How do you influence the C-Suite to get more resources?

The biggest thing you need to make sure to do when looking to ask something of the C-Suite (or anyone really) is to first ensure you know what that person cares about. The path of least resistance in getting approval of something you want is for the person you need to win over seeing how they also win if they give you what you want. If you understand what the C-Suite cares about and can clearly articulate how if they give you more resources, you will be able to influence them getting what they want as well, it should be a very easy sell. Everybody loves a win-win! Another important tip- make sure to use data in your argument. Data/numbers need to be used to effectively back up any claim you are making, especially to a C-Suite audience.

DEEP business cases are the best to influence c-suite to get more resources. If you need more Solutions Consultants assigned to your segment of the business, prove how this has helped increase ASP in the past. If you need a tool purchased for your team, craft your message around the impact of the purchase and how it will increase net new logos or increase retention for your current customers. This could be in slide form, over slack, over email or even during 1:1s. Your job starts at no and understanding why they're telling you no for now. 

Influencing the C-suite happens in small settings. Depending how close to the office you are is corollary to how direct you can be with your resourcing request.

When you get a chance to make a case, in a small setting, make sure you:

Know your domain well. It's paramount that you truly understand the depth and breadth of your scope of responsibilities so you can observe these responsibilities from different lenses external to your domain.

Know how your resource request drives/ impacts the big initiatives the C-Suite is selling to the board. If there are big plans to test into new markets, or acquire a business, or shake things up, be perscriptive to these 'rocks' in your request of resources.

ie. IF the company is moving from:

Slow > Fast in processes ... demonstrate in your request aligns with this overarching initiative and be painstakingly precise in how you plan to move the needle.