You have not because you ask not…
-The Holy Bible
I’m learning that the secret to success, to winning the business, to getting what you want, is simply to ask for it.
When we did our vacation on the Carnival cruise ship, I saw this very clearly. I knew from past experience to carry cash at all times. The tips on the ship are covered, but beyond that, you need to have some small bills ready to go. As we got off the bus at the cruise terminal, we were directed to the Faster to the Fun section where our bags were loaded to be sent immediately to our cabin. The guy who was stacking the bags on the cart then told me:
“Give me your bags and I’ll be sure to get them right up to your cabin. You can go up there and change and have lunch. AND, if you want to show your appreciation, you can take care of that right here now with me.”
So I handed him a tip. Right away. Not just because I was going to, but he ASKED me for one.
At the end of the week, on a bus carrying us from the cruise terminal back to the airport, the driver came on the PA system:
“My name is Jose. I’ll be driving you back to the airport. I’d like to get to know all of your names. Simply write them down on some dollar bills and you can hand them to me when we arrive at the airport.”
So I gave him a tip. As soon as I got off the bus. Not just because I was going to, but he ASKED for one.
Even though people think Americans are pushy and in-your-face, most of us really aren’t. We rarely ask for what we want assuming people know what we want. When we don’t get it, we get pissed. What would happen if we actually ASKED?
Last week I went to Lowes to buy a heavy-duty fan for my barn. The air doesn’t circulate well out there. I like to keep it somewhat cool since my cats stay out there and keep the mice out. The fan I wanted at Lowes was out of stock. All I saw was the display model which I hooked up to test. The clerk told me she could order it. I’d have to travel to East Nashville to pick it up. I almost agreed, then I said:
“Can’t I just buy this display model?”
She didn’t think so but called a manager and sure enough I could! Brand new, fully assembled, and right then and there.
I asked and they said yes.
Most of us hold back asking because we fear rejection. Keep in mind, in most cases, when somebody says NO, they say NO to your idea, not you. They aren’t rejecting you personally. Get over it.
I’m really working hard on this idea now. Will you join me? (noticed I asked!)