The Art of Asking!

 

"Asking is the beginning of receiving. Make sure you don't go to the ocean with a teaspoon. At least take a bucket so the kids won't laugh at you." Jim Rohn     Happy Monday!   I am not much of a coffee drinker.  My wife, on the other hand.  Somehow, the other day, I found myself in a Starbucks.  I was between appointments and needed free Wi-Fi (ok, at $4 a cup it isn't exactly free!).   I usually get the same thing when I go with Natalie and I had my order fixed in my mind, so as not to sound coffee illiterate.  My turn came and the barista said something that totally threw me off;   "Good morning, what delicious can I get started for you today?"   It stopped me in my tracks.  I had my mind made up but then the descriptive way in which she asked the question made me rethink.  I had expected her to ask the usual questions,   "What can I get you? "What will you have?" "How can I help you?"   All of those are acceptable ways to get my coffee order.  I would place my order and get out of the way.  She asked in a way that got more than my order...it got my attention....it made me think.   She could tell that I was off balance and drawing a blank.  She smiled and said, "Take your time."  Not sure the dozen or so people behind me appreciated that, but I did.   "Do you like a strong basic coffee or something with extra flavoring...like vanilla or chocolate?"  Might I suggest a Vanilla Latte?   I had never had one of those before and it sounded better than my normal simple coffee order.   "What goes great with that is a slice of Lemon Pound Cake.  A slightly sweet, moist cake that partners perfectly with the latte...shall I get you a slice?   Two head nods and $7.00 plus tip later, I was sitting down enjoying my free Wi-Fi. The way I had just been served made me think about The Art of Asking.   Most of us, in sales or in life, ask basic vanilla (pun intended!) questions.  We have done something so many times that we take the experience out of the process.  Sure, it may be old hat to us, but for the person in front of you, it may be their first experience.   What if you asked the same questions with a little more panache?  What if you got the other persons attention by being more descriptive and unique?  How could you position your questions in such a way as to intrigue and engage?   That would set you apart.  That would make you more memorable.  That would make you more persuasive...and you would get more of what you want!   Whether you are asking for a sale, a promotion, raise, or a 2nd date, you have to be creative.  You have to stand out from the clutter of others who want the same things you do.  The winner isn't always the best person, it is sometimes the person who "asks" the best.  Next time you ask for anything, remember...   The Art of Asking!    Until tomorrow, I wish you Money, Power, Success!