Management Tip of the Day: 2 Ways You Shouldn't Pitch an Idea

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 8, 2011 2 Ways You Shouldn't Pitch an Idea Coming up with ideas is easy. Selling them to strangers is hard. Entrepreneurs and executives alike often go to great lengths to explain how their concepts are novel and profitable, only to be rejected. Avoid the same fate by steering clear of these two approaches: The pushover. Don't offer to change things at the slightest hint of disapproval. Caving in to criticism doesn't demonstrate flexibility; it shows you don't care about your idea. Instead, defend it. The used-car salesman. Be persuasive, not unctuous. Don't act like everyone should think your idea is great. Be realistic about what your proposal will do for your audience. Today's Management Tip was adapted from Harvard Business Review on Communicating Effectively. Buy the book and learn more about maximizing your persuasive power » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Managing Difficult Interactions: Pocket Mentor Series HBR Press Book In the business world, confrontations are inevitable — whether they're with your employees, peers, bosses, or even suppliers and customers. Ignored or handled badly, confrontations can damage workplace relationships and ruin careers. This volume helps you master the art of effectively managing difficult interactions. You'll learn how to: Determine which confrontations are worth an investment of your time and energy. Understand and manage the strong emotions that can arise during confrontations. Design solutions that meet all stakeholders' needs. Coach your direct reports to resolve confrontations productively. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Cope with Your Incompetent Boss Avoid Overinvesting in IT 3 Ways to Help Consumers Express Themselves 3 Areas Your Organization Must Align 3 Don'ts of Persuasion 3 Tips for Hiring Recent Graduates Compete on Analytics 3 Ways to Build Confidence 3 Steps to Make a Business Case for Sustainability Don't Blame IT for that Failed Initiative BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Free HBR Interactive issue Download the iPad app HBR Reads, and get your issue with audio and video interviews and multimedia slideshows. Learn more » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2011 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)