I wasn’t expecting to do a follow up to my post on how to ask for what you want but I guess many people just don’t get it. I got up today to over a dozen emails like this one.
Hi please could I have a mac book air ? I really want to start a blog ( I’ve been following yours for the last year) but my family can’t afford my own laptop ( we only have a toshiba that is 11 years old ) yes I no ancient . I would be very grateful. I would love to be given the chance to show what I could do. Really hope you reply thanks
Before you go sending off an email like the above (and getting rejected), ask yourself if you’ve answered the number one question the receiver wants answered.
What’s In It For Me?
Neil Patel didn’t give me a Macbook Air because he was such a nice guy. He gave it to me because there’s stuff that I can do for him that is worth far more than the cost of an Air. Trade shows like the Affiliate Summit don’t give me $10,000 of passes every year out of their goodness of their heart. They do it because of the coverage I provide. If I didn’t blog about the event, what do you think would be the chance of me getting another free pass next year?
When someone comes to read your blog or subscribe to your RSS, they’re not doing it because you’re such a great person. They doing it because there’s something in it for them. Ever wondered how some small time bloggers manage to secure interviews/flavors from big time bloggers? They did it because they answer the question the big time bloggers had when the email came in – What’s in it for me?
I like to think readers comment on this blog because they want to add their views. However, I know the real reason is because they’re trying to get traffic back to their blogs and get on the Top Commentators list. Most people do things because it’s to their advantage to do it and they get something for it. People don’t get up to an alarm clock, deal with rush hour and slave away at a job because they love their boss. They do it because it makes them money. People are not going to read your blog because they love you. They’ll read it because there’s something in it for them.
What’s in it for your readers if they read your blog, sign up for your RSS, subscriber to your newsletter, follow you on Twitter, etc.? If you can’t answer that question, then you have the answer as to why you are where you are right now.
You Want To Get, You Got To Give
Matthew 7:7 states, “Ask, and it shall be given to you.†But, Luke 6:38 states, “Give, and it will be given to you.†If you want something from someone, you have to consider what you can give in return. I have received over $100K of free stuff in the past five years, but I guarantee you I’ve given back more than $100K in return.
The next time you decide to ask me for a Macbook Air, put yourself in my shoe and ask what’s in it for me? Why should I send a Mac Air to you and not the other dozen begging emails? You have to ask for what you want, but you get what you give.