This is where you gear up and get all the key parties ready to play their part in an effective launch.  This includes: getting the necessary clearance and go ahead from, for example, senior managers; securing stakeholder approval where necessary; and ensuring that key stakeholders are properly bought-in.

It also involves informing staff and designing and delivering staff training where required; ensuring that the required resources are in place; and finalising timings.  In addition to the launch timings, you also need to decide whether your launch will be a high or low profile affair; who to invite and involve; whether the media will be invited and so on.

A launch event can mark an important milestone and generate a great deal of interest but it can also be expensive at a time when you have little impact to show for your efforts.