Asking for something is simply the best way to ensure you get it. However, asking is often something many of us shy away from. Fear of rejection, shyness, feeling awkward or uncomfortable, assuming you are going to get a no, and just plain being afraid of the word NO are big reasons we don't ask for things we want.

The easiest and fastest way to get something you want is to specifically ask for it. Would you like a referral from a client? Ask them for one. Don't worry about appearing desperate or needy. That is YOUR belief, not theirs.

Do you think you deserve a discount from a vendor? Want to pay less rent? Want your spouse or kids to help out more around the house? Ask! The worst thing that can happen is they will say no to you.

Now, if you can garner up the courage to ask for something you want or need, then you should go to the trouble of asking correctly.

When you do ask for something be very specific in how you ask for it. Here are a few examples:

Don't say: "I want a discount"
Say: "I want free shipping on my orders."

Don't say: "I would love a referral to my practice"
Say: "I would love it if you gave these free gift cards for a massage to two of your closest friends."

Don't say: "I want you to help me pick up the house"
Say:  "I want you to pick up your clothes off

the bathroom floor, unset the table every night after dinner, and take out the trash every Thursday."

Here are a few tips on how to ask for what you want from Jack Canfield's book The Success Principles:

Ask as if you expect to get it. Ask as if you expect a yes.
Assume you can. Don't assume you can't get a discount - assume you can!
Ask someone who can give it to you. Canfield suggests you ask "Who would I have to speak to to get..."
Be clear and specific. Don't just ask for more business - say "I would like to treat you once a week and include yoga lessons and meditations. Would that work for you?"
Ask repeatedly. People may have different answers on different days for a variety of reasons. Persistence is the key to achieving your goals. Look at what your kids do - they ask and ask until they wear you down! They know that persistence pays off.

 Founder of A Marketing Connection and The Copywriting Institute, Kelly Robbins, MA, is an award winning copywriter and healthcare marketing coach/consultant. She also publishes The Healthcare Marketing Connection, a free e-zine on healthcare marketing tips. Contact Kelly to receive her free report, "5 Critical Mistakes Healthcare Marketers Make that Lose Sales and Plummet Profits" at www.AMarketingConnection.com or 303-460-0285.