You’re a BI professional looking for a sponsor. How can you find one?

Business objectives needs to be defined with quantitative KPIs and not just qualitative. Business case to be prepared which will have target audience ,their pain points and their revenue stream. It should also contain how this solution would add business value in terms efficiency gain , cost reduction or revenue generation. It also needs to include the cost of development and maintenance to derive the TCO and break- even point. To avoid over/ commitment, one should also include check list of assumptions / considerations based on data quality, accessibility and standardization.

A BI professional to career growth needs a sponsor to: ? Have influence and decision-making power in your field or company. ? Prove yourself as a competent professional with skills by delivering high-quality work; ? Build a relationship with your potential sponsors by reaching out to them for advice, feedback, or mentorship. ? Communicate your career aspirations and goals to your potential sponsors.

Crafting your network to find the right sponsor: 1. Identify Targets: Seek individuals in your field who possess influence and alignment with your goals. 2. Connect with Purpose: Engage authentically, offering value and insight in your interactions. 3. Nurture Relationships: Cultivate genuine connections through consistent communication and mutual support. 4. Showcase Expertise: Demonstrate your skills and knowledge through relevant content sharing and contributions. 5. Seek Mentorship: Foster relationships where guidance and advocacy can naturally evolve. Analogously, just as a ship navigates through vast seas with a guiding star, navigate your career with the support of a sponsor who illuminates your path to success.

Start with a clear understanding of why you need a sponsor. Define specific goals you aim to achieve with sponsorship, such as project funding, mentorship, or career progression within your organization. If your goal is to implement a new BI tool that requires substantial investment, your objective would be to find a sponsor who understands the value of advanced BI technologies and is willing to support your initiative

Look for individuals within your organization who have the influence, interest, or responsibility to support your goals. Potential sponsors could be higher-level managers, executives, or other key stakeholders with a vested interest in BI outcomes. Identify leaders who have previously championed data-driven decision-making or those who have expressed interest in leveraging BI tools to solve business problems

Before asking for sponsorship, establish a relationship with potential sponsors. Engage them in conversations about your work, share insights from your BI projects, and demonstrate how your initiatives align with their goals or challenges. Invite a potential sponsor to a presentation of your recent BI project that showcases tangible benefits, such as improved efficiency or competitive advantage, which directly relates to their area of responsibility

Once you've built a foundation of rapport and trust, prepare a compelling proposal that outlines your objectives, the benefits of your project or career advancement, and specifically what you're asking for from the sponsor. Prepare a detailed proposal for your BI tool implementation, including expected costs, benefits, a timeline, and how it supports broader organizational goals. Highlight how their sponsorship can lead to success

After securing sponsorship, keep your sponsor informed about the progress and outcomes of your project. Regular updates and demonstrating the impact of their support is crucial for maintaining a positive and ongoing relationship. Schedule regular update meetings or reports to your sponsor, showcasing milestones reached, challenges overcome, and the quantifiable impact of the project on the organization