We Are Bad Asks

 

 

It seems like such a simple concept.   All you have to do is ask.  But the reality is, humans are inherently bad asks.  That was one of my favorite quotes from Conclave 2013.   John Baker did an incredible job demonstrating and educating about “The Asking Formula”.   He is dynamic, entertaining and well worth your time to get to know.   The reality is, you will never get what you want if you don’t ask for it!

 

There are four simple steps in the process:

1. Know specifically what you want to ask for and why
2. Ask directly for what you want
3. Give three reasons why your audience or the person you are asking would want to give you what you are asking for.   Not reasons why YOU benefit, reasons why THEY will benefit.
4. Ask again in a simple and direct way and then ZIP IT!  Listen to what they have to say.

Why three reasons?  Because of the magic of the number three.   We learn in 3’s.  A-B-C, 1-2-3, Do-Re-Mi.  That is just one of the many explanations that Baker uses to help you understand and learn “The Asking Formula”.   I have no financial gain in promoting his book but I can tell you that it just might be the best $15 you will ever spend. 

 

Sometimes it is good to be reminded that you are never going to get what you want in life if you don’t ASK FOR IT.