Short presentation on being involved more strategically. Presented at WebVisions 2011.

1. Get a Seat at the Strategy Table Samantha Starmersstarme@rei.com @samanthastarmer http://www.flickr.com/photos/myklroventine/2475433404/

2. me web and experience stuff: Amazon, Microsoft REI – Recreational Equipment, Inc. lead IA, UX, IxD & analytics teams teach at University of Washington

3. do you want your ideas to be heard?

4. do you want to be a trusted advisor?

5. do you want to be part of the decision process?

6. know the big picture http://www.flickr.com/photos/aatemu/4784742636/

7. know the big picture know your organizations’ strategic goals and objectives understand where can your work directly benefit those goals learn when and how decisions get made think about 5 years out and three levels up – what changes? take an executive to coffee

8. lay pipe: the art of the pre-sell

9. pre-sell always be building a conduit for your goals look for allies up, down and sideways know who will oppose you, and why all the important conversations should happen before you propose a new idea

10. pick your battles

11. pick your battles focus on what is most important pay attention to timing – may be better to lose this battle be patient be a team player - help advance others’ goals, not just your own

12. offer solutions http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettyx1138/3534902300

13. offer solutions good: problems are framed as opportunities better: you bring proposed solutions whenever you identify a challenge best: you come to the table with the solution already implemented or underway

14. talk the talk

15. talk the talk listen more than you speak watch more than you present learn how your executives talk what is important to them? how are they rewarded and compensated? what words do they use? adapt to their language, don’t force them to adapt to yours

16. walk the walk http://www.flickr.com/photos/mulad/142543881

17. walk the walk get comfortable talking to executives get comfortable with strategy keep your perspective on the big picture it should feel natural for people to come to you with strategic questions Just do it. Just be it

18. thank you!! Samantha Starmer sstarme@rei.com @samanthastarmer http://www.flickr.com/photos/baking_in_pearls/3960662314