One morning I woke up thinking about asking a brand for something I need. At that time, it was merely a thought.
I then reflected on two practices that gave me the courage to do so:
- The power of asking
- Rejection therapy
Essentially, most people do not have what they want because they do not ask. They haven’t asked because of fear or procrastination, two of the biggest dream killers. This is where rejection therapy comes in. You have to do things consistently and intentionally to get rejected, so when it happens, it won’t hurt as much.
As I was thinking about reaching out to this company, I turned to page 147 in Steve Harvey’s book, Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success, and the topic was “Asking For What you Want.” That wasn’t a coincidence; that was God.
“…what encouraged me to begin asking was realizing I had nothing to lose…so rejection was nothing to fear.”
I was like, “Get outta my head, Steve!”
“You have no idea the number of successful people around you who are waiting for someone to come up and ask them for assistance or guidance.”
He also said that when you ask for something, people are not responding to your request. “They are actually assessing what they think of you, the risk involved, and the potential return.”
I think, though, they are assessing you more than anything. They are looking at your character; your credibility; and your track record of completion. Because if they don’t like you; that’s a done deal.
So, here’s what I decided to do.
Marcie’s Action Plan
1. Research the company to find the head of the marketing department.
2. Write a letter to that person asking for what I want. I asked for the bells and whistles. If I get them cool; if not, the basic is still nice.
I did offer to be a marketing partner by writing articles and promoting their brand on social media.
3. Mail the letter. It went out last Tuesday.
What’s next?
I am going to follow up with a call this week. If I don’t speak to the person I need; I’m going to
a) Build a rapport with his assistant
b) Send him an email
c) Follow up with another letter next month
Either way, I’m going to be proactive in a getting a response.
The Point of This Message:
If there is something you want; ask. The worst thing that can happen is you get a “no.” You’ll be surprised to learn that what you want is already waiting for you. If not, something better is waiting on the other side of your ask.
Remember, you have not because you ask not. Muster up your courage and go and get what you want.
I’ll let you know what happens with this company.
How about you?
Have you ever contacted a company to request something you wanted or needed? Which company was it? What was the outcome?
Image: thoughtsandprayer.com
You’re absolutely right. My biggest fear is the rejection, when I know it’s not about me because they don’t know me. I like your plan; I need to set one up myself and just get it done. 🙂
We need to put some marketing in plans in place, which should include making warm contacts via email or on so when people see our names, they are more likely to respond. If you want to work on that together let me know. Projects are much better with accountability.
We’ll definitely have to talk. If I get my new contract I have some long term ideas…
Hey Mitch, what’s the status of the contract you mentioned here?
No idea… 🙁
This is so true! When I decided to take my paper filigree art to the business level, I contacted my main supplier to ask what their minimum order was to open a wholesale account. I figured somewhere close to a $1,000. NOPE! A mere $150 was all it took to set me up as a wholesale account! Then it turned out my minimum order amount is retail – I only paid half of that. So for a mere $75 payment I bought my products at a 50% reduction. After the initial purchase I only have to buy $75 retail to get my 50% discount. It is so easy to order that amount and only costs me $37.50.
Getting the 50% discount cuts my material costs for the art I make in half AND allows me to resale the raw material products to my customers who want to learn the art. Giving me more options to make my business work for me.
That’s a blessing, Lisa! Thanks for sharing your story as proof that you can get what you want if you only ask.