Risk Rejection And Ask For It!
Sometimes, you just need to ask the question, risk rejection, and see what happens.
That’s just what happened to young student Michael Pollack during a question and answer session with Billy Joel on a university campus tour..
Michael simply took the microphone and said “my favorite song of yours is 'New York State of Mind.' I was very fortunate to play with Richie Cannata many times in New York City, and I was wondering if I could play it with you."
Thinking for a moment Billy Joel simply said, "OK."
Now Michael was obviously pretty sure of his piano playing abilities to ask Billy Joel if they could play together on stage and he didn’t disappoint. How brave he was to ask, risking rejection in front of his friends and fellow students, but hey, it payed off in his favor. See for yourself in this video.
How many times over the years have you really wanted something, but never asked for it? A promotion, a date, a marriage proposal even, or something much smaller, it’s only the fear of rejection that stops us.
I really wanted to meet Seth Godin when he was presenting at the World Business Forum I attended in NYC back in 2011, but I didn’t ask. I figured that because he had a bad head cold, he might be grumpy and so I chickened out. I didn’t want him to say “no” to me.
So much is just in our head. Nobody else would have cared whether I spoke to Seth or got rejected by Seth, but it mattered to me. My own head stopped me. Me.
I am going to add another resolution to my list, number 13, “”risk rejection and ask for it”
What have you asked for; risking rejection and not really expecting to get it but it has gone in your favor? How has your mind stopped you from getting what you want?
Linda Coles is the author of “Learn marketing with social media in 7 days” (Wiley) and is an author, speaker and trainer on building relationships. She lives in New Zealand on a fig orchard. You can get a free sample of a chapter of her book by registering for her newsletter.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Retired
11 年This is inspiration that matters. Thank you for reminding me that risking a bit of oneself often brings good experiences that makes us grow as a person. And even more important it might encourage us to do it again
If they say no, ask again, and again....eventually "they" will say yes....lol
I can find a positive spin in pretty much every situation.
11 年When I received a promising letter of offer from another company, I took it to my boss at the time before signing and asked for a promotion or I would move on. I got what I wanted! He appreciated my openness and honesty. And even if he couldn't give me what I wanted, I was happy knowing I tried every option possible.
Resigned from Director of Genetics at Cooks Venture
11 年An excellent point made, in an impressive manner. We really should never hesitate to ask for the simple reason that the answer always adds to our understanding of reality. Always ask for the sales order, always ask for a critique, etc. Thank you.
Leadership | Developer | Problem-Solver | Emotional Intelligence | Relationships Above All
11 年Great reminder! My dad always said that it doesn't hurt to ask...the answer is already "no" if you don't so really you have a 50-50 chance by risking it!