The Economic Advisor

The New Economy? That’s Not So Scary

We hear it all the time, from all sorts of places.

You can’t do that in the new economy.

You can’t expect that in the new economy.

That just can’t happen in the new economy.

So many people are waiting until the new economy turns around, rebounds, transforms into the new new economy. They are afraid to take a risk, afraid to try something new, afraid to ask for anything. It’s like that famous scene in Oliver! where all the children are hungry because no one wants to ask for more.

People and organizations are paralyzed with fear. Fear of risk, fear of losing, fear of being slapped by the head of the orphanage. Call me crazy, but I think there’s opportunity to move when everyone else is standing still. It’s all about clarity and focus.

Lately, I’ve found it easier for people to respond with a “yes” when my asks are much more specific than usual. Here’s an example:

Non-specific Ask and Response: Would you be interested in working with me? Well, not right now. I’m still investigating other options. I don’t know if I’ll have the time.

Specific Ask and Response: Do you think you could invest 10 hours over the next 90 days to get your message refocused and get over your fears of asking for what you want? Yes, I think I can take that on. What’s the next step?

You can help people break their paralysis. Try asking them for something specific, maybe something small initially. That small, initial “yes” can lead to a bigger, deeper relationship and a much larger “yes” down the road.

Barbara Bellissimo is the Master Mentor at HowToAskForMoney.com, where she empowers professional women to overcome their fears, embrace their leadership qualities and confidently ask for–and receive–the money they deserve. Visit http://www.howtoaskformoney.com to get her no-cost special report–”10 Biggest Fears Professional Women Have Around Asking for Money…and How to Conquer Them!”–and to learn more about the powerful How To Ask For Money Programs–right now!