Career Coach: Conquer Your "Big Idea"

Once in a while, success strikes – the light bulb turns on in your head, and suddenly you know how to take your company to the next level. Though having the opportunity to present your big idea at work can be exciting, it is also scary and come with more than a few pitfalls. If you really believe in your idea, you need to be ready to make others believe in it, too. Here are some ways to make that happen:

Do your research. The best move you can make to turn your idea into reality is to get ready for your presentation. Take the time to understand your idea, learn all of the facts associated with it, and outline any potential problems. Your presentation should be polished, and you should plan out what you are going to say well in advance. 

Prepare your defense. The most important part of your research is to consider how to overcome the objections. Even in a sympathetic crowd, you will have people looking for problems with your idea – this is simply due diligence in action. It is up to you to defend your idea and to negate its potential shortcomings. Address any flaws preemptively, while proving that the idea’s overall promise is worth taking the time to flush it out further. 

Understand your audience. Once you know what you’re going to say, know who you are saying it to. During the presentation, periodically evaluate the mood of your audience and gauge their reaction. Understanding how people are responding can also allow you to modify your argument if need me. You will find that armed with the right facts and a persuasive presentation, a good idea has a fighting chance. 

–Dr. Madeline Lewis, Career Coach