Everyone needs advice and/or guidance from time to time. However, how you go about asking others for help can greatly affect what and if you receive it. Here are seven (7) things to keep in mind when requesting a professional favor:
1. Seek a LinkedIn connection: The next time you see a shared connection you’d like to reach out to - send an inbox message to your contact first, and ask if they could make an e-introduction.

2. Request a professional referral: If you are looking for a great graphic designer to design a logo, draft a brief email that includes a sentence for each of the 5 W’s and an H (Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How). The more detailed the better, but keep it concise. Remember, your request will most likely be forwarded via email so don’t include information that is personal or inappropriate for a wide audience.
3. Make your request personal and direct: Take time to send individual requests directly. Group texts and emails are in my opinion lazy and don’t convey a sense of urgency. For example, if you received an email that was sent to 10 people asking for a good accountant, you wouldn’t feel pressed to provide a name knowing there are 9 other people who could respond.
4. Thank the referring party and give them a status update: If someone sends you the name of an accountant, send a card or email to thank them initially and another to provide a brief update after you have connected with the individual. The worst thing that you can do is receive the contact info, reach out to that person and use their services - but never circle back with the referring party to let them know that their help was used and know how you made out.
Ask for professional advice in small intervals of time: Be mindful of others time and always remember, less time makes the likelihood more possible. For example, instead of asking someone if they have an hour to speak with you, say, “can I have 15 minutes of your time to talk by phone about a few questions I have?”
6. Provide specific questions in advance: Every effective meeting (no matter how brief) needs an agenda. If you want to get great information, send the person helping you a list of questions in advance. It will help you both stay focused and on topic.
7. professional help to others when asked: If you want others to extend professional help to you - it’s good karma to be helpful to those who ask you for referrals, advice, and information.
We all need a little help from our friends to navigate life and career. This week review these simple rules to help increase your likelihood of receiving quality advice and help when you need it.