Executive Buy-In Made Simple: Tips from Marketing Pro Bobbi Steward

In a recent Building Blocks podcast, host Eden Chai connects with Bobbi Steward, CEO of Revise, on strategies for securing executive buy-in. 

Drawing from her marketing experience at G5, BH Management, and Realtor.com, Bobbi offers insights on navigating company dynamics, building support, and pitching ideas. 

This article recaps key takeaways, providing a practical guide for PMCs. 

For more, listen to the full podcast here.

Build Internal Support Before Approaching Leadership

Bobbi believes that true buy-in starts from the ground up. 

Before approaching executives, she first rallied support from her peers in sales and customer success. 

By letting these teams test new ideas and experience small wins, she sparked internal buzz. 

The grassroots momentum she garnered laid the foundation for a more compelling pitch to leadership, making it hard for them to say no.

Tip 💡: Start with small "covert" wins in your team. Share early results with peers to build internal support before taking your pitch to the top.

Understand Company Culture and Decision-Making Dynamics

Bobbi points out that success often depends on recognizing if your company values risk mitigation or growth opportunities. 

As she puts it, “Some company cultures are more risk-averse... but I don’t think the two things are mutually exclusive. You can be risk-averse and innovative.” 

Tailor your pitch to the company’s mindset, and show how your idea aligns with its broader goals.

Present Ideas with Clarity and Structure

Clear, structured communication is key when pitching to executives. 

Consistency in how you present ideas helps build trust, showing that you’ve thought things through and can offer actionable insights.

Use the "1-3-1 Framework"

We discussed Bobbi's suggestion of using the "1-3-1 Framework" for pitching ideas: identify one problem, propose three possible solutions, and finish with your recommendation.

This method is direct, focused, and shows you’ve explored different options, making your proposal easier for executives to understand and consider.

Tip 💡: Keep your solutions varied. Include a low-cost option, an innovative option, and a balanced approach.

Align Your Proposal with Business Metrics

Always start with the bottom line: how does your idea make or save the company money? 

Bobbi explains that aligning your pitch with key business goals—like growing revenue, cutting costs, or increasing customer loyalty—instantly grabs leadership's attention. 

Frame your proposal as a solution to a real business challenge. 

Instead of presenting it as just another marketing effort, show how it directly impacts the company’s success. 

This approach turns your pitch from a "nice-to-have" into a "must-have."

Winning executive buy-in is as much about strategy as it is about the idea itself. 

It requires building support, speaking the company’s language, and showing how your proposal drives real business outcomes. 

The path may not always be straightforward, but every step is a chance to strengthen your influence. 

What was your biggest takeaway from this article? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

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