donfperkins.com

Dude – Shake This Car For Me…

After meeting with a customer today about content marketing for his business, he said “before you leave, can you help me with something?” I followed him out to the garage where he does his work. He wanted me to shake a customer’s car while he climbed underneath to examine the struts. We had to repeat this a few times before he finally discovered why the car was making a troublesome noise. Dusting himself off, he said to me: “Thanks! Some things are really hard to do alone.” He could have probably figured out another way to diagnose the issue alone, given enough time and ingenuity. But he didn’t. He asked me, a total stranger for help. Sometimes it’s just quicker and easier that way.

I was honored to help. It was a small thing, but I felt privileged to be asked. More than that though, it was one of those moments when life smacks you up side the head; when something simple and ordinary speaks to you with far more meaning and import than just the immediate situation. There are many things that are really hard to do alone. Sales and marketing are among them.

The Tragedy of Unasked Questions

How many times do we have some job that needs to be done, some roadblock to our success, and yet we are reluctant to ask for help? Many of us have networks of hundreds, maybe thousands whom we rarely ask for anything! This guy reached out to a total stranger, rather than struggle along on his own. What’s the deal? Is it our pride? Is it fear of rejection? What’s wrong with us?

If You Dont Ask, You Dont Get

In sales and marketing, if you don’t ask, you dont get. You have to ask about the need, ask about the landscape, ask about the budget, ask for the business, ask for help, ask for referrals. It is an asking profession. How is it that we so often miss the great opportunities that are ours if we would only ask?

I’m inspired network. So get ready, because I am going to take a queue from my customer on this one and I hope you will do the same. Consider this your invitation to ask. Don’t worry, I’m a big boy; if I don’t want to do it, I will say no. But I can’t help you if I don’t know what you need.

My Ask

So here goes: I am doing a research project for a route accounting company. I need stories, anecdotes, success stories, market corners, news, pet peeves, etc from route sales, direct store delivery and sales force automation experiences. I need to know where these people hang out, what they care about, what ticks them off. Don’t worry if what you’re thinking is not ideal, or not good enough, just forward along what you have and I’ll do the weeding. Thanks in advance and think about your ask.