How do you persuade stakeholders and funders of your budgetary decisions?

2 Communicate clearly and concisely

The second step to persuading anyone is to communicate your budgetary decisions clearly and concisely. You want to avoid jargon, technical terms, and acronyms that may confuse or alienate your audience. You also want to avoid lengthy, complex, or vague explanations that may bore or frustrate them. Instead, use simple, direct, and concrete language that conveys your main points and rationale. Use visual aids, such as charts, graphs, tables, or diagrams, to illustrate your data and evidence. Use stories, examples, or testimonials to illustrate your impact and outcomes.

3 Highlight the benefits and value

The third step to persuading anyone is to highlight the benefits and value of your budgetary decisions. You want to show your stakeholders and funders how your choices will help them achieve their goals and solve their problems. You also want to show them how your choices will enhance the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of your organization and the services you provide. You can use quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as cost savings, revenue generation, patient satisfaction, staff retention, or performance improvement, to demonstrate your results and value.

4 Acknowledge the trade-offs and risks

The fourth step to persuading anyone is to acknowledge the trade-offs and risks of your budgetary decisions. You want to be honest and transparent about the limitations, challenges, and uncertainties of your choices. You also want to show your stakeholders and funders that you have considered the alternatives, weighed the pros and cons, and mitigated the potential negative consequences. You can use scenarios, simulations, or contingency plans to show your preparedness and flexibility. You can also use feedback, evaluation, or monitoring mechanisms to show your accountability and responsiveness.

6 Follow up and follow through

The sixth and final step to persuading anyone is to follow up and follow through with your stakeholders and funders. You want to maintain regular and consistent communication with them throughout the budgetary process and beyond. You also want to deliver on your promises and commitments. You can use updates, reports, or newsletters to keep them informed and involved. You can also use surveys, interviews, or meetings to solicit their feedback and input. You can also use recognition, gratitude, or recognition to acknowledge their support and contribution.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?