boss, we need an api!
DESCRIPTION
Today, APIs are defining the winners of tomorrow. But even if the benefits are obvious to you - how can you sell your API strategy internally? What messages will inspire your executives, business development, IT and others to act? What market and customer data is out there to help, and how do you weave it into a compelling story? Join a live webinar with Sam Ramji, Brian Mulloy and Brian Pagano and get the recipes for being successful in selling an API initiative internally, including your boss. We Will Discuss » The best practices for being a change agent: DOs and DON'Ts The messages that work best for various stakeholders across the organization Channeling the voice of your customers and partners to shape your API strategyTRANSCRIPT
Boss, We Need an API!
Apigee@apigee
Brian Mulloy@landlessness
Sam Ramji@sramji
Brian Pagano@brianpagano
@landlessness @sramji @brianpagano
Mapping out your API Strategy Pragmatic REST: API Design Fu 10 Patterns in Successful API ProgramsWhat to Measure: API AnalyticsIs your API Naked? API Tech & OperationsDoes your API need PCI? (Compliance)Developers Hate Marketing: Driving API AdoptionOAuth: The Big Picture Boss, we need an API!
Rapid API Workshop Webinar Series videos & slides at http://blog.apigee.com/taglist/webinar
(or a tech-savvy business person)
You: are a technologist
You: want an API at your organization
You: think the value is self-evident
They: don’t see it
You (undeterred): answer the call to be a hero
We: have your back
Topics
Change AgencyKey API StakeholdersKey API MessagesPutting it All Together
Good Reads
Change Agency
Commandments of Influence
1. It is not about you, it is about your team and your company
2. Know what will get your listener and your listener’s boss promoted
3. Do what is right for the business. Don't just play with shiny toys.
4. Do the homework to figure out how the API will make that happen
5. Realize that the listener will always know less than you about APIs
6. Realize that's a good thing for everyone
7. Channel the voice of the customer
8. Be helpful, reasonable, and inspiring
9. Believe in what you are doing. Smile. A lot. Even on the phone.
10. Honestly want everyone involved, and everyone who is in your way, to succeed
11. To the best of your ability, give them the tools to succeed
12. Find buddies
13. Talk to people. Face-to-face if possible. Build consensus before decision points. Build consensus before you get anywhere near a meeting.
14. Have a clearly articulated vision- What does success look like? How will we get from point A to Point B?
15. People are often afraid to act or break from the status quo. Fear can be powerful. Create the conditions for people to safely follow your vision.
16. REALLY, it is not about you, it is about your team and your company
Key API Stakeholders
(and what gets them promoted)
Generally
How to find API stakeholders• Apps• Devices• New channels• Social• Local• Mobile• New revenue streams• Be expansive• Practical people
Specifically
Core Products• Product Managers• Professional Services• Support Teams
Business Development• Partner Reps• Quota-carrying Managers• Strategic Accounts
Marketing & Sales• Social Media Managers• Creative Agencies• Sales Operations
IT• Mobile App Teams • Web Teams• CTOs & Architects (SOA veterans)• Storage• Security• Network
Executives and Board• CEO• Board Members• Leadership Team
Key API Messages
(that lead to promotions)
“Hey Everyone, Integration!”“Shared Services!”
“APIs!”
“Hey Everyone, Integration!”“Shared Services!”
“APIs!”
Targeted Value Proposition
For:Target Stakeholder
Who:Statement of Need or Opportunity
Our API Initiative is:Project Category
That:Statement of Benefit
Unlike:Other Initiatives
Our API Initiative :Primary Differentiator
Because :Proof that Benefit can be Delivered
Marketing & Sales• Social Media Managers• Creative Agencies• Sales Operations
For: our social media marketers
Target Stakeholder
Who: promote our brand on twitter, facebook & emerging networks
Statement of Need or Opportunity
Our API Initiative is: social media infrastructure
Project Category
That: launches campaigns faster with a richer brand experience
Statement of Benefit
Unlike: the one-off facebook app we did last year
Other Initiatives
Our API Initiative : will work with all social networks and the more campaigns we do the faster and deeper we’ll execute each one
Primary Differentiator
Because : our proven approach is modeled to work like the platforms of facebook, twitter, google and other social media leaders.
Proof that Benefit can be Delivered
Marketing & Sales• Social Media Managers• Creative Agencies• Sales Operations
For: our creative agencies
Target Stakeholder
Who: find it slow and challenging to work with us on key projects
Statement of Need or Opportunity
Our API Initiative is: a self-service developer platform
Project Category
That: unleashes creativity, lowers project management overhead and creates successful applications more quickly
Statement of Benefit
Unlike: our current, cumbersome infrastructure
Other Initiatives
Our API Initiative : is created and maintained like an actual product and we treat agency developers like customers
Primary Differentiator
Because : our proven approach is modeled to work like the platforms of facebook, twitter, google and other social media leaders.
Proof that Benefit can be Delivered
IT• Mobile App Teams • Web Teams• CTOs & Architects (SOA veterans)
Boxer Peter Buckley who has lost 256 out of 299 fights.
For:Target Stakeholder
Who:Statement of Need or Opportunity
Putting it All Together
63
Value
Elevator Pitch
Executive Presentation
Business Plan
Spreadsheets
Good Reads
Sam Ramji’s Suggestion
Brian Pagano’s Suggestion
Brian Mulloy’s Suggestion
Mapping out your API Strategy Pragmatic REST: API Design Fu 10 Patterns in Successful API ProgramsWhat to Measure: API AnalyticsIs your API Naked? API Tech & OperationsDoes your API need PCI? (Compliance)Developers Hate Marketing: Driving API AdoptionOAuth: The Big Picture Boss, we need an API!
Next timevideos & slides at http://blog.apigee.com/taglist/webinar