If You Want a Cookie...

This past week I was lucky enough to get to tag along with my daughter Amelia to the International WWII Conference at the The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.? We were there because Michael Bylen heard her speak at the 90th Division Reunion a few weeks ago and insisted that she attend the conference. It's impossible to thank Mike enough for his invitation and the gracious way he treated us all week.

While we were there, Mike went out of his way to introduce her to authors, historians, and members of the staff of the museum and Jenny Craig Institute for WWII Studies.? Of course, Amelia charmed the socks off all of them.? The museum, presentations, and discussions with the authors were nothing short of marvelous.? If you have any interest in the history of that time, you should definitely attend the conference next year.

As an old friend once told me, “I only told you that story to tell you this one.”? We stayed at the lovely Higgins Hotel New Orleans that adjoins the museum.? It’s beautifully appointed in 40s decor and Amelia was in love with it as soon as we walked in.?

On our last night at the conference, a wonderful band, complete with female vocalist, and all dressed in period attire, played for the guests in the hotel lobby and bar. I believe they were members of the Victory Swing Orchestra that works with the museum.? Amelia also enjoys dressing in vintage clothes from the era and that night was no exception.? She was thrilled with the music they played and the vocals of the singer.?

While Amelia was enthralling someone with either the exploits of the 90TH DIVISION ASSOCIATION or the sinking of the HMT Rhona, I approached the band.?

I had one of those “dad requests”.? Not a song. Not really.? I wanted to know if they would consider letting Amelia sing with them.? The lady who was their singer that night had seen Amelia holding court and was instantly on board with the idea. She said she'd talk to the band and my daughter on their next break.?

I hope you’ve all gotten to see, or will get to see, your child’s face light up like hers did when Amelia figured out what was happening.? She and the singer picked out Dream a Little Dream of Me and Amelia did her normal fabulous job.? I don’t think her feet have touched the ground for the past two days at least.? I mostly held it together when I thanked them after for being so generous with their time. Mostly.

So why post this on LinkedIn?? To brag as a proud dad?? Hell yes!? But also because I think it highlights something a great friend taught me a few years ago.?

When I first had the idea to ask the band to let my daughter sing with them I caught myself thinking that it was just a silly idea that they’d never agree to. I did a pretty good job of talking myself out of asking at all because I was afraid they'd refuse.? That was when I heard my great friend Brent Snyder's voice in my head.? “If you want a cookie, ask for a cookie.”? So I walked over and asked for what I wanted.

I did it politely, concisely, and fully expected to be told no.? They had nothing to gain from the situation at all.? It had the very real possibility of turning out badly for them.? In spite of that, they said yes and I didn’t have to come home with regret in my heart for not asking.? Thanks, Brent! That's not the first time his advice has come in clutch. It's also a great example to set for Amelia as she moves out into the world soon.

Whatever it is that you want in life, formulate your request and ASK FOR IT.? It’s cliché and probably a little trite, but true: If you don’t ask, you don’t get.? Whether that’s a raise, a new position, an order from a client, or the chance to make a memory that can last a lifetime, the only risk you run is to hear no. No is just a word. Yes is just about limitless.? Ask for your cookie!

Have you ever asked for something you didn't think you had a chance of getting? How did it turn out? Tell us about it in the comments so we can all learn and be inspired.