Make your idea tangible by creating a prototype, a demo, or a simulation.
This will help decision-makers visualize how your idea works and its potential impact.
Read more about Making your business case for a strategic marketing decision tangible
6) Be persistent but flexible
Selling an innovation idea up the chain of command can be a long and arduous process.
Be persistent in your efforts but also be flexible. Listen to feedback and adjust your approach as needed.
Conclusion
Be open to making changes to your idea based on feedback from decision-makers. This will show that you're committed to making your idea work and willing to collaborate with others to achieve success.
