As marketers, we sometimes just simply forget the basics! Not long ago, while visiting a new local business, the manager asked me to put some of their flyers in our business. I am sure that the first time they asked this question, it may have been quite difficult, however, this young lady had apparently asked the question many times before and was quite good at it. What impressed me more than anything else was the preface to the question. It was simply, “If I don’t ask, the answer is always no”. They must have successfully placed them in many places because now, they have a thriving business.

On a recent trip to Disney World, my stepdaughter, wanted something from one of the candy stores. After making our selections, I noticed that she was intently watching one of the ladies behind the counter make chocolate covered strawberries. Wow, did they look delicious. We were however, in quite a hurry to leave. I would have liked to buy some of those strawberries, but simply did not want to take the time to locate them in the store, take them to the counter and wait in line again to purchase them. Katelyn however, simply asked the clerk behind the counter “Do you have any free samples?” Then, she simply waited. Initially, the clerks response was negative, but after a few moments of waiting, she simply slid a chocolate covered strawberry across the counter into the waiting hands of a young teenager that was bold enough to “ask”. A couple of great lessons here.

First, she asked. How many times have you been in a situation where you thought someone around you might be a good candidate for your business opportunity, or really needed a nutritional product that your company has, and thought, “oh, they won’t be interested” or “this is not the right time, I’ll call them later”.  “Ask and you will receive”. We are commanded to take action before getting results. “Knock, and the door will be opened.” The saying is not, think about asking and you will receive, or the door will open before you knock! Don’t forget to ASK!

Second, she waited. If we had rushed out of the store, guess what, NO strawberry! No results because we were in too much of a hurry. When you do get to the point of asking, you have to wait for the answer. Do not rush your prospects or customers. In this world of instant gratification, no one wants to wait anymore. Many times, we need to give our prospects and customers time to process the information that we have given them. Give them the chance to say “yes”.

Don’t forget to ask! because “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no!”

Thanks for your time!

Michael

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