Coming up with a great project idea may seem like the difficult part is over. It can be stressful enough just thinking of a creative idea, so finally having one can be a huge relief.

However, that’s only half the battle. If you’ve yet to convince your boss that it’s a great idea, you have another obstacle you’ve yet to overcome. The key to a good project presentation is without a doubt, preparation. You could have the best project idea that may bring your companies’ brand awareness to the highest it has ever been – but if you’re underprepared when you get to the boardroom, it’s very unlikely it will ever come to fruition.

Avoid wasting your brilliant ideas! Follow this sound advice, learn how to present a project, and deliver a fantastic pitch that will see your project come to life.

Set the scene

The opening of your pitch should focus on why your boss should back this project. What is the company lacking? What’s the area that needs to be worked on and how will this project deliver that much needed help? Both raise and answer these questions to make your project seem like the rational solution.

Layout the plans for the project that will provide building blocks in order to create a better structure for the company to grow on. Don’t be scared to point out the flaws in the company – it’s likely the bosses already know they’re there and will be glad of any ideas to help them overcome them.

Do the groundwork

Once you’ve drawn attention to the areas that need working on, you’ll then need to prove just how you’re going to bring them back to life.
For the perfect presentation, you’re going to need to be organised and do as much preparation as possible in order to demonstrate how your project will work.
Begin researching as though you are in fact already planning. This will give you more insight into what you’ll need and your mind set won’t be stuck in a ‘pitch’ mode, where you consider the bare minimum. Instead you’ll be pushed to consider that which others may not have. Small details like this will help you conquer the boardroom and get your project the go-ahead.

Make sure to continue reading to learn how to present a project to your boss with confidence.

Get your stats

Stats and data are the real test of how good your pitch is. These are what the bosses need to know about in order to trust your judgement of the project and to promise a good outcome if they choose to give you the go ahead.

Data you may want to include, depending on your project type, could be information on your customer base, sales at different times of year (and why a project may be needed just now) or even the performance numbers of the last project you ran – if they support your argument.

Whatever information you choose to include in your presentation, simply ensure it is relevant and effectively backs up your decision to undertake a new project.

Know the numbers

Along with knowing the data and exactly how the project could impact the company (in a positive way) you’ll also need to know the costs.

This will be the ‘Dragon’s Den’ moment of your pitch, as your bosses will most likely have questions about what they can expect the project to cost the company, and the return it will bring in once complete.

Here you need to be as specific as possible, and if you’ve planned out the project as much as you should before the pitch, you’ll have a good idea of what it will cost anyway. Look into past projects and how well they performed, considering how you think your own project will match up.

Again, the costs of smaller details others may overlook should be included. Being as specific as possible with the numbers will mean you’ll be much closer to seeing your project created.

Pick your team

Before you head into the boardroom, consider which colleagues will be ideal on this project. What skills will you need? Who is dedicated and works well on similar projects?

Don’t just choose your friends when you’re thinking of picking your team. You might think you’ll work the best together, but it’s likely they won’t possess the skills needed to make your project a triumph – even if you have a ball while you’re doing it. Pick a team based on their individual skills and how they’ve performed on previous projects.

You may even want to ask your chosen team to come in and present the pitch with you. This will mean there are a couple of you armed with great data, and if you work well together on the pitch, you (and the bosses) know you’ll work well together on the project too.

So, whether you’re planning a grand-scale construction or a simple staff fundraiser, now you know how to present a project to your boss. Follow these steps and ensure your great idea is seen through.

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