How to Get What You Want

September 7, 2010

sky 3, by fontplaydotcom on FlickrWhat’s the worst thing that can happen when one person asks another person for something? That they’re told no, right?

No is the worst result, the one where you end up in the same place you started. The best result, of course, being yes. Or at least a partial yes. And even a partial yes leaves you in a better place than you started.

Why don’t you ask more often?

So, short and sweet, what’s the answer to more often getting what you want? Here’s a crazy idea: let’s ask for it.

What do you say?

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  • http://twitter.com/KellyHanson KellyHanson

    Read the book “The Aladdin Factor” by Jack Canfield. Oldy but a goody. It says ask ask ask ask ask ask ask ask ask ask ask ask ask ask ask. Well, you get the picture. In '91 I met Jack when he gave a talk in San Diego. I heard him say this (over and over) so afterwards I went up to him and asked him to join my business. He did!
    Great cloud pic. Perfect for this post!
    Kelly

    • judy spaunhorst

      Will get that book, thanks! That he joined your business speaks volumes that he is for real, and practices what he preaches. Thanks!

      • http://www.anniesorensen.com Annie Sorensen

        Agreed, Judy. :)

    • http://www.anniesorensen.com Annie Sorensen

      Wow, love this, Kelly. Have you created content about that story somewhere?

  • http://www.takeonvemma.com Rhonda Cusack

    I am reading “The Aladdin Factor” right now. Great book. My husband is in sales and he just doesn't understand why I'm so afraid of just asking. In the book it says “while the experience of the fear will be very real to you, the source of the fear is in your mind”. I finally got over my fear of asking yesterday and I got the sale. Which may also turn into a yes from a bystander who was listening to our conversation and she went home and told her mom and now they are both interested. I asked for one and it may turn into 3. Powerful!

    • http://www.anniesorensen.com Annie Sorensen

      Way to go, Rhonda!

  • http://www.demetter.com Paul de Metter

    Ask? Well, maybe ask you a question then!

    I looked at your book list and June was packed with more books than I can read within a year. Unfortunately, I simply don't have the time for it. But when I read a book it is often about something I am focussed on in my business at that particular moment, finding ways to implement what I learn right away.

    My question: You read a lot, but aren't there a lot of things that will eventually fade away due to the fact that you can not practice what you learn from it?

    Best, Paul

    DeMetter.com – minding your business

    • http://www.anniesorensen.com Annie Sorensen

      Thanks for the ask, Paul. :) Yes, there will of course be things I read that fade away from the front of my mind because I don't follow-up every reading with a specific action that will instill it into my permanent memory. However, only a fraction of the books I read do I read for that purpose. There's huge entertainment value, fascination value, inspiration, mind-expanding, etc. Only a few books do I read that I actually plan to take the tidbits (or actually end up TAKING action on the tidbits I connected with) from the book and make them a reality.

      • http://www.demetter.com Paul de Metter

        Hi Annie, thanks for the answer. I tend to forget that people read books for fun as well :-) As you say, books like biographies can also inspire instead of learn you something. That is great value as well!

  • http://www.cumuluspartners.com Mike Barlow

    A question is usually the nicest way to start a conversation, would you agree? It puts you at risk, but it also shows that you're open and unafraid … which encourages people to open up and join the conversation. A question creates space, and invites someone else to answer. Even if the answer isn't what you wanted to hear, you have succeeded in creating the beginning of a dialogue. Three cheers!

    • http://www.anniesorensen.com Annie Sorensen

      Ha, I do agree, Mike. Nicely done.

      “It puts you at risk, but it also shows that you're open and unafraid … which encourages people to open up and join the conversation.”

      I love that you pointed this out…asking questions most definitely comforts people and encourages them to join in. What it also does? Allows people to talk about and focus on what truly makes them comfiest and happiest: THEMSELVES. :)

      What's the saying? We were given 2 ears and 1 mouth so we should listen vs. talk with the same ratio? Something like that. :)

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