Build the Internal Case for AI

Frame the Opportunity

Identify 3–5 specific use cases with estimated time savings. Anchor the conversation in concrete workflows your team already struggles with — not abstract AI hype.

• ▸Map repetitive tasks that consume >5 hours/week per person
• ▸Estimate time savings per use case (be conservative)
• ▸Tie each use case to a strategic objective leadership already cares about

Quantify the Cost of Inaction

Leadership rarely moves on opportunity alone. They move when the cost of standing still becomes visible. Make the status quo uncomfortable.

• ▸Competitor moves: who in your space is already investing?
• ▸Talent expectations: top candidates expect modern tooling
• ▸Efficiency gaps: manual processes your competitors have automated

Propose a Phased Approach

Don’t ask for everything at once. A phased roadmap reduces perceived risk and creates natural checkpoints for proving value.

• ▸Pilot (Month 1–2): 1–2 use cases, small team, $2–$5K budget
• ▸Expand (Month 3–6): proven wins rolled to 2–3 more teams, $10–$25K
• ▸Scale (Month 6–12): org-wide rollout, dedicated budget line, $50K+

Address Objections

Anticipate resistance before it becomes a blocker. Every leadership team has the same four concerns — have crisp rebuttals ready.

• ▸Security: "We’ll use enterprise-grade tools with SOC 2 compliance and data residency controls"
• ▸Job displacement: "This augments people, not replaces them — here’s how roles evolve"
• ▸ROI uncertainty: "That’s exactly why we start with a pilot — prove value before we scale"
• ▸Complexity: "Modern AI tools require zero engineering — this is a business initiative"

Present the Ask

End with a specific, actionable request. Vague asks get vague answers. Give leadership something concrete to say yes to.

• ▸Specific budget: exact dollar amount for the pilot phase
• ▸Timeline: 60-day pilot with a clear review date
• ▸Success metrics: 2–3 measurable KPIs you’ll report on
• ▸Next steps: "If approved, here’s what happens in week one"

The Opportunity

Why now, what’s changed, and why it matters for your organisation specifically.

Current State & Gaps

Where manual processes are costing time and money today.

Market Context

What competitors and the broader market are doing with AI.

Proposed Approach

Phased roadmap: pilot, expand, scale — with timelines.

Investment & ROI

Budget breakdown and projected returns for each phase.

Risk Mitigation

Security, compliance, change management, and objection handling.

The Ask

Specific budget, timeline, success metrics, and immediate next steps.