Getting What You Want...EXACTLY What You Want: Tough Question Tuesday

Communication is important in all aspects of our lives and most definitely in our businesses as well. In fact, one of the greatest benefits I’ve found from Internet marketing is learning to communicate with people so I get exactly what I want.

The benefits come in handy every single day for business AND my personal life.

No, I don’t mean any Jedi Mind Tricks that manipulate anyone into doing something they may not want to. I simply mean being clear and concise, mixed with a little bit of persuasion.

On the receiving end of online communication, sorry but I’m often a little frustrated when asked to do things by other Internet business owners. Whether people are submitting questions for my Internet Marketing FAQ or submitting requests for Training Sheets at Outsourcing Sweetie , you’ve got to tell me specifically what you want.

(And hey, I'm not saying this to complain. I'm saying it to help you get exactly what YOU want!)

I'm busy and you're busy so - please don’t ask me to solve all that ails your business, especially without giving me any clue as to what might be ailing it. Please don’t ask me to summarize Internet marketing into one-page. Be specific on what you need. If you don't know what you need, take some to think about it and research it.

I completely understand what it’s like to need a LOT of answers, but you have to start small. People are more likely to help you if you ask them to help you with very specific things.

The same with JV offers…or more like non-offers, as often happens. I receive emails that say, “I really love your work. I’d love to do something together.” Please tell me what your offer is and exactly what you have in mind. Then I can consider it. Yes, you can still tell me you love my work and WHY (hehehe), but do get specific, so you can get exactly what YOU want.

Same goes with your own offers on your web pages and in your emails – tell your prospects exactly what they’re in for and tell them what you want them to do. Don’t get wish-washy or vague…it’s not going to work. If you want them to sign up for your newsletter, tell them to do it. If you want them to buy something, tell them to buy it.

How being specific worked in my personal life

It's funny how the communication skills I've learned in business have definitely passed on to my personal life - helping me get more of what I want. Here's a little example:

In June, I pulled my son out of preschool for the Summer. He was very sad that he wouldn’t be seeing one of his friends for 2 months. So, to help him feel better, we wrote a little card saying, “I’ll miss you over the summer. Please have your Mom call my Mom so we can have a play date,” and I included my number.

No phone call. :-(

Then, just recently we needed to switch preschools and again, my son was concerned about leaving this one particular friend. Determined not to have his little heart broken again, I wrote a new card. This time I got specific. “I am going to be going to a new preschool and I will miss you when I’m gone. Can you come for a play date at my house on November 10 at 1 PM? Please call my mom to let her know,” and I included my phone number.

What do you think happened? Yep, she called me. I sent out a specific invitation and instructions to help ensure we got we needed. The boys had a great play date!

Now, that may seem like a simple example, but it rings true. If you want something, always be specific; whether you’re asking for help, arranging a play date or making offers to your own prospects.


So, here’s your Tough Question for this fine Tuesday – How do you get what YOU want? In business and in life?