How to write a Business Case
(Template Included)
What is a Business Case?
Your organization has big goals. You and your team can contribute towards achieving them in a significant way. But, you just don’t have the resources to do it!
You need to do a Business Case!
A Business Case provides the justification to use organization resources on your new project. You need money, time, and staff that is currently being used elsewhere. Your Business Case explains in detail why your project deserves those resources. Share it with your executives and get what you need.
Read on and learn how to get approval for your project
How will you compel your executives to allocate resources to your project?
You need resources. You could write a boring document, create some slides and spreadsheets, then put them all in an email and hope someone makes sense of your project. But, that’s a good way to blend in, lose attention…and lose your project!
Build a Business Case
Keep it simple and accessible
Today, executives simply don’t have the time or attention to read a 20+ page document. If that’s what you give them, your Business Case won’t be read. You need to make it convenient and easy for them. First, make it easy to review anywhere, including a smartphone. Second, make it scan-able. People don’t read…they skim. Of course, you need to embed or link to the detailed source files in case the executive wants the details. But, don’t let those details drown out the primary points you want to make.
Make it engaging
Make no mistake, your Business Case is also a sales document. You need to grab your executive’s attention and keep it. For example, a video or picture of a customer can connect your request to something that matters. An embedded graph says more than paragraphs of text. Use color to break up key sections of your Business Case. The list goes on. Use your creativity and make your Business Case unforgettable!
Collaborate and tell a story
By the time you write your Business Case, you and your team have put a lot of thought into your project. Have your team contribute to key sections of the Business Case. They will take ownership in the project and begin to build the buzz. You could even share previews with your Executives and solicit feedback. Your Business Case is a story with a flow, characters and a result!
Use our template and learn even more
Plexie is an ideal platform to build your Business Case. We’ve even created a template that you can use. Our template has the right flow, plus its educational and full of tips and pointers. Sign up for Plexie below, create your workspace, the grab the Business Case template. Invite others and get a jump start to getting your project started!
