How to get your boss onboard with a video

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.