The Big Ask

Asking is essential for a successful life. But if you're reluctant to ask for what you want, or it never occurs to you to ask, you're cheating yourself. 

THE BIG ASK: Unlock the Possibilities in Your Work, Life & Dreams with Courageous Requests reveals the secrets of asking effectively and the empowering benefits of developing an asking mindset. You'll discover research-backed skills and inspiring stories from author Paul Quinn's conversations with people who succeeded because they asked-even when what they wanted had seemed hopelessly out of reach. THE BIG ASK is also a personal guide. It asks questions only you can answer; questions that will challenge and inspire you to confidently ask anything, in any corner of your life. 

As a life skill, asking is mostly overlooked. And yet, the ability to make requests on behalf of yourself or others-clearly, respectfully, and without apology-is central to both personal growth and professional development. In THE BIG ASK you'll discover: 

• Ready-to-use techniques and tips for making successful requests
• Over 80 inspiring stories-from students, entrepreneurs, and CEOs to salespeople, performing artists, and military veterans-proving the power of asking to change lives
• The three components in every successful ask
• The Big Ask Plan, an effective 5-point framework for formal or strategic asks
• How audacity and chutzpa can give your request a boost 
• The importance of self-trust and intuition in spontaneous requests
• The surprising impact of asking for feedback, and how to do it effectively
• The power of leaders who "Ask, Don't Tell" 
• Assertive questions that dispel the fear of "sounding stupid"
• How you may be sabotaging your own requests 
• When it's in your best interest not to ask
• How to ask for support when it's hard to ask for support
• How curiosity is the key to connecting with others 
• How the "rules" you learned about asking determine what you ask and get 
• Ten red flags that you're being an "askhole"
•  And much more