Workplaces are much like marketplaces. They’re filled with people pitching — effectively, trying to “sell” — ideas and competing to get the go-ahead from their bosses, the “buyers.” Even CEOs have to sell ideas to their boards.
To Win Support for Your Idea, Think Like a Marketer
Develop a campaign, not a pitch.
August 09, 2019
Paul Linse/Getty Images
Summary.
It would be nice to think that people in positions of authority consider all the facts and always make the most rational, optimal decisions. But they’re human. They can’t help but make many decisions instinctively. So even if you’ve got the data and facts on your side when presenting an idea, don’t rely on those elements alone. Think like a marketer and tap into intangible factors as well. To win at work, just like in the marketplace, your business ideas need to win the largest share of mind.
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Writing Skills Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Writing Skills. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Capture your audience's attention with smarter emails, Slacks, memos, and reports.