The parallel between children and business never ceases to amaze me. In this installment from the Business Lessons from Children series, we’ll introduce one simple yet often overlooked approach to getting what you want in business.
Let’s dive in.
The Approach… Ask, And You May Receive
Yes, business success can be that simple—ask, and you may receive. Be willing to ask for what it is you want.
Kids do this all the time. They flat out ask for what they want—no overthinking. They see a toy; they want it, and they ask for it—no filters, obstacles, or red tape. They see it; they want it, they ask for it— it’s that simple. Imagine what your business might look like if you acted more in that capacity.
Children tend to live in the moment— carpe momentum. Bless them! We can learn from that. But, somehow, as adults, we have shied away from that approach to life.
Now I’m not espousing an exercise in either recklessness or gluttony here. Kids can be a bit whimsical at times. I suggest that we stop overthinking things and maybe be a bit more aggressive in asking for what we truly want. Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. So take the shot! Ask, and you may receive.
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take
Wayne Gretzky Tweet
Want a referral? Ask for it!
Want a sale? Ask for it!
Want some help? Ask for it!
The worst someone will say is no.
Now I highly recommend that you earn the right to ask in the first place. Again I’m not suggesting being reckless and overstepping boundaries, as you are no longer a child and may not get away with that behavior.
So, interested in increasing the odds of getting what you want from your business? Read on.
3 Steps To Increase The Likelihood Of Getting What You Want In Business
1. Ready

The great secret of getting what you want from life is to know what you want and believe you can have it.
Norman Vincent Peale Tweet
Identify What You Want (and Why)
Get crystal clear on what you want to have happen (and why). What are you looking to manifest in your business? Set clear intentions. Write it down. Tell others about it. This establishes your commitment to it.
Believe You Can Have It
Get your head straight. Whether you believe you can have it or you believe you cannot, you’re right. Your attitude and beliefs will influence your results.
Clear the Path To Make It So
Clear the clutter. Be willing to get rid of shit you don’t need or want. Think Law of Attraction. Like attracts like. Surround yourself with what you want to attract more of and, where possible, get rid of the rest.
The first step to getting what you want is to have the courage to get rid of what you don’t.
Zig Ziglar Tweet
2. Aim
Now that your head is aligned and in the game to win, it’s time to take aim.
Who can help you get what you want? Have you adequately earned the right to ask them? If not, what needs to happen to earn that right?
Create what I call a “short-list” of names you can ask. Avoid spraying and praying here. Think sniper rifle, not a shotgun approach.
To get what you want, you have to deserve what you want. The world is not yet a crazy enough place to reward a whole bunch of undeserving people.
Charles T. Munger Tweet
3. Fire
Ask away. Be direct. Don’t beat around the bush. Be clear, concise, and respectful. It’s okay if they deny your request. Don’t make them wrong over it. Don’t take it personally. Instead, use it as a springboard to raise your game to the level it needs to be to get them to approve your request in the future.
Final Thoughts: Get What You Want In Business
Don’t ever be afraid to ask for what you want. Allow your inner child to surface as needed to give you the courage and strength to get what you want in business.
Remember, if you don’t ask, you’re likely not going to receive.
Everything you want is out there waiting for you to ask. Everything you want also wants you. But you have to take action to get it.
Jules Renard Tweet
Want More On Ask And You May Receive?
Here’s a video I shot back in 2014 for Online Marketing Muscle on the subject. For the most part, it’s just as relevant today as it was back then. Take a peek.

Need Help Jump-starting Your Business in 2023... For FREE?
Grab a complimentary copy of our newly revised 2023 Strategic Planner—a great tool to help “Get Your Year in Gear” in 2023!

We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.
Albert Einstein