Asking your network for help
We all need help to grow our careers - here is how to ask for help.
During coaching sessions, I often hear about fear and acting timid when contacting people for help to support their job search. I remind coachees that we all need help to grow and advance our careers.
💪 It's a muscle we need to exercise throughout our career, not only when seeking a new job. Growing relationships and networking is essential to accelerating careers and helping others.
💯 There is a 100% chance we will not get what we want when we don't ask.
😥 What's more painful, the fear of asking or the impact of not getting help?
❤️ Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of courage to expand your worldview that may change your life and the organizations and people you serve.
How to Ask for Help
Here are a few keys when asking for help:
1. Ask Specifically.
✅ Be specific about what you need, why, and by when. Share how this supports your unique value proposition and career direction.
2. Ask the Right Person Who Is In a Position to Help.
✅ Ask the right person - someone who can help and already has what you want. This may be experience, specific skills, or advice on approaching a problem or opportunity.
3. Given Back First.
✅ Reciprocate with value to the person you are asking by creating value for them first before you ask for help.
4. Show Conviction for What You Want.
✅ Show excitement and belief in your story and how the help you ask for supports your growth and destiny. People want to be a part of something compelling.
5. Stay Focused Until You Get What You Want.
✅ Follow-up to demonstrate that you are driven and adapt to find other contacts until you get the help you need. Persistence and focus are required to get what you want.
My experience is that people will help you when they hear a compelling story and are pulled in to be a part of it.