Great Idea. Lots of Nods. No Decision. Now What?
You’re trying to get buy-in for your idea—an idea you know would add real strategic value—but it’s stuck in conversation purgatory. People are talking about it. Agreeing with it. Circling it in meetings. Saying, “Let’s see,” and then… talking about it some more. Lots of nods. No decision.
So what do you do when your idea has momentum, but not commitment?
5 Ways to Seal the Deal on Your Great Idea (with Video)
Today’s Asking for a Friend comes from Seal Bay in Australia, where the sea lions are experts at knowing when it’s time to lounge—and when it’s time to move. And if you want to stop discussing your idea and actually get buy-in, here’s what works.
1. Lead With Value, Not Just the Idea
If you want to get buy-in for your idea, start by positioning it in terms of value—not effort, not features, not passion.
Ask yourself: Why does this matter to the colony?
Why does this matter to your stakeholders? customers? employees? the business right now?
In our executive development programs, we say this all the time: your first sentence should be so compelling the other person puts down their phone. When people clearly see the value, buy-in comes faster.
2. Translate Your Expertise
Here’s where many smart ideas lose traction.
When you’re close to the data—or deep in the expertise—it’s easy to assume the solution should be obvious. But if you want to get buy-in, your job isn’t to prove how smart you are. It’s to be a translator.
Translate complexity into clarity. Data into meaning. Insight into impact.
If someone can’t explain your idea to someone else, they won’t advocate for it. And without advocates, buy-in stalls.
3. Create a “Squeeze Play” for Buy-In
If you’re relying on one conversation with one decision-maker to get buy-in, you’re making it harder than it needs to be.
Instead, look sideways.
Who else has a credible perspective?
A different angle?
Who influences the people who influence the decision?
Engage them early. When leaders hear about your idea from multiple respected voices, buy-in builds organically. I call this the squeeze play—your idea gets attention because it’s coming from everywhere.
4. Anticipate Objections Before They Surface
Every idea creates ripples. Some create waves.
If you want to get buy-in, don’t wait for objections to appear in the room—bring them up yourself.
Try:
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“If I were you, I might be wondering…”
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“Here’s the concern I’ve already thought through…”
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“Let me address the risk you may be thinking about…”
When you name objections first, you lower resistance and increase trust. That’s how you turn hesitation into buy-in.
5. Make the Path Forward Feel Simple
People don’t resist ideas—they resist ideas that feel like a lot of work.
If you want to get buy-in for your idea, make the first step small. Consider a pilot, a prototype, or a way to trial in one market.
When the path forward feels manageable, people are far more willing to say yes.
6. End With a Clear Ask
This is where many good ideas quietly die.
To get buy-in, you need a specific ask:
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“I’m asking to pilot this here.”
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“What I need is $5,000.”
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“Can I try this for 60 days?”
Clarity creates commitment—and commitment is real buy-in.
So… asking for a friend—what would you add?
What advice would you give someone who’s trying to get buy-in for their idea and finally seal the deal?
See you next time on Asking for a Friend.
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