You’re not a wimp—and there’s no reason to apologize.
Everything’s changed in our world, and that includes the business world. In sales, asking for help used to mean you were a wuss. (Definition, informal: a weak, cowardly, or ineffectual person; a wimp.) It felt like asking for a favor or pleading with prospects for business. Yep, wimpy.
Good news: The mood around asking for help has done a complete 180. These days, we’re all reaching out to clients and colleagues, asking how they’re doing, and finding out how we can help them. Many times, they ask us the same back. (How can I help you?) People are concerned about each other’s welfare. Conversations are authentic and personal, and I hope this sentiment stays.
Once considered wimpy, asking for help now demonstrates genuine concern. And if there’s a silver lining to Coronavirus, I think that’s it.
Jeffrey A. Davis, in his post “4 Tips to Effectively Ask for Help—and Get a Yes,” proves the science behind the feeling. He explains, “Social psychology shows people are eager to help—if you know how to ask.” He also explains why you shouldn’t apologize and goes on to say:
“As highly social animals, we humans depend on one another to learn and grow. What’s more, research shows that helping others actually makes us feel good and that generosity is likely an important evolutionary adaptation for our species. If we are hardwired for altruism, why then is it so uncomfortable for us to ask for help?”
Get the answer to that question in Davis’s riveting post. Then find out why it’s so uncomfortable to ask for referrals, and how to get over that fear, in my post, “How to Ask for Referrals: A Comprehensive Guide.”
(Featured image attribution: Samantha Garrote)
Wondering how your team will keep selling in an economic downturn? Invite Joanne to lead a discussion about “How to Boost Your Sales in a Volatile Economy” at your next virtual or in-person sales meeting. Email joanne@nomorecoldcalling.com or call 415.461.8763.
