Chapter 1What Is THE ASK?

THE ASK is the name of the surefire way that you can have the most fulfilling personal and professional life and find abundant success wherever you go. Who would not want that? The answer may surprise you. There are many people who know they need to ask in order to get what they want, but they talk themselves out of it, convince themselves they can get it without asking, or worse yet, have a conversation in their head in which the other person will say no before they even ask. All this time and energy is wasted on fruitless conversations and mindsets that result only in your not getting what you want. Depression sets in, self-confidence diminishes, and we settle for what we have, not what we can achieve on the greatest scale.

The number-one reason people do not get what they want in life is quite simple: They have not asked! This is a horrible way to live life. Now, let's shift this mindset around. The number-one reason people do not give is they have not been asked. That represents real opportunity. People are not going to give you a raise, a hotel room upgrade, better theater seats, an explanation about your bill, a charitable gift, more clients, feedback on your business venture, extra help around the house, or more time with your significant other unless you ask.

I have spent over three decades of my life analyzing, practicing, and perfecting THE ASK in law, philanthropy, business, and everyday living. I can proudly tell you that I am the first ...

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