Obtaining buy-in from senior management to begin a new virtual reality (VR) training program is a challenge for many reasons. First, it’s likely that your organization already has a training program that has been in place for years. Why take a risk and try something new? The second, and often bigger, obstacle, is budget. Pulling together the money to purchase VR technology is a big ask.

How can you overcome these obstacles to gain the support and funding you need? Here are a few key points you should bring up during your pitch.

Talk ROI

Before you receive buy-in, upper management must feel confident there will be a positive return on investment (ROI). For this reason, it’s critical for you to discuss ROI. Thankfully, there are many areas where a VR training program can help you cut costs. Most organizations save both time and money, as VR technology enables them to:

• Reduce the time it takes trainees to reach competency.
• Better allocate subject matter experts’ (SMEs’)
• Reduce travel expenses for training in multiple locations.
• Gain access to public relations opportunities that provide free exposure.
• Continue to save money as VR training becomes more accessible.

Express Concern for Employee Safety

Your management team is likely interested in learning about solutions that will help keep employees safe. Taking the leap to VR training can ultimately help:

• Keep employees safe and out of danger while learning new skills.
• Protect the organization from negative publicity and expensive lawsuits.
• Trainees fearlessly master new skills.

Find a Quality Partner

For people who are unfamiliar with how VR training works, the idea of adopting a new learning and development system may seem overwhelming. It is important to prepare for this obstacle before you walk in and pitch VR training. Put yourself in the shoes of the management team. Leaders will want to know:

• How much time, money and energy will we need to invest to ensure the program is successful?
• Who will build and troubleshoot this system for us?
• How will we scale the training program?

Partnering with the right VR training experts can help address these questions. From proof of concept to execution, having a trusted partner enables you to tap into a fleshed-out development process that makes the rollout easier and more successful for your organization.

Prove Your Case

By keeping in mind what matters most to your organization’s leaders, having the conversation about VR training will not be as difficult as you might think. You will likely need to prove the value of VR training before you receive total buy-in — which is where working with a partner to develop a pilot program will help you fully demonstrate the benefits of VR training.

Taking this strategic approach, with an emphasis on the long-term benefits to your organization, will help you gain the attention and buy-in that you need.