Thanks to Dan Kirsch at the Grinspoon Foundation for turning me on to influenceatwork.com. Here is the blog/article by Steve Martin, co-author and presenter at INFLUENCE AT WORK: Three Reasons Why You Should Probably Ask!
Reason #1: People are more likely say ‘yes’ than you think. Love that Martin cites actual studies. My experience is more anecdotal than scientific … yet backed up by over 6,000 visits/presentations … and thousands and thousands and thousands of ASKS in my life.
***JUST ASK is a life principle, not just a sales or business mantra.
In my world, most people actually want to say ‘yes‘ to a legitimate, fair and rational request.
Reason #2: Asking doesn’t weaken your power, it boosts it.
At The Suddes Group, we have an internal mantra of ACT or ASK. If you know what needs to be done, do it. If you’re not sure or need help or want someone else’s counsel … ASK.
***Again, not just sales. “I’ve had a long couple of days. Could you upgrade my room?” “I know my son’s tuition is due. Would it be possible to spread that over six months instead of one payment?” “Since this is a trip around the world in 23 days, including 9 all-night flights or trains, could we make all the reservations in business class/first class?”
BTW, the answer to all three of these questions was “YES“.
Reason #3. You’ll actually feel better if you ask. Martin makes a great point about the difference between rejection and regret. Personally, I much prefer ‘rejection’ (or, better put, someone simply saying no to the request) … than to look back for weeks, months or years, with regret, wondering what would have happened if I had only asked.
JUST ASK. JUST ASK. JUST ASK.
Special, Special, Special Note to All Leaders in the For Impact World.
BIG/HUGE LESSON FROM THE FIELD.
We are doing a ton of work right now in healthcare and with healthcare foundations.
We spend a lot of time talking about about goals, increasing philanthropic revenue, staffing, major gifts vs. special events and much more.
The proverbial lightbulb went off when we started talking about ROI!
Return-On-Investment is a ridiculously simple concept for an advancement/development operation. It is especially relevant for a hospital foundation.
What is our ROI?
- At 1X right now, it’s no wonder the hospital CEO won’t take our calls.
- AT 2X, we’re generating revenue for the hospital, but our cost of fundraising is 50%!
- At 3X, we become part of the conversation at the proverbial table.
- At 5X (20% cost of fundraising), we are a integral and critical part of the business model.
There are two simple ways to dramatically change ROI: Reduce the denominator (cut expenses) and increase the numerator (raise more money).
The ROI conversation allows for a much more meaningful discussion about expenses, people, slots, what should be a foundation expense and what should be a hospital expense, etc.
Increasing philanthropic revenue is a function of ‘major gifts’, visits and presentations.
Then, the key to ROI is simple:
JUST ASK. JUST ASK. JUST ASK.
