What if I told you that your feeling like you’re in a rut or your inability to move to the next level has everything to do with HOW you are requesting help from others? Would you believe me?
Asking for help can make a huge difference and can jumpstart a “stuck career.”
Here are seven of the biggest mistakes people make when asking others for help.
1. Asking via email or text: The best and most effective way to ask for help is via the telephone or our new “socially-distant-in-person” option – Zoom. People easily overlook emails and texts they don’t expect. So always make a follow-up call or text to alert others that your email or text is in their Inbox.
2. Being too vague or general: Your request for help should be specific and concise. Instead of saying you want to pick their brain or get their thoughts on the career search process – ask “Can we meet for coffee to get your suggestions to improve my resume?”
3. Sending requests to multiple people simultaneously: Mass emails may be ideal for companies trying to promote a new product or offer. However, mass emails are a bad idea when asking for help. People may assume that someone else has already responded and will move on to other things, leaving you without feedback from anyone.
4. Fearing someone will say no: The truth is that most people want to be helpful towards others. Yes, people can and might say “no” but who cares. It’s better than never asking someone who would have been happy to assist you.
5. Thinking it’s a bother to others: Other people will let you know if they cannot help you or if your request is too time-consuming. Asking for help is like playing the Lotto, you can’t win if you don’t try.
6. Being afraid to ask: Are you afraid to ask someone for professional help or a favor because you are worried about what they will think or assume about you? Who cares! Everyone needs help from time to time. Speak up or risk losing out.
7. Forgetting it’s not what you say but how you say it: Whatever you ask, do it with a polite and respectful tone and a smile. Joking has its place, but it’s not best used when asking for serious advice.
This week try asking just one person for help or support – but do it “the right way.”