How to Sell the IT Training You Want to the C-Suite

Convincing your boss to pay for professional training can be a challenge, especially if budgets are tight. As an IT professional, you know that in your constantly changing industry, the right training is one of the most important investments you and your company can make.

If you’re feeling the need for more IT training and are nervous about approaching your leadership team, let the following tips boost your confidence and help you make your pitch. Here’s how to sell the IT training you want to the c-suite and show them how it will pay off in the long run.

Make a Business Case

When you’re approaching your CFO or CIO about investing in new training for you, and maybe even your entire team, you have to think about what you’re asking from their perspective. In order for them to justify the cost, they need to be able to anticipate a significant ROI (return on investment) from the training.

When putting together your business case for why additional IT training is valuable. Consider the following:

How will this training help you immediately level-up as an IT professional? Give specific examples.
In turn, how will it help you take the company to the next level, too? Again, give specific examples if possible.
What is unique about this training program? How does it compare to others in the industry?

This is your chance to prove to your boss that this training is not just a benefit for you, but a positive investment for the entire company.

Crunch the Numbers Beforehand

While the above considerations will help your boss understand the value of this investment, the following are the cut-and-dry numbers you need to have prepared beforehand in order to negotiate. Spend some time researching and calculating these figures before you make your case:

Barry Pruett, Vice President of Professional Technology Strategy at Wiley, has more than 26 years of publishing and content development experience. He is responsible for the Professional Technology business for Wiley, which includes key technology brands, including Sybex and Wrox, and renowned authors. Currently Barry is leading his team in transformation from print to digital solutions within the technology market, which included a partnership with IT training platform, ITPro.TV.

How much will this training cost, from start to finish?
What’s the time investment? How long will it take to complete and will you be doing it during work hours?
If this training will give you the tools you need in order to work faster and/or smarter, quantify those statements with real-life examples, hours, and price tags.

Showing your boss that you understand the investment from a financial standpoint will give you a leg up when making your pitch.

Choose a Reputable Training Program That Can Be Completed Online

When it comes to negotiating, picking the right training program can really be an asset to your pitch. As opposed to a training that requires travel or in-person attendance, choose one that allows you to complete it online and over a flexible timeframe.

An IT training solution allows you to learn and receive training on-the-go. A subscription-based training program like this one is a good option for IT professionals who value ongoing education. You can pick and choose the courses you need and complete them on your own schedule, whenever and wherever you want.

If you follow this advice, you’ll have a much stronger chance of selling the IT training you want to your leadership team. Be confident, make a strong business case, and you’ll be on your way to the professional development you deserve.

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