The Ask!

This has to be the trickiest thing in business ever. For lots of people, it is the scariest thing that we have to do in order to achieve success. At some point in our lives we are faced with the difficult task of having to ask someone for what we may feel is key to getting what we want. Whether it may be in sales, selling a product or service, asking for investments, asking for sponsorships or even a donation. 

The trick about it from my experience, is to try and reframe the ask. This way it will not seem so scary, or offensive to ask for what we want. We already in our minds, feel as though the person/people/organization we are asking, are going to say no. We know subconsciously that what we are asking for, is something that will work out to our advantage and benefit. But, what if we shift that mindset. Instead of just looking at what we can get from this exchange, we look at it as mutually beneficial to both parties. You see, you aren't just simply asking for something from someone, you are actually presenting them with an opportunity. A chance to be apart of something great that benefits the both of you. A chance to invest in a product or service that will make you both some money. A chance to sponsor an event that impacts the community as a whole, make their company look amazing in the eyes of the public, and get some publicity/marketing in the process, thus bringing them more business. A chance to donate to the public for worthy cause, helping the less fortunate, which enhances the companies/persons profile by tapping into a need they may already have within them, to give back to the less fortunate.

The next time you have to give "the ask", just think about these things and hopefully it offers you a mindset shift. Look at this as an opportunity for both of you. Take a good evaluation about what you are asking for and see how it is going to benefit both parties involved. If it only seems to benefit you or it does not benefit the other party enough for them to see value in your proposition, then it may not go your way. Your duty is to either bring enough value to them when you ask, or simply find someone who will see the value in what you are asking for.

Sincerely,

Kurtice Lewis

#Kurticelewis