Creating Connections is a three-part blog series. Part 1 explored how employers speak with their employees about utilizing our services. Part 2 focuses on how employees can take the lead in introducing our company to theirs.
Something has sold you on us. Perhaps you have seen, first hand, how we assist people with their writing and presentation skills. Maybe you have heard from a friend how they benefited from working with our company. Maybe you are struggling with your own writing or presenting skills, and believe our company will make your life easier. How do you approach your employer about hiring our company to work with you?
Making requests and asking for help can feel like risky endeavors. Even when we know we would benefit from additional support, actually asking for what we need requires intentionality and courage. The key to making requests is being able to identify, in advance, how your proposal will be a win-win for everyone involved.
Here are some steps you can take prior to making a direct request.
• Be clear on how and why working with our company benefits your company as a whole. Think beyond how you personally will benefit, and identify several ways our company will bring value to the entire organization. What matters most to your company? How will our services align with your company’s mission and goals?
• Know who makes the decisions. The person who may be most interested in providing employees with this kind of support may not be the same person who makes budgetary decisions. Do your research, and be sure you know in advance the responsibilities and priorities of each person with whom you plan to speak.
• Have a plan. Based on what you know about who makes decisions, consider where you want to start. Rather than going directly to the person who makes budgetary decisions, you may want to start first by talking with other decision-makers in your company who are likely to see the value of this work. Gauge their level of interest, and see if they will help you present information to others who may have additional concerns or questions.
• Do your research! Consider what questions you will be asked about our company, and be prepared to answer. By knowing what matters most to the decision-makers in your organization, you can anticipate the data they will want to see and hear. While our company welcomes the opportunity to answer these questions directly, you will need to offer enough information in the initial conversations so that your employer has enough interest and confidence to take the next step and contact us.
• Practice, practice, practice. Talk to a mirror, talk to a coworker, or talk to us. In the same way that we engage in mock interviews with job seekers, we conduct practice sessions with people who are preparing to present information. We can help you anticipate the questions your employer may ask, and offer feedback on your presentation and delivery. When making a request, the tone and approach you choose to use are critical in creating the outcome you want.
Employers need to see that what you are requesting will add value to their company. When approaching your employer with a request, you have an opportunity to share how invested you are in the company and how aware you are of its values and needs. Sharing how you would personally benefit from our services is the easy part. The essential part of making a request is being clear and articulate about what your employer and company will gain by choosing to connect with our company.
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