Sometimes You Have to Ask.

There’s a difference between asking for business and begging for it.

Begging comes from desperation.

Asking comes from confidence—confidence in your experience, your value and what you can bring to the table.

For years, I believed that if you worked hard, built strong relationships and did good work, the next opportunity would naturally find you.

Sometimes it does.

But sometimes people simply don’t know you’re available. They don’t know what you’re looking for. And they don’t realize you might be exactly what they—or someone they know—needs right now.

Last week, I decided to change that.

I turned on the light, opened the door and let people know:

We’re open.

The response reminded me of something important.

Asking for the business doesn’t diminish your value.

Sometimes, it’s how people rediscover it.

Lesson #14: Don’t assume people know your door is open. Turn on the light.