When told nothing is available, do you accept the response or find another way to ask?
Imagine this. It’s a snowy day, the day after Thanksgiving, in Colorado Springs. Although the roads are slick, you make it to your destination, the Gleneyre Castle, near the Garden of the Gods.
As you pull in, the person at the gate asks what you are doing today. Then, she asks if you have reservations to tour the castle. When you respond you don’t, she says, “That’s too bad. They are sold out and sell out every year at this time. You see this is the best day to go for a tour. No guests stay in the bed and breakfast on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter so you can tour every single room the day after those holidays. It only happens three times a year. Oh well, you can go to the bookstore and gift shop.”
On this cold day that is all we planned on doing: drive by the outside of the castle and see the bookstore. We knew they weren’t serving high tea. But now that this “once-in-a-lifetime” experience is happening my FOMO (“Fear Of Missing Out”) has surfaced.
Has this ever happened to you? The denial of an opportunity you didn’t know existed, somehow became your quest. “No” or “it’s impossible” now sounds like a dare you can’t turn down?
As we park, my daughter says, “Wow. That castle tour sounds fun. Mom, guess we are going to Ask Outrageously, right?”
As we approached the front desk, we could tell they were busy. When it was our turn, I pointed to Taylor and said, “We are visiting our daughter from Texas, and leave tomorrow. Is there anyway we could go on the tour? We heard it was amazing but fairly full.” The front desk clerk said, “I know it’s sold out.” Then, she turned to her co-worker and asked, “Can they still go?” The co-worker said, “Let me ask our manager.” As we stood there, I felt that familiar uncomfortable feeling I always do when asking for something more and waiting for a response.
Years ago, I might have taken the word of the person at the gate or other gatekeepers’ word as gospel. Also, if someone would have to work harder or leave to get approval, I might have stopped them to save them the trouble. In the past, my family would feel uncomfortable and avoid the embarrassment instead of suggesting we ask when first told nothing was available.
For some, asking is routine. For others, it feels like defying authority or putting people out. The truth is, strong work ethic, good manners, and positive behavior alone is not rewarded to the extent we were taught. However, when you add asking to the mix, watch what happens to your job, business, relationships, and life.
❓Where could you ask outside your comfort zone today?
❓Will you?
And, did we get the nod to go inside the castle? We did! Our tour guide was amazing. We were able to visit all the rooms. Asking Outrageously can feel almost magical when it works. And, if you get a “no” at least you “know” you tried.
Go Negotiate your life!! Ask Outrageously! You’ve got this!