What do you do if your ideas are being overlooked in content strategy meetings?

1 Speak Up

When your ideas seem to be overlooked, it's crucial to speak up, but do so strategically. Timing is everything. Choose a moment when the meeting has reached a point where input is being sought, and articulate your idea clearly and concisely. Ensure that your voice is heard without interrupting others or appearing confrontational. It's about asserting your presence in a respectful manner. If the conversation moves on before you've had a chance to speak, politely interject with a phrase like, "I have an idea that might add to this discussion."

2 Align Ideas

Ensure your ideas are in sync with the overall content strategy and business objectives. Before presenting, ask yourself if your idea supports the goals of the project or addresses a specific problem the team is facing. By framing your suggestions within the context of the team's targets, you demonstrate strategic thinking and make it easier for others to see the value of your contributions. This alignment often leads to a better reception and a higher likelihood of implementation.

3 Build Support

Building alliances within your team can be an effective way to ensure your ideas gain traction. Discuss your ideas with colleagues before the meeting and solicit their feedback. This not only helps refine your concepts but also means that when you present them, you'll have advocates who are familiar with your thinking and can support your suggestions. Having others echo your ideas can amplify their perceived value and encourage the team to give them more consideration.

4 Enhance Presentation

The way you present your ideas can significantly impact how they're received. Work on enhancing your presentation skills by being clear, engaging, and using storytelling techniques to make your points more compelling. Visual aids can also be beneficial, as they often make concepts easier to grasp and remember. By presenting your ideas more effectively, you make it harder for them to be ignored and increase the likelihood that they will resonate with your audience.

5 Seek Feedback

If your ideas are still being overlooked, seek feedback to understand why. Approach a colleague or supervisor after the meeting and ask for their honest opinion on your suggestions. This shows that you are open to constructive criticism and willing to learn. The feedback may reveal that there's a gap in how you're communicating your ideas or that there are aspects of the business strategy you might not be considering. Use this feedback to refine your approach for future meetings.

6 Reflect & Adapt

Take time to reflect on the feedback you receive and be willing to adapt your ideas accordingly. This reflection is not about conceding defeat but about learning and growing professionally. Sometimes, an idea needs to be reworked or presented differently to gain acceptance. Other times, you may need to develop a better understanding of the company's strategic direction. By reflecting on and adapting your approach, you show resilience and a commitment to contributing effectively to your team's success.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?