Getting Your Ideas Accepted - writing a business case

Just because you have an idea or solution doesn’t mean it is right for the business or the timing is great. This FREE resource will tell you how. You need to write a business case when resources or expenditure have to be justified. Approval is usually sought from the project sponsor and other interested parties. For instance, the finance function may authorise funds and the IT department provide resources. Writing a business case with solutions that are accepted requires you to clarify your own position on the solution/s, guide decision makers towards a ‘right fit’ solution and provide context, anticipated impact and identify the resources required for implementation. The SWOT business case template facilitates articulation, presentation and acceptance of ideas. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. When we look at our business or business idea through the SWOT lens we are forced to gather and consider the facts as well as the impact of future trends. When we are trying to influence others towards accepting our ideas the SWOT information shows we have considered all angles and gives them confidence to accept our viewpoint/business case. If we are verbally influencing others to accept our ideas there are two frameworks worth understanding: David Rock’s SCARF and Stephen Covey’s Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence. SCARF represents the 5 domains of human social experience. We each have a preference whether that be Status Certainty Autonomy Relatedness or Fairness. To more easily or effectively influence someone need to present our ideas within the context of their preferred social experience.