How to Convince Your CEO to Say YES to a Messaging Project

I've been in the hot seat and had to do this before, many times. I've also helped dozens of marketing leaders prepare for similar conversations with their CEOs.

It's that moment in time when you have to make your case for a big messaging project you know the company desperately needs.

How do you get it done?

There are six things you need to do and say in these meetings to walk out with your CEO fully committed and on your side.

✅ Talk about the outcomes first, then the process

✅ Show tangible value for all departments and teams, not just marketing

✅ Quell fears with an aggressive timeline

✅ Bring in sponsors from other departments who are already bought in

✅ Have your activation plan already mapped out

✅ Show a relevant example from another company—not a competitor, but a company that looks like you from the future

Let's go through each of these in detail together :)