If You Don't Ask, The Answer Is Always No!

"If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward you're always in the same place."

- Nora Roberts

For me, this quote sums up my life's philosophy as an entrepreneur and businessman.

I am constantly speaking to younger people of all generations - whether in high school, college or just starting out - who have trouble embracing this philosophy.

The assume that the answer is "no" even before they ask. It tell them to turn it around with this question:

What's the worst answer you can get? No? Then if you know that going in, and can live with that, then why not ask the question!

It took me some searching to realize that Nora Roberts, to whom this quote is attributed writes under the pseudonym J.D. Robb and a best selling author. She's also an amazing philosopher, as you can see from her more than 1000 quotes on life here. (Hat tip to Goodreads for the compilation).

If you're in business, either in a corporation or in your own business, this is one of most important things you can remember: if you don't ask, you don't get (my variation on Ms. Robert's quote).

So, ask. Will you be rejected? Probably sometimes, maybe more often than not. But it's worth the many times you will here "no" to hear that one "yes!"

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Chuck Hester is the Chief Communications Officer for Big Think Innovation, a business architect consultancy that helps companies plan, grow and build their futures. He is also a LinkedIn trainer and speaker, helping businesses get the most out of LinkedIn, while teaching them how to communicate effectively. Contact him directly at chuck@bigthinkresults.com.

Need help with LinkedIn? Feel free to message Chuck and ask about one-on-one and group LinkedIn Executive Training.