Selling Your Special Project

September 21, 2008 | By | In Marketing

When you are working for the latest retail superstore chain in the state, you have the opportunity to be involved in a lot of projects that most people would not have the chance to be in. Sure, there’s a lot of pressure to perform, but here’s what many people do not get. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Working with tight datelines is a way of life, delivering results with limited resources is also a way of life. Dealing with problems everyday is what we as professional managers do.

Some of the special projects I’ve been involved in are:

new retail store openings,
revising the company’s human resources policies,
implementing POS system in all our outlets,
designing and implementing our company’s loyalty program.

When you are involved in special projects, you have to sell your vision to your group management, sometimes the executive committee (exco), even the board of directors. You may have a great idea, but if you can’t sell it, chances are you’re going to have to re-do your presentation. Perhaps even change your entire concept. It’s tough selling to the Exco, many of whom are company directors. Even though, you may have worked together for years, there is no guarantee they will give you the money.

I read with interest what the author of First Class Manager, Andrew Rondeau emailed me recently. It was on the subject of having a mentor.

This is what he wrote:

“I remember once when I was asked to present to the Company Board with a proposal to introduce a Graduate Intake scheme. I wanted the Board to back the scheme with a $200k investment. I asked Sue for advice. The presentation was good but she asked if any of the Board members had seen the presentation. I said, “No, course not. They get to see it next week”.

“Mistake” replied Sue. “Go and see as many Board members to see what they are expecting from your
presentation. Share you ideas and get their buy-in before the official presentation. That way when you
do present next week, some of them will know exactly what to expect and be on your side”. It was priceless advice. The presentation was extremely well received and the investment was given.“

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