"He will succeed if he remains firm in principle and goes beyond selfish considerations to mingle freely with those who do not share his feelings, as well as those who do." - I Ching A few months ago a Sydney based Dutch friend of mine - who’s running the Australian operation of a Dutch international company - was complaining that he was not receiving any funds from the parent company anymore. He said it was because of a change of leadership at their headquarters. Now he had to be very creative to make sure he could fund all of his Australian business investments and could continue to pay salaries for all of his staff members. It turned so bad that he did not allow himself a salary for over 4 months. It was driving him and his spouse crazy… When he asked me for advise, my first question was; “When was the last time you’ve asked the parent company to transfer funds?” His answer was: “I did not ask them, I just assumed they were not willing to fund the Australian operation anymore….” My simple and humble response was: “If you don’t ask for it, you’ll never win!”, "Just call them and ask for it." So he did. Response from headquarters was: “Since you did not ask for it, we thought you did not need any additional funds anymore….”. Three days later he had all the funds in his bank account and could pay himself a salary and continue to invest. Lesson learned: Just ask!
Asking for what you need is probably the most underutilized tool for people! And yet, amazing requests have been granted to people simply because they've asked for it! Whether it's money, discount, information, support, assistance, or time, most people are afraid to ask for what they need in order to make their dreams come true.
They might be afraid of looking needy, ignorant, helpless, or even greedy. More than likely, though, it is the fear of rejection that is holding them back. Even though they are afraid to hear the word no, they're already saying it to themselves by not asking!
Do you ask for what you want? Are you afraid of rejection?
Consider this: Rejection is just a concept. There is really no such thing as rejection! You're not any worse off by hearing no than you were before you asked. You didn't have what you asked for before you asked and you still don't, so what did you lose? Being rejected doesn't hold you back from anything. Only YOU hold yourself back! If you are told no, ask for what you'd have to do to get it, or ask again at another time when the circumstances have changed. Ask if they know someone else who might say yes. When you realize that there's no merit to rejection, you'll feel more comfortable asking for things. But you may need a bit of help learning how to ask for what you want.
- Ask as though you expect to get it. Be confident in your request coming from a perspective that there's no reason why you wouldn't get it. If they say no, you can ask them why, or what you would need to do to get a yes. You might need to form a better business plan before you will get a loan. You might need to take a course in computers before you will get a promotion. You might need to spend more quality time with your family before you will get the loving support you need. By getting this feedback you are able to make adjustments and ask again with better chances of getting a yes.
- Assume you can get what you want if you only ask for it. You want a window seat? Assume all you have to do is ask for it. You want an ocean view? Cheaper tickets? A scholarship? A better deal? Just ask for it as if that's all you have to do to get it.
- Be specific about what you want or need. Do you want to make $5,000 more a year? Then don't just ask for a raise. Ask for $5,000 more a year. Vague requests produce vague results. Don't just ask for more time with your spouse; ask for a date on Friday night. Don't ask for help on a project; ask for what you want that person to take care of.
Getting a good perspective on rejection and learning how to ask will make a world of difference for you as you work toward your goals. Practice asking and you'll get very good at it! You'll even speed your progress by getting what you need, or improving yourself in order to get it later. - Think without limits! Everything is negotiable and nothing is impossible to get, arrange or ask for. So do not limit your own thinking and ambitions in what you will ask for! See for further details the "Think without Limits" story by Patrick.
Make a list of what you need to ask for in all areas of your life, then start asking! Good things come to those who ask!
Make this a Positive & Fruitful Day…..unless you have other plans!
Warm regards & success,
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