The Art of the ASK. What separates successful people from the masses?

My two brothers were angry when they first heard I’d be studying abroad, “This is BS, Dad! Why does Cindi get to study in Spain!? We never got to!” My father’s response? Simple.

“Cindi asked.”

I work with professionals and executives every day. You would be flabbergasted how many of them (unfortunately mostly women) just wait to be noticed and rewarded. Trouble is- it rarely happens on its own.

People are busy. It’s up to you to be proactive with your career aspirations. And it all starts with asking.

Over the course of my career so far, I’ve asked for….

-My first job at Challenger, Gray & Christmas
-My promotion from Regional Manager to Vice President
-My promotion from Vice President to Senior Vice President
-Additional car allowance
-Two additional team members
-Board of Directors for the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago
-Much more…
Does the above happen without me asking for it? Maybe. But it sure doesn’t happen as quickly.

If your career has stalled, it’s time to start thinking about your goals – along with the questions that may need to be answered, in order for you to achieve them.

How can you progress your career? JUST ASK.

  • Ask for a raise – Every. Single. Year.
  • Ask for a review of what you’ve done and what you want to achieve. What goals do you need to hit to make that ASK possible?
  • Ask for more projects.
  • Ask for coffee with superiors & champions.
  • Ask for title promotions.
  • Ask for training outside of the organization.
  • Ask for a business coach.
  • Ask for new networking contacts.

What else have you been waiting to ask… but haven’t?

Stop sitting on the sidelines. Start thinking like the star you want to become.

We don’t need to paraphrase Wayne Gretsky or Michael Jordan to know that we miss 100% of the shots we don’t take. I may not get everything I ask for – BUT, I’m unafraid to ask and know for sure.

Here’s your first ask. “Do I have what it takes?” The answer is YES.