As a child growing up in a small fishing village on the coast of False Bay, I learned at an early age the importance of being able to ask for something. My family was poor and we had to rely on the generosity of others to get by. My father was a fisherman and my mother worked as a seamstress, but there was never enough money to go around.
One of the first things I remember learning was how to ask for something. Whether it was a favor from a neighbor, a handout from a local shopkeeper, or a donation to the church, I learned that the only way to get what you needed was to ask for it.
At first, it was a difficult skill to master. I was shy and introverted, and the thought of approaching someone and asking for something made me nervous. But over time, I learned to overcome my fear and find the courage to speak up.
As I grew older and left the fishing village behind, I took these lessons with me and applied them to my career. I learned that in the business world, being able to ask for something is just as important as being able to give something. Whether it’s asking for a raise, a promotion, or a new opportunity, the ability to articulate your needs and make a compelling case for them is crucial to your success.
Famous businesspeople like Warren Buffett and Elon Musk understand the importance of being able to ask for something. “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything,” Buffett once said. In other words, successful people know how to prioritize their time and resources, and they are not afraid to ask for what they need in order to achieve their goals.
But it’s not just businesspeople who understand the value of being able to ask for something. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Beyonce have also spoken about the importance of being able to speak up and ask for what you want. “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams,” Oprah once said. “If you want something, go out and get it.”
Of course, learning to ask for something is not just about getting what you want. It’s also about building relationships and establishing trust. When you ask for something, you are showing that you value the other person and their expertise. You are also demonstrating that you are willing to work hard and put in the effort to achieve your goals.
In conclusion, learning to ask for something is an essential skill for anyone making a living for themselves. Whether you are a businessperson, a celebrity, or just trying to get by in the world, being able to ask for what you need is the key to success.
Sources:
- Warren Buffett quote: https://www.cnbc.com/2019/01/23/warren-buffett-the-difference-between-successful-people-and-really-successful-people.html
- Oprah Winfrey quote: https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/oprahs-lifeclass-quotes/all
- Beyonce quote: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/beyonce-knowles-quotes
