As a result of the recent economic downturn, the business environment has changed:

• Your markets and customers have changed;
• Your business needs to change;
• Staffing has been changed;
• You recognise the need to train the staff to meet these changes, but there is ‘no budget’;

Does this scenario seem familiar? How do you influence the business to release the budget necessary?

Plan your approach

• Be clear about what you want to achieve
• Why is it important?
• Why now?

Get off to a good start

• Make a good first impression
• Use positive language

Create a convincing case

• Back up your case with facts and figures – thoroughly assess the need for, and benefits of training
• Show that you have researched the possible solutions
• Show the likely effect of the training in terms of increased revenue or reduced costs and how these benefits will be measured

Seven simple steps

• Invite them to see things from a different perspective
• Be open to negotiate what you require
• Encourage them to take the first step
• Provide alternatives
• Introduce the value of what your offering
• Say what you say with conviction
• Use influential language

Do you have experiences that would help others? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it – your feedback is valuable and welcomed.