Stop Guessing—Build a Business Case That Gets You a Yes

Ever had a brilliant idea for improving your workplace—then watched it get shot down in two minutes flat?

It’s not (always) because your idea is weak. It’s because you didn’t pitch it like a business.

If you want budget, support, or buy-in, you need a business case.

One that translates “good for culture” into “good for business”—with numbers, outcomes, and zero waffle.

Here’s how to nail it, get approval, and finally get things moving.

Why Your Business Case Matters

Let’s be blunt: Execs aren’t won over by feelings. They’re won over by logic, evidence, and return on investment.
A great business case does three things:

• Defines the pain: What’s it costing us (money, time, reputation) if we do nothing?

• Maps the fix: What’s your plan, and why will it work?

• Proves the win: What’s in it for the business—financially, strategically, and culturally?

If you can’t answer those, don’t expect a yes.

The Must-Haves of a Winning Business Case

Here’s what every business case needs, no matter the project:

1. The Problem
   Spell it out. Use real data—turnover rates, lost revenue, missed opportunities.
   “Turnover is costing us $750,000 a year—and staff are burning out covering gaps.”

2. Objectives
   What’s the change you want?
   “Cut turnover by 10% in the next 12 months. Improve retention of top performers.”

3. Risks of Doing Nothing
   What gets worse if you stand still?
   “Burnout, poor reputation, missed business targets.”

4. The Solution
   How you’ll fix it. Outline your approach (bonus points if it’s proven, practical, and built for your business).

5. Implementation Plan
   Who does what, and when? Spell out milestones, quick wins, and how you’ll measure success.

6. Resources Needed
   Be realistic—show where the money (and time) goes.

7. Expected Outcomes & ROI
   Numbers talk. How will this help the business, bottom line and beyond?

8. Next Steps
   Make it easy to say yes:

   • Approve the case

   • Nominate a lead

   • Kick off in 30 days

Pro Tips for Making Your Case Impossible to Ignore

• Keep it short. 3–5 pages, max. If you need a novel, you haven’t nailed the value.

• Lead with data. Show the pain and the upside in numbers, not just stories.

• Be honest about risks. Show you’ve thought it through—and have a plan.

• Close with confidence. “Here’s what I need, here’s what you get.”

Don’t Start From Scratch—Use Our Free Template

We’ve seen hundreds of business cases—most fail because they’re either too fluffy or too technical.

So we built a template that covers everything you need, in plain English.

Download the Business Case Template here →

Want an Expert Review—Free?

If you want a second set of eyes on your business case before you pitch, I’ll review it with you—no charge, no catch.

Book a 20-minute chat here and I’ll help you tighten your pitch and boost your odds of a yes.