Try to find out what it is that keeps these people up at night, then
figure out how a good RM program can help them with their problem.  Use
"slice of life" examples from their own lives - put it into their
context, their words, their jargon.  If necessary, do it one on one.

As Gary mentioned, try to use the carrot as much as possible.  But, you
should also find out if your COO (and hopefully general counsel) is
truly standing behind you with a stick if/when it becomes necessary.  If
s/he isn't or hesitates, you need to focus your energy on selling your
initiative to him/her and management first.  

Get a consensus from management on exactly what they expect you to
accomplish and exactly what the desired outcomes are and WHY.  As part
of that, be sure to explain to them what their roles and
responsibilities will be as you pursue success, and that you need them
to stand behind you.  It is much easier to push a rock downhill ...

You may have additional struggles here because the organization is so
new.  Only being in existence for a couple of years, it probably hasn't
had time to create a true, cohesive structure about anything that is
beyond the front line service/product/core competency.  Just
understanding this and confronting it head on will at least help you
stay sane.  Mention it as a struggle to your COO too, perhaps he/she
isn't recognizing that issue either.

In this instance, finding success in small initiatives and then
advertising/marketing the heck out of them may be a good way to go.
Folks in your organization probably don't understand what you're trying
to do and why (even if you've told them), but if their trusted colleague
"Bob" is telling them that you totally rock, they'll likely be more
willing to listen to you.

Hope that's helpful - and best of luck to you!

Julie

Julie J. Colgan
Director of Records Management
Nexsen Pruet LLC
803.253.8270
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www.nexsenpruet.com

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