Making the Right Business Case: Lessons for Work, Life, and Beyond!

"You might think you understand something – until someone asks you a really basic question, and you find yourself struggling to explain it in the simplest terms."

This happens all the time in business, life, and decision–making. We assume we know how to justify an idea, investment, or decision – until we have to articulate it clearly and repeatedly, and that’s really the essence of a business case: it’s not just about your gut telling you it’s a game-changing idea. It’s about proving it – again and again – in a way that leaves no room for doubt, not just for others but even for yourself.

In my opinion, it comes down to three simple rules – conveniently piggybacking on the Rule of 3, like your next-door consultant who tries to fit everything into a framework:

1. Solve for Headwinds Over Tailwinds:

• Headwinds – Challenges, obstacles, or forces slowing progress. While having a clear and concise problem statement is crucial, starting with the right problem is even more important.
• Think of it this way: if you're building the next breakthrough AI company, your priority should be creating an interesting product and onboarding users who are ready to pay for the service. Only then does it make sense to focus on developing your own AI models, investing in data centers, and scaling infrastructure because these might seem like the bigger wins from the outside, but without a strong foundation, they won’t get you far.
• So, the next time you're building a case for a million-dollar investment or deciding what your team should tackle next, take a step back. Ask yourself: Is there a bigger roadblock to clear first? The right sequencing can make all the difference – not just in driving impact, but also in earning trust from your target audience early on.

2. Define the Value Roadmap: Don’t Just Show the Prize, Show the Path:

• Imagine a scenario where the next big project is up for grabs, and the final decision comes down to two competing business cases, yours and that of another team member with similar industry and clientele experience. On paper, both proposals might seem equally strong, with similar end goals. However, the real differentiator lies in how effectively you outline the path to success. A well-structured case doesn’t just highlight the desired outcome; it maps out measurable milestones, clear execution steps, key dependencies, and tangible impact, equipping decision-makers with the confidence to champion your case.
• Prioritize what matters. Not every step in the roadmap holds equal weight. Decision-makers care about why certain actions take precedence over others, so clearly articulate the trade-offs you’ve considered.
• Anticipate risks and contingencies. Spend more time thinking through potential roadblocks than simply selling the dream. Situations will never be ideal, but demonstrating foresight in tackling challenges makes your case stronger and boosts credibility.

3.     Establish Credibility:

• Finally, you can have the best solution in the world, but if people don’t see you as the right person to drive it, good luck getting buy-in. Establishing credibility isn’t just about proving your idea – it’s about proving you can make it happen. In the world of investing, this is often called founder-market fit – the sweet spot where your skills, experience, and drive align perfectly with the market or the problem you’re solving.
• And this applies to just about everything – right from convincing your friends to order your choice of takeaway (a very serious business), to pitching your leadership for a budget increase to grow your team or business. The stronger your credibility, the easier the "yes."
• That said, credibility is built over time. The best way to strengthen it? Deliver on your promises – consistently, while maintaining a high level of transparency on your progress. And hey, if you can get your friends to trust your takeaway choices without a debate, you’re probably doing something right.

Hope this short read helps you better position your business case and get the results you’re aiming for.

Yours Truly,

An amateur writer who may or may not have procrastinated on their own business case to write this instead, while scraping through AI-powered internet for validation.