Your small business is a gold mine of opportunities.

'If you don't ask, you don't get." Is one of our favourite business mantras and it really works, whatever small business you run.

"Ask' is the ultimate action word - full of power and energy. When you decide to ask for what you want you create clarity, you move events and situations forward to a different place, so why are so many people afraid to do it? What is the worst that could happen?

The most likely answer to that question is linked to our inbuilt human fear of failure and rejection. We're worried that we'll look foolish or even worse, too pushy! Or we'll alienate the other person and they won't want to deal with us again. And, worst of all we're terrified they'll say "no". But when you think about it when do you ever get anything without asking for it? You're asking people in your life for things every day, and some will say 'yes' and some 'no'.

But , we guarantee, that when you make the 'If you don't ask, you don't get" mantra a habit in your small business, you will achieve remarkable sales and profit growth.

So come on, be brave, move out of your comfort zone and give it a try. It took Walt Disney 302 requests to get financing for his business when he was first starting out. It took Colonel Sanders 2 years and 1009 refusals before he took his first order for his famous Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe!

There are endless opportunities for you to practice in your business: Ask for feedback about your products or services from all your customers.

Ask your customers for referrals and testimonials.

Ask your customers regularly about their needs, issues, priorities and problems and get credibility and a customer for life by providing them with solutions.

Ask your prospects for time to meet with you or talk on the 'phone and for their email address.

Build stronger relationships with your suppliers to leverage lower costs and improved terms, as well as gain access to their customer base.

Ask for better value through guarantees, warranties, service and support.

Join forces with other synergistic businesses and work out ways to help each other sell your products or services..

Ask your employees or partners to share in your targets, goals, ambitions and dreams.

Ask them to 'go the extra mile' for you and your customers.

Ask what else you can do to help them do their job better and enjoy their work more.

Ask them about their personal goals and aspirations.

Ask your family and friends for their feedback, ideas, initiatives and improvement suggestions.

Find out from your other business associates exactly what they need from you.

And, always, always, always ask your customers and prospects to give you the order.

And, lastly, don't forget about you! Here are 3 questions that you should ask yourself at the end of every day which will help you get the results you want. As the small business owner try asking yourself what else you can do to make a difference in your role? What did I do today that moved me closer to my targets, goals or ambitions? What else can I do tomorrow to move me even closer? If you answer these questions honestly you'll uncover meaningful information that you can put into action in your small business to help you move closer to your goals.

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