You’ve spotted an opportunity. You can see how it plays out. You’re ready to make it happen.

But now comes the hard bit: getting other people to see what you see.

Whether you’re pitching to your CEO, your board, or just trying to get a green light from peers, selling your idea isn’t about throwing logic at them and hoping it sticks.

It’s about building belief.

Here’s how to give your idea the best chance of surviving impact with the real world:

1. Make your pitch clear

If it takes five minutes to explain what you’re trying to do, it’s not ready yet.

Strip it back. Make the benefit obvious. Tell the story, not just the steps.

2. Acknowledge the leap

Every idea involves risk. Don’t hide it.

Say: “Here’s the part we’re not certain about — and here’s how we’ll test it.”

It builds trust.

3. Show your workings

How did you get here? What data, insight, or thinking backs it up?

Walk people through the logic — even the messy bits. It makes the idea feel more solid.

4. Involve people early

Nobody wants a fully baked plan dropped in their lap.

Loop key people in early. Ask for input. Let them shape it. They’ll support what they’ve helped build.

5. Think opportunity cost

Make it clear what you’re saying no to — and why your idea’s worth it.

Good ideas create focus, not just excitement.

6. Look back before you leap

What worked last time? What didn’t?

Use past wins (and failures) as a lens for what this idea needs to succeed.

7. Be persistent — but not pushy

A “no” now might just be a “not yet.”

Ask for feedback. Take it seriously.

Rework. Reframe. Stay in the game without becoming a pest.

8. Sell the sizzle

Make them feel the potential. What could be possible if it works?

Help them want it to work. That’s half the battle.

9. Communicate relentlessly

Don’t assume everyone knows what’s happening.

Keep stakeholders in the loop. Share updates, changes, wins, wobbles.

The more they hear, the more they care.

10. Bring others in

Give people a role. Momentum builds faster when you’re not carrying it alone.

Ask: “Who else should be part of this?”

11. Celebrate small wins

Got the first approval? Landed the first customer? Cracked a tricky bit?

Name it. Celebrate it. Small wins keep belief alive.

12. And if it fails?

Learn. Share. Try again.

Not everything works. But every attempt teaches you how to pitch better, build better, and sell better next time.

Good ideas deserve a fair hearing.

It’s not about shouting louder. It’s about making people care enough to say yes.

And if you can do that — you’re halfway there.