This talk is for people who want to get executive support to purchase, implement and maintain an electronic records management system. To obtain executive support for a major purchase it is important to understand:

1. What the executives want. Try to align your objectives with theirs and the wider business strategy. If you can help the C-suite hit their targets they are much more likely to help you with yours.

2. Develop a business case. Getting leadership buy-in is essential to move forward with any major change initiative.

a. Rationale – why are you looking at this?
b. Value proposition – what is the value for the business, the benefits?
c. Cost – What is it going to cost in terms of money, resources, people?
d. Deliver – how is it going to be delivered?
e. Accountability – Who is accountable for the project?
f. Controls – how will you measure progress?

3. Effectively present your ideas. To ensure you deliver an effective message to your leaders, adjust your presentation to be short, to the point and focus on three to five key benefits. A half-baked idea will not hold the attention of executives, so you need to ensure your presentation holds up to questioning and closer scrutiny.