In early 2010, Apple announced the upcoming release of its iPad with much fanfare.
For the next two months, key influencers were given access to try out the iPad so they could help spread the word about its features and functionality. Press coverage and blogging about the iPad were prolific. By the time of the iPad’s actual launch, people were standing in line overnight to be among the first to have one of their own.
Wouldn’t it be great if users were standing in line to try the new solution that you are rolling out? Or, at the very least, wouldn’t you like to have users become excited about the new solution, rather than resistant to it? You can get end users to embrace new technology with enthusiasm, but you have to plan for it.
This means that you must go beyond the goal of simply getting the solution deployed within the established timeline and budget. In addition to the actual implementation, it’s important to carefully orchestrate demand for the solution.
Here are a few key steps to help you get there:
- Marketing Matters
- Build a Communications Plan
- Paint the Big Picture
- Be Informative and Personal
- Gain Executive Commitment
- Enlist “Change Champions”
- Identify and Counter Objections
Original Post: BMC