Just back from meeting someone new for coffee and recognized a theme in our conversation. This wonderful woman entrepreneur had a great idea. She had found a location to house her concept that absolutely lit her up. The cost of it was discouraging, but we talked about her making the owner an offer just to re-open the conversation. There was great hesitation on my new friend’s part.
I related two stories to her.
A couple of years ago a client of mine who is a photographer was looking for a studio outside her home so she wouldn’t have to schlep equipment every time someone wanted a headshot. If she had a studio space in a good location, people would come there. Plus, if it were in a commercial retail space, there’d be foot traffic and walk-in’s as well. “But I can’t afford any space in Fairfield County, ” she insisted. Long story short, I challenged her to at least speak to a realtor. Which resulted in her finding a space that fit her needs exactly, that when shared with a colleague of hers cost her $500 a month for 2000 square feet of space–exactly what she had envisioned.
Story #2 – I was in the original company of the Mount Holyoke College Summer Theatre and continued to attend shows there for many years. At the beginning of every performance, the director would come out and make a few announcements, one of which went something like this: “Westover Air Force base is located only a few miles from here. They fly their drill patterns at night, so when that occurs, the actors will pause where they are in the performance, freeze, then resume the play as soon as the flight has passed over.” Summer after summer this was the way it was. Until someone said to her, “Have you ever called Westover to see if they might accommodate your show schedule?” The answer was no, she had not. She assumed it was an impossibility, a ridiculous question for a college theatre to make a request of the AIR FORCE.
She made the call. And you know what happened? They changed the flight patterns. No more interrupted summer stock performances, because someone had the courage to ask.
How about you? Have you even asked the question? What inspiration is burning in you that you THINK is impossible and haven’t even allowed yourself to inquire about? I challenge you to take that risk and share your results with me and my readers.
Love this! I always say, “You never know.”
@Lisa
I know that’ll be a subject line of an upcoming blog–the you-never-know-factor. Thanks for commenting.
Thank you Jane for this timely topic. Our fears and the thought of rejection so many times keep us from asking for what we truly want. I experienced this just recently when I was not selected to be a finalist in a competition. Normally I would have accepted this but this time, I asked why. Turns out that the reason I wasn’t selected is that my entry was never viewed due to some technical difficulties. When I asked if I could be considered again, they not only said yes, but I became one of the finalists!
Never say never and don’t assume you know the answer before the question is asked!
Jane: you must be reading my mind! I have a client I love working with and want to play a bigger role in their operations. Your blog has spurred me to think strategically and ask them instead of waiting for them to ask me. thank you!!!
@Jennifer
That is so cool! You’re so right. Most people would simply accept the rejection. I hear stories like yours frequently enough to believe that asking is essential to success. Congratulations!
@Debbie
Let me know WHEN they say yes. Awesome recognition on your part.
Great topic for a newsletter, so simple it should be obvious and yet so overlooked as an option! Thank you. Jane, have you ever considered being a guest blogger for the Biz Ladies section of Design Sponge? http://www.designspongeonline.com/category/biz-ladies
It might be a great way to pick up more readers.