Demo AI Roleplay: Wrong Stakeholders Showed Up to Demo
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Bella Williams - 10 min read
Introduction: The Impact of Wrong Stakeholders in AI Demos
In the world of AI-powered coaching and roleplay, the presence of the right stakeholders during a demo is crucial. When the wrong stakeholders show up, it can derail the entire demonstration, leading to misunderstandings, misaligned expectations, and wasted resources. This scenario is particularly problematic in AI demos, where the technology's complexity demands informed participants who can engage meaningfully with the content being presented.
The impact of having the wrong stakeholders in an AI demo extends beyond just the immediate confusion. It can result in a lack of buy-in from key decision-makers, miscommunication about the product's capabilities, and ultimately, a failure to achieve the desired outcomes from the demo. As organizations increasingly rely on AI solutions to enhance their operations, ensuring that the appropriate stakeholders are present becomes not just a logistical necessity but a strategic imperative.
Scenario: Navigating a Demo with the Wrong Stakeholders Present
Scenario: Navigating a Demo with the Wrong Stakeholders Present
Setting:
A virtual demo session is scheduled to showcase an AI-powered coaching platform to a potential client. The intended audience includes the client’s project manager, a senior executive, and a technical lead. However, the demo begins with the presence of junior staff members who lack decision-making authority and understanding of the product's strategic implications.
Participants / Components:
- Project Manager: Responsible for overseeing the implementation of new tools.
- Senior Executive: Key decision-maker with budget authority.
- Technical Lead: Evaluates the technical feasibility of solutions.
- Junior Staff Members: Attendees with limited experience and authority.
Process / Flow / Response:
Step 1: Identify Stakeholder Misalignment
The demo facilitator quickly assesses the audience and realizes that the key decision-makers are not present. This misalignment can lead to misunderstandings about the product's value and capabilities.
Step 2: Engage the Right Stakeholders
The facilitator addresses the situation by asking if the senior executive and project manager can join the call. If they are unavailable, the facilitator offers to reschedule the demo to ensure that the right stakeholders are present, emphasizing the importance of their input for informed decision-making.
Step 3: Adjust the Demo Content
While waiting for the right stakeholders, the facilitator tailors the demo to engage the junior staff, focusing on basic functionalities and user experience. This approach helps maintain interest and prepares junior members to advocate for the solution later.
Outcome:
By recognizing the presence of the wrong stakeholders early in the demo, the facilitator mitigates potential confusion and ensures that the product's value is communicated effectively. Rescheduling or adjusting the content allows for a more productive discussion when the right stakeholders are involved, ultimately leading to better alignment and decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Common Concerns About Stakeholder Engagement in Demos
Q: What should I do if the wrong stakeholders show up to the demo?
A: Quickly assess the situation and determine if key decision-makers are absent. If so, suggest rescheduling or adjusting the demo content to engage the current audience while emphasizing the importance of having the right stakeholders present.
Q: How can I ensure the right stakeholders are invited to the demo?
A: Before scheduling the demo, confirm the list of attendees with the client, ensuring that key decision-makers and relevant team members are included. Communicate the importance of their presence for a productive discussion.
Q: What impact does having the wrong stakeholders have on the demo?
A: It can lead to misunderstandings about the product's value, misaligned expectations, and ultimately a lack of buy-in from key decision-makers, which can derail the decision-making process.
Q: How can I tailor the demo for junior staff members if they are the only ones present?
A: Focus on basic functionalities and user experience to keep their interest. This approach helps prepare them to advocate for the solution later when key stakeholders are involved.
Q: What are some best practices for conducting AI demos?
A: Clearly define objectives, engage stakeholders beforehand, customize content based on the audience, and ensure a follow-up plan to address any questions or concerns that arise during the demo.
Q: How can I measure the success of a demo with the right stakeholders?
A: Success can be measured through stakeholder engagement, feedback received during and after the demo, and the subsequent actions taken by the stakeholders, such as scheduling follow-up meetings or expressing interest in the solution.
