Give me an example where you negotiated for resources that are not in your control.

Mostly I have this type of situation with Proserv.  Often there is migration work to be done when new features are released or something is not designed optimally and hence causes rework of the implementation and data.

I remember one of those incidents.  We did an EOL of our Author application, which is a component of Contract Lifecyle Management.  We replaced the EOL version which was provided by a 3rd party vendor with our own developed solution.

Here are the preparatory steps I went through to ensure support:

1. Getting time-line set-up and migration strategy for existing documents defined.
2. But there was work on the existing templates to be translated into the new Author app.
3. Get a high sponsor, best from the area that needs to provide volunteers
4. Present a good feasible plan, timelines and scope need to be reasonable
5. Define precisely what resources I need to accomplish the work
6. Ensure resource owner that PM will stay engaged, by sponsoring regular updates with internal and external folks.
7. Ensure resource owner that PM is taking ownership of telling the customer any unpleasant truth that is related to the change of product direction.

Explain to the owner of the resources why this also affecting him and his objectives.  Make them feel that they have stakes in the outcome of the initiative/project.

Listen to feedback and incorporate it into the plan.