Do you know that feeling of having a fantastic idea but it doesn’t get the reaction you expected when you tell people about it? Well, you and me both. That’s why, over the last decade, I’ve collected ways to pitch good ideas to others and convince them to get started.
In this three-minute article, I will share what I learned with you so you can start revolutionising the world with your ideas. Here it goes.
1. Let the customers’s voice out their needs
Is your idea generated by listening to the customers? Or will your concept be backed by the customers when you speak with them? No one can reject the voice of the customer on the table. So, if your customers can support your idea, play a video or an audio interview of them explaining their need for your opinion.
2. Experiment
Most people and organisations dislike change because it comes with risk and cost. Therefore, my advice is to give your idea credibility through research and experimentation. Organisations can provide more flexibility and freedom to stray from their strategy if they’re given factual reassurance.
Take it from my experience. I’ve initiated over 250 A/B tests for websites, apps and digital concepts. After the experiments, I highlighted the results and lessons learned. Then, I predicted what measurable results could be expected when the idea is applied, giving the organisation some foresight backed with evidence.
3. Prototype the experience
Remember the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. A written idea has just one dimension and often doesn’t get the full view. In my experience, it does help to make it a multi-dimensional experience.
So, get creative. Find many forms of your idea to appeal to all of their senses. Try to make some sort of a prototype or explain your idea in pictures and other media. Always come prepared with something that showcases your idea in all its glory. Always come with something, this way, you already one step in the door.
4. Create the business case
Determine if your audience is financially or rationally driven. In this case, make a business case where you’ll explain why this is the right thing to do and especially why your ideas should be executed and operational now. Capture financial opportunities and mitigate financial risk. Showing that you’ve done the numbers and it works out can convince them to give you the needed resources.
Take your business case out of the Office. Put it into a more exciting format like Prezi or present it in a workshop. Your idea deserves to be experienced in more than just words.
5. Show the bigger picture
Don’t forget the power of storytelling. What’s your idea’s story? Tell people how it fits in the bigger picture, in THEIR bigger picture. Who are the characters, and how will your idea change their lives? In short, make the vision come alive. Your idea is not just in and of itself, it’s a part of a whole ecosystem.
6. Start small and see the results
Budget or resources are often the restraints in starting something. Therefore, I advise applying your idea on the smallest scale possible first. Find your Minimum Viable Product or the smallest form to get your idea up and running.
All great things start small. What worked for me, is to propose the big idea but pitch the first step to applying it on the smallest scale possible. Once your small step works, the next step is easy.
