Selling an idea to a group or organization relies on two actions. First, you have to assess the environment into which you want to introduce your idea. Your group’s way of doing things and your organization’s climate will affect how people respond to your idea, to what degree they will support it, what kind and how many resources you are likely to gain for implementing your idea, and the chances of putting your idea into action.
Selling an idea to a group or organization relies on assessing the environment and using effective tactics.
Second are the tactical approaches you use to get your idea heard, supported, endorsed, and enacted. How you achieve each of these steps depends on your adapting your approach for different situations and for different constituencies in the organization. You can use the tactics described in this guidebook in various combinations, in different situations, and with different people inside and outside your organization.
A well-reasoned and engaging implementation plan is essential for making the most of any idea. But before the implementation comes the selling and the gathering of support. Assessing the environment in which your idea must thrive and considering how you can increase its chances of survival will prepare you for a successful campaign.