How to ask for something difficult
When you are a founder, learning how to make a difficult request is a must. Sometimes you have to ask people for something they don’t necessarily want to give. Maybe you’re asking your investors to invest in a round of funding, or your team to work a particular weekend.
When faced with the challenge of making a “tough ask” without damaging the relationship, there is a simple guide:
1) Start with the most important facts.
“My fiancée and I are expecting a son in five months and we want him to be welcomed.”
2) Explain the emotions these facts evoke in you.
“I feel excited and nervous, especially about finances and getting everything ready before his arrival”.
3) Connect these emotions to your current needs.
“Right now I need to focus and spend time with my fiancée, and I also need to find ways to grow my business so I can make more money.”
4) State your desired outcome.
“I would like you to introduce me to your network so I can sell my products to prepare for all the expenses associated with the baby’s birth.”
5) Ask for the next step toward that outcome.
Do you have fifteen minutes for me to present my business and all my products so I can get your approval?
In Conclusion
There are several things to note about this technique. It is concise, which means you don’t need to say any more than necessary. It is emotionally open, which shifts the tone from smug to vulnerable. And it is respectful, allowing the other party to offer alternative solutions to meet other needs you may not have considered.
Try this format — after all, what’s the worst thing that can happen if you don’t ask?
I wish you the best of luck. Don’t forget to tell me your method if you have a different one in the comments section.
