The Power of the Ask

The Power of the Ask

Don’t Let Fear Stop You

Asking for what you truly need and want is a powerful action step.?It is not one that we are all willing to do.?More times than not we talk ourselves out of what we believe is best because we let fear and doubt get in the way of genuinely going after what lies within our reach.?I know that I can’t be the only one that has denied myself by not having the courage to ask for what I know was the right thing for me at that time.?If you have ever found yourself in a similar situation or want to avoid that in the future then we must enact the Power of the Ask.

I learned about the tremendous Power of the Ask when I read a book titled “The Success Principles – How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be”, by Jack Canfield.?Jack Canfield is a best-selling author who gained a great deal of fame and notoriety by his series of books called “Chicken Soup for the Soul”.

What I learned from this book and through my life is that there are a number of reasons why we don’t ask for what we want. Chief among these reasons is fear.?We fear several things when it comes to asking.?We fear looking needy, looking foolish or stupid. We fear rejection, hearing no, and many times we are just plain scared to take a risk.?I know I have felt all those things throughout different points in my life.?I would go so far as to say that they are natural emotions and it’s okay to feel this way sometimes. However, don’t stay there!?Don’t let fear stop you dead in your tracks.?Instead, employ these techniques so that even though fear exists, you still can learn to ask well and continue forging ahead as you work to accomplish your goals.

1. Expect a Positive Result

No alt text provided for this image

One of the first ways you can overcome the fear of asking is by having an expectation that you will get what you are asking for.?If you already believe there will be a “no” on the other side of your ask, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.?I’ve heard it said that what we fear, we create.?Don’t be that person.?Instead, create what you need in order to move forward.?Believe it and then see it.?Your expectations will determine a lot of your outcomes.

2. Ask the Right Person

Next, be sure you are asking someone who has the ability and the power to give you what you are asking for.?For example, you wouldn’t ask a poor man for a large sum of money.?That would be dishonoring to him and foolish for you.?You need to be certain that the audience or person you are asking for something can fulfill your request if they so choose.

You must be clear and specific when you ask for something.?If you aren’t clear upfront, the person who is receiving the request won’t be as well.?You want to be able to provide any supporting information that is needed.?If you aren’t sure about the ask you need to take more time to get clear.?Otherwise, the person you are asking will become frustrated and could say no for that reason only.?The more prepared and ready you are when you present yourself the more you will position yourself for success.

3. Be Prepared to Ask Again

No alt text provided for this image

Sometimes it is not our request that is being denied but rather our timing of when we asked it.?Have the confidence to recognize that it is okay to ask for something again when the timing is more conducive.?I believe there are three answers we can receive when we ask.?They are yes, no, and not now.?Be able to distinguish when a no is really a not now.?Examine the circumstances that were going on at the time of the original ask.?Also, be open to the idea that people sometimes change their minds and feelings about certain issues over time. You can’t know that if you aren’t willing to ask again.

There is Power in the Ask.?Make sure you recognize it, capitalize on it, and don’t let fear stop you from realizing it.


April's Courses Unlocked
No alt text provided for this image

I'm excited to share that my courses are featured in the LinkedIn Learning Pathfinder. They are available for free from March 29 to April 29 2022.

New skills can lead to new opportunities. According to a recent LinkedIn study, about 25% of LinkedIn members changed jobs from 2015 to 2021 within the same occupation. And by 2025, LinkedIn expects a 40% change. Learn the most up-to-date administrative skills based on LinkedIn data. Click here to for your VIP access to the Essential New Skills in Professional Administration Courses.


April's Courses - 24 x 7 Virtual Training on LinkedIn Learning
No alt text provided for this image

Administrative Professional Weekly Tips

Being an administrative professional is a rewarding and challenging career. This series provides tips to help you stay focused, balanced, and in sync with your boss-and become an invaluable asset to whatever company you work for.


No alt text provided for this image

Job Interview Tips for Administrative Assistants

In this course, instructor April Stallworth covers the most common questions that administrative assistants are asked in job interviews, and she offers tips for answering each question with specificity and confidence.


No alt text provided for this image


Join April at These Upcoming Events & Appearances

March 2022

No alt text provided for this image

Speaker at the International Leadership Summit (In-Person) Charlotte, North Carolina.? Registration Available:? https://www.thisisils.org/

April 2022

Webinar Host - “Level Up - Get Unstuck and Boost Your Career Sponsored by ASAP (American Society Of Administrative Professionals) - Registration Available: https://www.asaporg.com/training/webinars/level-up-get-unstuck-and-boost-your-career-part-1

May 2022

Webinar Host - “Level Up - Get Unstuck and Boost Your Career Sponsored by ASAP (American Society Of Administrative Professionals) - Details and Sign-Up Coming Soon

No alt text provided for this image

June 2022

6/22-6/23/22 - Speaker at the Executive Secretary Live Global 2022 (Virtual Conference) - Registration Available:? https://executivesupportevents.com/live-events/global22/





April is now on YouTube!

If you love April's Shower Sermon series, you can now find them all on her brand new YouTube page. Get your splash of inspiration here.


Free Resources by April

The following appeared in American Society of Administrative Professionals' free resources.

No alt text provided for this image

Personal Branding

How you are seen by others and the credibility you build is imperative to your role as an Administrative Support Professional. Once you become aware of and shape your personal and professional image to be a true reflection of yourself, you will have more control over how people treat you and the impression they form about you.

Download Your Copy Here

Amanda Jones

Archives Administrator

2 年

Love this.

要查看或添加评论,请登录

April Stallworth的更多文章

  • Happy New Year!

    Happy New Year!

    Dear Valued LinkedIn Community, As we approach the end of this transformative year, I want to express my deepest…

  • Live Today

    Live Today

    Jeffery Gitomer I had the opportunity several years ago to view a wonderful video by a gentleman named Jeffrey Gitomer.…

  • New Beginnings on the Horizon

    New Beginnings on the Horizon

    April Stallworth announced a week ago that she was embarking on a significant new chapter in her professional journey…

    11 条评论
  • Why Professional Meeting Minutes Matter

    Why Professional Meeting Minutes Matter

    Have you ever been in a meeting, taking minutes, and have no idea what they are talking about at all? Or maybe you were…

    3 条评论
  • The Importance of Customer Service

    The Importance of Customer Service

    Have you ever found yourself taking on additional responsibilities outside of your regular work duties? Or have you…

    2 条评论
  • Coaching Yourself

    Coaching Yourself

    We know that as administrative support professionals, we are often the ones who have the distinct opportunity to…

    1 条评论
  • Career Management Techniques

    Career Management Techniques

    In order to begin to take charge of our professional futures and determine our career goals, we must actively take part…

  • Setting Expectations & Maintaining Boundaries

    Setting Expectations & Maintaining Boundaries

    As administrative support professionals, we are pulled in several different directions throughout our day. Competing…

    2 条评论
  • Control Your Mistakes

    Control Your Mistakes

    Mistakes happen. It's not something that any of us can avoid.

    3 条评论
  • Team-Building Strategies for 2023

    Team-Building Strategies for 2023

    Teamwork makes the dream work. It is so important to remember that we are an important part of any work team.

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了