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 can make or break the experience. When the wrong stakeholders show up, it can lead to misunderstandings, misaligned expectations, and ultimately, a failure to demonstrate the true value of the AI solution being presented. This misalignment not only wastes valuable time but can also create a negative perception of the technology, hindering its adoption within the organization.
The significance of stakeholder alignment in AI demos cannot be overstated. Each participant plays a unique role in the decision-making process, and their perspectives shape the overall evaluation of the solution. When the wrong individuals attend, critical questions may go unanswered, and essential feedback may be overlooked. This disconnect can lead to missed opportunities for improvement and a lack of buy-in from key decision-makers, ultimately stalling the momentum needed for successful implementation.
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 group of stakeholders from a mid-sized organization. The intended audience includes the sales manager, a product owner, and a training coordinator. However, due to miscommunication, the demo is attended by a junior sales representative, an IT technician, and a marketing intern.
Participants / Components:
- Sales Manager (intended decision-maker)
- Product Owner (key stakeholder)
- Training Coordinator (end-user perspective)
- Junior Sales Representative (wrong stakeholder)
- IT Technician (wrong stakeholder)
- Marketing Intern (wrong stakeholder)
Process / Flow / Response:
Step 1: Identify Misalignment
As the demo begins, the presenter quickly realizes that the attendees lack the necessary context and decision-making authority. The junior sales representative asks basic questions that indicate a lack of understanding of the platform's strategic value, while the IT technician is more focused on technical specifications rather than the coaching benefits.
Step 2: Pivot the Discussion
The presenter tactfully redirects the conversation by addressing the questions posed by the junior sales representative but emphasizes the broader implications of the AI solution for sales performance and training efficiency. This approach helps to engage the wrong stakeholders while subtly steering the conversation towards the interests of the intended audience.
Step 3: Capture Feedback and Next Steps
At the end of the demo, the presenter summarizes the key points and encourages the attendees to relay the information to the appropriate stakeholders. They also offer to schedule a follow-up session specifically for the sales manager and product owner, ensuring that the right decision-makers can engage with the platform's capabilities in more depth.
Outcome:
While the demo did not go as planned, the presenter successfully navigated the situation by adapting to the audience's needs. They managed to maintain engagement and set the stage for future discussions, ultimately preserving the opportunity for a successful partnership with the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Common Concerns About Stakeholder Misalignment in Demos
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 group of stakeholders from a mid-sized organization. The intended audience includes the sales manager, a product owner, and a training coordinator. However, due to miscommunication, the demo is attended by a junior sales representative, an IT technician, and a marketing intern.
Participants / Components:
- Sales Manager (intended decision-maker)
- Product Owner (key stakeholder)
- Training Coordinator (end-user perspective)
- Junior Sales Representative (wrong stakeholder)
- IT Technician (wrong stakeholder)
- Marketing Intern (wrong stakeholder)
Process / Flow / Response:
Step 1: Identify Misalignment
As the demo begins, the presenter quickly realizes that the attendees lack the necessary context and decision-making authority. The junior sales representative asks basic questions that indicate a lack of understanding of the platform's strategic value, while the IT technician is more focused on technical specifications rather than the coaching benefits.
Step 2: Pivot the Discussion
The presenter tactfully redirects the conversation by addressing the questions posed by the junior sales representative but emphasizes the broader implications of the AI solution for sales performance and training efficiency. This approach helps to engage the wrong stakeholders while subtly steering the conversation towards the interests of the intended audience.
Step 3: Capture Feedback and Next Steps
At the end of the demo, the presenter summarizes the key points and encourages the attendees to relay the information to the appropriate stakeholders. They also offer to schedule a follow-up session specifically for the sales manager and product owner, ensuring that the right decision-makers can engage with the platform's capabilities in more depth.
Outcome:
While the demo did not go as planned, the presenter successfully navigated the situation by adapting to the audience's needs. They managed to maintain engagement and set the stage for future discussions, ultimately preserving the opportunity for a successful partnership with the organization.
