Every so often you might have a really good business idea, the kind of idea that if given the go-ahead would inspire you to work harder and more passionately each day. But, sometimes you might not be in touch with the right executive or person of influence who can give your new idea the green light. Brainstorming sessions to come up with new products or business models are oftentimes left to a few selected people, behind closed doors. How can you convince the right people that your new idea is sound?

Enterprise social networking increases ideation from the bottom up and the top down, giving employees across the company the opportunity to share their ideas in front of the right audience and get feedback from the right people.

But, even the bravest among us, might think twice before posting an idea in front of a network of co-workers. Before you pitch your new idea, it’s good to keep these four questions in mind:

Why this? How does your new idea connect to customer needs, industry needs or your company’s needs?

Why now? Is there a new opportunity in the market?

Why us? Why should your business take action? What does your business have that would give them a competitive edge in making this happen?

Why me? In other words, why is it important for your colleagues to get involved? Think about what would motivate them to get involved.

To learn more about how to increase ideation and innovation across your entire company, check out tibbr, and get your organization started with enterprise social networking.