You probably know that I believe in the power of asking not just as a way of raising money, but as a way of living a full, generous, connected life.
I’ve spent much of my long career writing about asking and teaching about asking. I’ve even written an entire book on Asking Styles and I cofounded Asking Matters.
But today, after I read Sarah Kathleen Peck’s post The Art of Asking: or how to ask and get what you want, I was in awe. Here, in a beautifully written piece by a woman not yet 30, was everything I’ve learned about asking over a lifetime. (Well, almost everything.)
It’s a long piece. It’ll take you about 20 minutes to read. And yes, I encourage you to read it from stem to stern. Not because it applies to fundraising (though it does), but because in it are powerful lessons for life.
To give you a little taste, here in Sarah’s words, are the big things you need to know about asking.
In order to get what you want, you have to ask for it.
Assume that the person you’re asking would be delighted to help, has exactly what you need or wants precisely what you’re offering, and that they’ve just been waiting for you to ask them.
Asking is about connection. Create a space where people can give and you can receive (or vice versa).
If you don’t ask, the answer is already no.
ThisAsk for Something You Want
First read Sarah’s post about asking from beginning to end. Then pick one thing you really want and follow Sarah’s advice.
Ask for it.
You may wind up with it, so you had better be clear that it’s what you want.
When have you asked for something that you didn’t get? What did that feel like? Share in the comments.
