If you’ve met me then you know, I’ll pretty much talk to anyone. Along those lines I’v also been of the mindset that it doesn’t hurt to ask.
I started a company because I asked virtual strangers if they wanted to try something different. I’ve contacted companies directly asking for product to giveaway on ConstantChatter. I’ve asked for sample products to review. I’ve contacted authors and asked them if the want to be interviewed. A friend has walked into bookstores and asked them if they’d like her to sign some of her books. Better yet, she contacted a morning television show while she was on vacation in New Zealand (!) and asked if they’ be interested in interviewing her while she’s there.
I mean, I’ve found that the worse thing you’ll get is either a no, or you won’t get an answer at all. But imagine what amazing things could happen if you just bit the bullet and asked.
Then I read Seth Godin’s piece on how it can hurt you to just go ahead and ask. As he puts it:
If you run into Elton John at the diner and say, “Hey Elton, will you sing at my daughter’s wedding?” it hurts any chance you have to get on Elton John’s radar. You’ve just trained him to say no, you’ve taught him you’re both selfish and unrealistic.
Okay, that’s a valid point. And while it may have hurt my chances of ever working with certain companies or getting free giveaway product from them, I still think it paid off down the road. One very important payoff for me at least, is having the confidence to now just ask other companies, authors or CEOs. I’m not afraid of looking like a food for asking. But he really does give some food for thought.
I love how he closed:
Every once in a while, of course, asking out of the blue pays off. So what? That is dwarfed by the extraordinary odds of failing. Instead, invest some time and earn the right to ask. Do your homework. Build connections. Make a reasonable request, something easy and mutually beneficial. Yes leads to yes which just maybe leads to the engagement you were actually seeking.
He’s right. Before asking out of theblue, do some homework and work on those relationships. It will pay off down the road.
So who woud you like to reach out and just ask something to? There are a couple of CEOs on my list. And after a little more research on my end, I’m sure you’ll be hearing a bit more about that product shortly 
photo by punki
