achieving stakeholder alignment

Coming up with a great idea for a video can be daunting. How can you make sure it’s good? How do you know it’s going to work? The development of a strong strategy and creative concept can help allay some of those fears and make you more confident in your video marketing game plan. But what about after you’ve gotten over the hump of those initial challenges and fears yourself, and it’s time to sell your boss? What’s the best approach to ensure stakeholder alignment?

You may have the most openminded, creative, and trusting boss out there. This video pitch is going to be smoothing sailing for you. Fantastic. Go get ‘em!

But what if you don’t? What if your boss needs to be convinced that this video is worth the dollars? That the video doesn't need to explain every product or service? That it’s going to help achieve the marketing, sales, and organizational goals for the company? That’s ok, too.

In working with C-suite, marketing, and sales leaders across many industries, we’ve gathered a few tips and tricks to help make this conversation with your boss a good one. A conversation that is productive and results in an approval to move forward with the smart, effective video idea you’ve come up with.

Below are a few ideas to include as you pull together your pitch approach and game plan:

• Work with your key stakeholders and agency when developing a strategy and creative. Ask lots of questions. Jump in when you need to. This is your video.
• Be prepared with the answers to the questions you think your boss might ask throughout the process. And make sure you understand what you're presenting before you present it. Give yourself time to prepare.
• When pitching to your boss, develop a game plan that takes into account the type of person and leader they are. Are they looking for risky and bold? Are they more risk averse? How do they best absorb information? When can they provide you with their undivided attention? Use the answers to these questions to help deliver a successful presentation and discussion.
• Use case studies and examples to help defend bold ideas and new creative. Psychologically, we all want to hear about a time where taking a similar risk paid off. Have at least one of these in your back pocket.
• Don't be afraid of "no." If you've thought through your idea and are prepared to answer questions, all your boss can say is "I'd like to see some other options." Bringing new ideas that can move the needle will pay off in the long-run versus bringing the same old thing to the table. It's all about results. Safe isn't truly safe if it doesn't perform.