How to Pitch an Idea to Your Boss - The Muse

How to Pitch an Idea to Your Boss - The MuseHow to Pitch an Idea to Your Boss Depending on how you present your new idea to your boss, you could be facing two very different reactions. If you want to nail that yes, you need to treat your pitch seriously- and outline solutions and a clear execution plan. Otherwise, your great idea may not see the light of day. Worse, it might end up on someone elses to-do list.With this in mind, we asked nine entrepreneurs from Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) to share which steps you should take before walking through that door.1. Reduce the RiskWhen you pitch a project, clearly lay out in advance how management should judge its success quickly. Whats the first milestone that will indicate the project is a success? Set a specific goal- 10 new customers in the first three months, perhaps. Plan step-wise goals instead of one huge long-term one. That means management just has to invest in the first stage of the project.- John Rood, Next Step Test Prepar ation2. Prove You Can Handle ItBefore pitching your boss on leading a new project, you should be prepared to outline that your existing tasks and projects are in order. You have to show you have the time and resources to lead a new project before your boss will entertain the idea.- Phil Chen, Systems Watch3. Come in With a Clear PlanThis seems like a fairly obvious piece of advice, but I find that its not very often followed. Especially if you havent yet proven your leadership potential, an idea lacking a plan will likely be ignored. However, if you walk in with a polished plan, it will show youve put a good deal of thought into the problem, which will help convince your boss you can take charge and lead the project.- Brian Honigman, BrianHonigman.com4. Prepare to Defend Your IdeaIf Im asked to donate thousands of dollars to a company initiative, be prepared to counter my objections with reasons why we should do this. Ideas need to be able to withstand being knocked down. Be able to fight back.Kenny Nguyen, Big Fish Presentations5. Show EnthusiasmWhen it comes to speaking with your manager about leading a project, the most important tip is to be confident. Make sure to show a lot of honest enthusiasm about the project because it will demonstrate that you will be able to galvanize your team to success. Also, back up your enthusiasm with specific ideas on how you will make the project efficient and profitable for the organization.- Doreen Bloch, Poshly Inc.6. Focus on the Products PotentialMake it clear how the project will benefit the company- higher profits, an improved reputation, better contacts, etc. Be ready to answer the question What sales opportunities will your project lead to? Make sure you can demonstrate how to turn your idea into reality. Discuss the risks, and prepare a viable plan to show youre committed to the work and invested in its success.- Jyot Singh, RTS Labs7. Prepare 3 Lists of 3Bring your supervisor three lists of three items each to pi tch a new project idea. The first list should include three reasons why this project would benefit the company, the second three reasons why youre perfect to lead the project, and the last should be the three obstacles you see getting in your way and how you would handle them. These lists display planning, forward thinking, and ambition- Kim Kaupe, ZinePak8. Emphasize ExecutionChances are your boss receives new project ideas daily. Separate yourself from the other pitches by not only offering an impressive value proposition, but by demonstrating how you will get it done. If you can show that the company has bandwidth for the project, that it will make the company better, and that youve thought critically about execution, you will set yourself up for success.- Shradha Agarwal, ContextMedia9. Create Visual AidsWhen you are pitching anyone on anything, dont underestimate the importance of visual aids. Visual aids are a more powerful communicative tool than anything you could say or wri te, because they allow your boss to imagine a world in which this already exists. They make your idea real and relatable.- Adam Stillman, SparkReelPhoto of man working courtesy of Shutterstock.