13 Responses to “Pinkcast 2.25: This is how to ask for help.”

  1. Paul Fenner says:

    Hi Dan,

    I am wondering about you think about asking for help on a social media site such as LinkedIn? Specifically, if I am asking my network for help in searching for businesses who could use my service. You mentioned not asking help in a group email, not sure a group social media platform would be the same?

    Thanks and appreciate these Pinkcasts,

    Paul

  2. Terri says:

    I work with first generation students to prepare them for college and this is THE obstacle they cannot seem to overcome. Most seniors who appealed their graduation status, when asked, “How did you get to this place where you have to appeal?” said, “I didn’t ask for help.” That killed my soul and has led me on a quest to find ways to make them ask for help! Any suggestions?

  3. William says:

    Excellent advice!

  4. This was concise, pertinent, and as usual, you made it interesting!! Thanks for bringing the good read awards to my attention. Check done for you and James!! You rock!

  5. Dan Janal says:

    Yes, very helpful. Thanks for sharing. I love the specific examples which are clear, concise – and most important – easily repeatable.

  6. My husband always says that I “beat around the bush” when I make requests. Your Pinkcast clearly identified how I need to ask and still feel I’m being polite. Helpful tip!

  7. Michael says:

    I voted twice. Always enjoy your Pinkcasts. Thank you.

  8. Nisar says:

    Voted for When in the GoodReads poll!

    I’ve mentioned this book enough with my friends, peers and team that they think I’m getting paid! Truly eye opening read.

    Also the field description above should read ‘email’ …my first response to ‘Mail’ was really?

  9. Jane says:

    Recently fractured my ankle. I just used this advice to ask a friend for a lift. They were pleased and I avoid a 2 bus journey to my next medical appointment

  10. Nita Leland says:

    Thanks for the short course in asking. Timely for me right now!

  11. Dzmitry says:

    The last part is especially important if you work in a company with many people. My job has 300+ individuals, some of which routinely email for help to the entire office, and consequently get low response. I found that people are always willing to help, if you ask them in person, though they may not always be able to help at that particular time. Reading your book now, Dan, thanks again!

  12. Lisa Reinhart says:

    After six weeks of applying for jobs that are outside of my present field, I began mulling over the possibility of doing something unconventional. Chip and Dan Heath mention the practice of ooching in their book “Decisive…” and that idea has stuck with me since I read about it five years ago.

    Of course, gaining permission to enter a workspace with the hope of shadowing an employee or “test-driving” their terrain would require some major social/business finesse, so your do and don’t video was quite timely, Dan! I’ll follow your advice and let you know how it turns out.

  13. Never underestimate the “ask” with a “what’s in it for you” rider. I’m asked for help by about 500 people a month – mentoring, coaching, free editing, “look at my manuscript,” or “I’m homeless now what?” questions. Most are requests for answers, advice, or free work. I just don’t have the time. When a young mechanic came to me this week with a request for “help” his email read, “I need someone to write up information for my new website. I can’t afford to pay you, but I can guarantee you four hours of mechanical work at your home or office in exchange for your help.” Wow. I’m in. I’ve offered to babysit, cook, or write reports for those I’ve asked for help for things I couldn’t do. I took over something THEY needed help with if they were to help me. If you ask a co-worker for help, volunteer to get them a coffee, or cover the phones, or do whatever they need doing if it will help them help you. Don’t take other people’s time for granted. And offer to help if you’re always the one asking. People are more likely to help you if there’s a payoff for them in it.

    A client I’ve helped for two years stepped up to the plate to help me, unasked, find a hospital and a discount or free surgery I need to regain my voice (Paralyzed vocal cord for life due to a flu virus – very common apparently).

    It’s hard to ask for help, especially if we have to ask more than once in a blue moon. But these are great tips. Thank you!

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