Most of the time, the easiest way to get what you want is to simply ask for it.
Common sense, right?
But the truth is…it’s not all that common.
Think about how often you sidestep this approach and instead try and do it yourself.
(this is me x 10)
Yard work.
Moving.
Shuttling the kids to practice or lessons.
It’s easy to rationalize NOT asking for someone’s help.
“I don’t want to inconvenience anyone…”
“They are already super busy…”
“I can handle this…”
“I don’t want to appear like I can’t do it myself…”
But recently, I had an experience that reminded me of how simple it really can be to get what we want.
Here’s the story…
I had arrived at a quaint cafe in a small town where I had arranged a business meeting.
Since I arrived fifteen minutes early, I decided to grab a few goodies while I wait.
(Can’t meet on an empty stomach, right??)
The place was packed.
Luckily, I had scored one of the few remaining seats up front near the register.
And what I heard amazed me…
The gal at the register, a teenager with a hat and apron, repeated the same simple question to each person checking out.
Immediately after ringing them up, she would ask “Would you like to leave a tip?”
No hesitation. No emotion. It was just part of her process.
And out of the 8 people I watched, she received a tip from ALL of them except one person. (And it had worked on me, too just a few minutes earlier)
Incredible.
All from posing one simple question…and then waiting in silence for an answer.
This same principle applies to business.
The easiest way to make a sale is to ASK for the sale.
Again, too many people shrink when it comes to asking for the order.
“If they want to buy, then they will tell me…”
“It’s obvious that I want the business. I don’t need to annoy them by asking them for it…”
But there is tremendous power in a question.
It forces the listener to make a decision. It brings the issue to the surface and demands a response.
This is good for BOTH sides, too.
Left alone, we too often putter around…going back and forth on what to do…wasting time and effort by not deciding.
But when asked a direct question…we feel the need to answer. And in order to answer, we need to reach a decision.
See how cool that is?
What a simple, powerful formula: Ask to Receive.
Question for you: What is ONE thing that you really want? How can you ASK for it?
Try it this week. In business or at work, with your spouse or kids, or among friends. Ask the question. And then wait and see what happens.
Mark
P.S. Let me know how it goes! I always love hearing how it’s working for you