Ask #LIKEABOSS

Co-created with Micky Kerwick, Founder & CEO of MK Metrics

Ask Like a Boss

Asking for things can be scary.

“What if they don’t respond? What does that say about me? My business? My request?”

Press pause. Think about a request you received that you ignored. What about one that you responded to immediately? Or perhaps an email you deleted without even opening it. What motivated you to react as you did?

You might notice there are hundreds of factors, big and small, at play! For example, the nature of the request - ambiguous or clear; the timing of the request in your life or the timing of its arrival in your inbox; the sender misspelling your name or the sender spelling your name correctly - who knows - maybe even the font color! That is why there is a whole field devoted to studying this - marketing.

Why bring this up before highlighting ways to improve the clarity of your “ask?” To remind you that your right to ask rarely includes the right to get an answer. And their response - or lack thereof - has very little to do with you.

These prompts aren’t designed to ALWAYS get a response. They’re designed to increase the likelihood! And, more importantly, to keep you in the seat of a direct ask rather than wishy-washy, vague language that makes you feel even lousier when it goes unnoticed because you softened your intention.

The key to asking like a boss? Be specific, be personal, and be brief. And don’t be afraid to press send on quick follow-ups like:

Checking the below made it into the right inbox?

Now seems like a busy time - mind if I check in next month?

By gaining micro-commitments, you’ll be able to make the bigger ask of a busier person. In the meantime, keep up with that person by commenting on their posts and engaging in their work. Your name will become more familiar and your email might stand out in a crowded inbox.

Grab our Ask Like a Boss Cheat Sheet to help you cut through the clutter and get answers faster:

➤ Click to Enlarge
➤ Right Click to Save to Your Computer

MEET micky kerwick, high-powered communications coach

What if your team's health, the engagement of your clients, and your company's alignment to its core values could be assessed via a 3rd-eye perspective of your meetings? With Micky Kerwick, it can. Invite MK Metrics into your meeting, and we will diagnose a path forward that increases collaborative dialogue with your team, coupled with efficiency in client interactions. Qualified companies can get a free 60-minute lunch and learn when you email Micky >

Are you a woman thought leader who wants to share your content with our community? We proudly feature expert posts and interviews by our WE Partners. Learn More >