Sooner or later we all face the challenge of selling our boss or team on using the latest tool or technology. We love our work so selling new technology is a labor of love. The technology will help us grow professionally, progress in our career, and maybe even bring world peace. Ok, I went a little too far much like we sometimes do.
Selling New Technology As An Improvement
The best selling point we can make is that the advance we are pushing is a silver bullet. If we have something that solves all your problems and leaves your breath smelling minty fresh, then it is a slam dunk. Of course, our boss will want it. However, this is never the case. Even worse, if we try to make the “silver bullet” case we are putting nails in our coffin. The product will not live up to the promise, and our reputation will take a hit.
Instead of going for the kill in our sale of this new thing we are going to have much more chance of success by demonstrating its value. We can do this through a proof-of-concept project or even a throw-away build on the new tech. This approach might lead to a fractured approach to technology in your team. Thus, it is better to throw away the project if the tech is not adopted going forward. The worst situation in a company is when they have some application to support that no one understands.
When in Doubt, Do It Yourself
Sometimes your best bet is to build your side project with the new technology. This project will allow you to test it out without the risk of looking bad in front of your boss. It also will give you time to work on your expertise in the new tech. All of this, while figuring out the strengths and weaknesses of your new “toy.” This approach can make you more likely to be successful in selling it as you will be over the honeymoon period and well-versed in the challenges that technology may present.
