[TIPS] — Building a Business Case: Turning Ideas into Action

Hosts:
Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks
Published: November 4, 2025
Length: ~10 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

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💡 Episode Summary

In this episode of Simply Trade [Tips], Hammer & Heels (Renee & Julie) continue their Project Management Series with a deep dive into one of the most crucial steps in any successful initiative — building the business case.

Whether your project is a small process improvement or a large-scale system redesign, having a clear and well-thought-out business case can make all the difference when it comes to securing buy-in and budget approval.

Renee and Julie break it down into four essential components:
1️⃣ Executive Summary (BLUF — Bottom Line Up Front) – Define the project, its risks, goals, and mitigation strategies.
2️⃣ Problem Statement & Proposed Solution – Clearly identify what problem you’re solving and how your solution addresses it.
3️⃣ Cost & Benefit Analysis – Outline not just hard savings but also avoidance costs like penalties, inefficiencies, or rework avoided through compliance.
4️⃣ High-Level Project Plan – Create a realistic timeline, resource needs, and communication strategy that anticipate setbacks.

From small departmental SOPs to enterprise-wide initiatives, this episode gives trade professionals the tools to articulate value and drive results.

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🧠 Key Takeaways

• Start with the BLUF — the bottom line your leaders need to see first.

• Clearly define your problem statement before proposing a solution.

• Don’t ignore avoidance costs — they’re real savings too.

• Partner with Finance to quantify time, resources, and risk mitigation in monetary terms.

• Be realistic with your timeline and dependencies — under-promise, over-deliver.

• Communicate early and often with stakeholders to build support and flexibility.

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🧭 FIO (Figure It Out)

👉 Action Item: Take the project you identified in Episode 1 and begin drafting your business case.

• Start with a rough outline (“back of the envelope” style).

• Identify your problem, proposed solution, and 2–3 measurable benefits.

• Test it with peers or stakeholders and refine before formal submission.

Then, share your progress in the Trade Geeks Community!

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💬 Keep the Conversation Going

Join the Trade Geeks Community at Global Training Center and share:

• What project are you building your business case for?

• What challenges are you facing in defining your costs and benefits?

• Have you tried pitching your project to leadership yet?

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🎧 Credits

Hosts:

• Renee Chiuchiarelli

• Julie Parks

Producer:

• Lalo Solorzano

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📲 Subscribe & Follow

🎙️ New TIPS episodes every Tuesday.

Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.

Connect with us:

• Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn

• Global Training Center on LinkedIn

• YouTube

• Spotify

• Apple Podcasts

• Trade Geeks Community

Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

📩 Want to be on the show or suggest a topic?
Email us at SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com or DM us on X/Twitter @SimplyTradePod