Now that you’ve done the thinking—make it impossible to ignore.
A strong business case doesn’t just inform. It persuades. It tells a concise story backed by evidence, shaped by strategic alignment, and delivered in a format that earns attention at the right altitude.
This section helps you communicate your case clearly and credibly—so your proposal feels less like a request, and more like an inevitable step forward.
You’ve already done the hard part. Now shape it into a clear, executive-ready flow:
1. Context – What’s happening in the business that makes this relevant now?
2. Risk & Opportunity – What’s at stake if we act—or don’t?
3. Options – What choices exist, and what do they cost/gain?
4. Recommendation – Which option you recommend and why
5. Execution Plan – How it will be implemented, measured, and reported
6. Strategic Fit – How it connects to board-level goals, transformation programs, or key initiativesKeep it tight: 5–8 slides or a single-page summary. Every sentence should earn its place.
Leaders don’t just want to fund a problem—they want to see a plan that delivers results.
Include:
A 30/60/90-day or phased rollout plan
Key milestones and dependencies
Who will lead it, who will support it, and what success looks like
Any known constraints, risks, or assumptions
Tip: Show you’re ready. Don’t ask for funding unless you’re also ready to execute.
Once your materials are ready, rehearse the pitch with a trusted peer. Ask them:
“Where did you get lost?”
“What did you not care about?”
“What felt the most convincing?”
Then refine it. Tighten your lead. Simplify your framing. Deliver the message in 10 minutes or less. Let your case speak for itself—and leave space for questions, concerns, and dialogue.
Most decisions won’t happen during your meeting—they’ll happen afterward.
Make it easy to remember you and your case. Leave behind:
A one-page summary with the options, BCRs, and key takeaways
A visual metaphor or phrase they’ll associate with your case ("This saves enough time to pay for itself in Q2")
A link to supporting data or the SPI 360 readiness view, if available
Pro Tip: Give them something they can advocate with—even if you’re not in the room.
This is your turning point:
You’re no longer just the CISO asking for resources—you’re a strategic leader proposing progress
Your case is not a spreadsheet—it’s a story of risk, alignment, and execution
If you’ve built it right, it’s easier to say yes than no
Can you explain your case in 90 seconds—without jargon or technical depth?
What would success look like in 30/60/90 days if this proposal is approved?
What is the one phrase or visual that will help decision-makers remember and retell your case?