As I observe the insanity we currently called the Republican Presidential Debates I am amazed at how the candidates seem to miss the boat on what most business professionals know is necessary to not only be heard but to have their idea green-lighted for approval and action – make a well-thought out business case for your idea.

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While Donald Trump dominates the media, I still don’t know what he would actually do as President. I do know he plans to build a wall and have Mexico pay for it and I know he wants to “make America great again” but beyond that I am unclear. To get noticed he and other candidates have resorted to calling each other “jerk”, “dummy”, “loser”, “liar” and “pathetic” – to name only a few choice words.

 

How long would this kind of behavior and bullying last in the world of business? Could any professional really think that name-calling would get them promoted or heard?

 

So here’s some advice for the candidates. Instead of wasting everyone’s time with theatrics, do what smart business professionals do and make a business case for your ideas. Here are eight guidelines –

 

If you have an idea or initiative you want to push through –

 

  1. Do your homework first. Research the issues and problems at hand. Talk to constituents. Develop solutions. Think it through.
  2. Create an executive summary that recaps the business case and includes your recommendation. Remember this may be all someone reads so it needs to be tight and clear.
  3. Introduce the business case and briefly describe its objectives.
  4. What’s the problem? In a concise paragraph describe the issue at hand and how solving it will reap rewards for the business.
  5. Provide an analysis. This is a detailed account of the problem, why it is important to address, what will be the benefits of action and the risks of not taking action.
  6. Discuss solution options. Include the costs, people who will be impacted, timescale for the project and outline risks.
  7. Make you recommendation. It should outline the approach you think will be best and why.
  8. The details – if you are ready, you can include the tactical plan for your recommendation.

 

Through out your business case proposal use data, hard evidence and research to support your ideas.

 

If you want to move beyond bombastic bluster and have your ideas taken seriously – make a business case for your ideas.